Fix Split Tunneling Not Working on Android
Split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which use your regular connection. If split tunneling isn’t working in Free VPN Grass on Android, it can interrupt access to local services, streaming apps, or corporate resources. The fixes below target common causes and step-by-step solutions.
Why does split tunneling fail on Android?
Split tunneling can stop working due to app or OS-level restrictions, conflicting VPNs, or misconfigured rules. Common causes include battery optimizations killing background services, Android privacy changes restricting per-app routing, and outdated app versions. Understanding the underlying cause helps choose the right fix.
- Android battery optimization and Doze mode
- Missing VPN or network permissions
- Conflicts with other VPN or firewall apps
- VPN protocol or server issues
- Per-app rules not saved or incorrectly configured
How to fix split tunneling not working in Free VPN Grass (step-by-step)
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1. Update Free VPN Grass and Android
Open Google Play and update Free VPN Grass to the latest version. Also install any pending Android system updates. Developers frequently patch split tunneling bugs and new Android builds include VPN behavior fixes.
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2. Restart VPN and device
Completely stop Free VPN Grass, force-close it, then restart your Android device. Relaunch the app and enable split tunneling again. A fresh boot clears temporary network state that can block per-app routing.
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3. Reconfigure split tunneling rules
Open Free VPN Grass split tunneling settings and remove all rules. Recreate them carefully: choose apps to include or exclude, save settings, and toggle the feature off and on. Some settings require saving and restarting the VPN to apply.
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4. Check app permissions
Go to Settings > Apps > Free VPN Grass and ensure required permissions (like access to network or usage data if prompted) are granted. Missing permissions can prevent split tunneling from modifying app routing.
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5. Disable battery optimizations for Free VPN Grass
In Android settings, locate Battery optimization or Adaptive Battery and exempt Free VPN Grass. Preventing Doze or aggressive battery rules stops the VPN from being suspended while background routing is needed.
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6. Ensure no other VPNs or firewalls are active
Uninstall or disable other VPN or firewall apps. Android allows only one active VPN connection at a time, and conflicts will break split tunneling behavior in Free VPN Grass.
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7. Clear app cache and, if needed, reinstall
Settings > Apps > Free VPN Grass > Storage: clear cache (and data if required). If problems persist, uninstall and reinstall Free VPN Grass to reset configuration files that may be corrupted.
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8. Switch VPN protocol or server
In Free VPN Grass settings, try a different protocol (UDP/TCP/QUIC) or connect to another server. Some protocols or servers handle routing differently and switching may restore split tunneling.
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9. Check for Android work profile or managed device policies
On devices with a work profile or device management, admin policies can block split tunneling. Contact your IT admin or test on a personal device without management to confirm.
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10. Collect logs and contact support
If all else fails, enable diagnostic logs in Free VPN Grass (if available), capture timestamps, and contact support with details. Developers can identify edge-case bugs affecting split tunneling on specific Android builds.
Check permissions and Android settings
Android version and manufacturer-specific settings (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) often interfere with VPN background activity. Follow these checks:
- Settings > Apps > Free VPN Grass > Permissions — grant necessary permissions.
- Settings > Battery > Battery optimization — set Free VPN Grass to Not optimized.
- Settings > Apps > Special access — check if VPN access is listed and enabled.
- Network & internet > VPN — ensure only Free VPN Grass is active.
After making changes, always restart the VPN and test split tunneling again.
Advanced troubleshooting and logs
For stubborn issues, collect more data and test systematically:
- Reproduce the issue with timestamps and note which apps fail to route correctly.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to rule out ISP or network problems.
- Try the same configuration on a different Android device to isolate device-specific bugs.
- Enable verbose logs in Free VPN Grass (if available) and send them to support.
If you are technically comfortable, use Android’s “adb logcat” to capture system logs while toggling split tunneling. Look for VPN-related errors or permission denials.
Workarounds and alternatives
If split tunneling cannot be restored immediately, try these temporary workarounds:
- Use manual proxy settings for specific apps that need alternate routing.
- Run the app causing issues in airplane mode with Wi-Fi enabled (if safe and applicable).
- Use Full Tunnel as a fallback and whitelist required domains or services.
- Test other reputable VPNs to confirm whether split tunneling behavior is app-specific or Android-wide.
Remember: workarounds can reduce privacy or functionality—use them only when necessary.
Split tunneling vs full tunnel (comparison)
Quick comparison to choose the right approach:
| Feature | Split Tunneling | Full Tunnel |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Partial — selected apps protected | Full — all traffic routed through VPN |
| Performance | Better for local services and speed | Can be slower due to full routing |
| Compatibility | May conflict with Android policies | Usually more stable |
| Use case | Access local services while protecting specific apps | Maximum privacy and geo-unblocking |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did split tunneling stop working after an Android update?
Android updates often change VPN APIs and security rules. An update can reset permissions or introduce stricter background process limits that block split tunneling. Updating Free VPN Grass, re-granting permissions, and disabling battery optimizations usually resolve the issue.
Can split tunneling be used with mobile data and Wi‑Fi simultaneously?
Split tunneling routes specific apps over the VPN regardless of network type, but Android handles Wi‑Fi and mobile data differently. Some carrier or router configurations may interfere. Test on both networks and switch servers or protocols in Free VPN Grass if routing fails.
Do I need to disable battery optimization for split tunneling?
Yes. Battery optimization can suspend the VPN or its background service, breaking split tunneling rules. Exempt Free VPN Grass from battery optimizations to keep the VPN running reliably and ensure per‑app routing stays active.
What if split tunneling works for some apps but not others?
Some apps use non-standard networking APIs or system-level services that bypass VPN routing. Test affected apps, update them, and reconfigure rules. If specific apps persistently fail, consider contacting their developers or using full tunnel mode for those apps.
How do I contact Free VPN Grass support for split tunneling bugs?
Open Free VPN Grass and look for Help or Support in the app settings. Provide app version, Android version, device model, steps to reproduce, and logs if available. Clear, reproducible reports help engineers resolve split tunneling issues faster.
Conclusion
Split tunneling not working in Free VPN Grass on Android is usually fixable by updating the app and OS, reconfiguring per-app rules, disabling battery optimizations, and ensuring no other VPN conflicts. Use the step-by-step checklist above to restore functionality and collect logs if you need support.
Ready to get started? Download Free VPN Grass today and enjoy secure, private browsing!
