- Split tunneling allows you to choose which applications bypass the VPN to gain speed and access local services.
- The VPN can be disabled from the app or through the Android system's connections menu.
- The Kill Switch prevents data leaks but can block excluded apps if not configured correctly.
- EMM solutions allow IT administrators to manage automatic VPN rules per application.
I'm sure it's happened to you: you have your VPN set up to maximum for secure browsing, but then you try to access your bank's app or play an online game and the system won't let you proceed . It's a nuisance, because we don't want to compromise our privacy, but we also don't want our phone to become unusable every time we need a local service.
The good news is that you don't need to be turning your connection off and on every five minutes. There are tricks and settings, like the popular split tunneling , that allow some apps to use the secure route while others connect directly to the internet. In this article, we'll explain in detail how to manage all of this on Android so you don't get overwhelmed with the settings.
The master trick: Split Tunneling
If you don't want to completely disable your protection, the split tunnel feature is your best friend. Essentially, it's like creating a fast lane where you decide which apps bypass the VPN and which don't. This is ideal for saving battery and improving speed , since apps that handle a lot of data (like Netflix or games) don't overload the encrypted tunnel.
To set this up, you'll typically need to open your VPN provider's app, go to settings, and find the Bypasser or Exclusions option . Once there, you can select the apps you want to allow unrestricted browsing. For example, if you use Kaspersky, you'll enable Split Tunneling and use the search function to disable the VPN for specific apps . Keep in mind, however, that if you make these changes while connected, you'll most likely need to restart your connection for the changes to take effect.
How to disable or delete a VPN on Android
Sometimes, the simplest solution is simply to turn off the connection. If you're using an app, just open it and tap the Disconnect button . But if the VPN was manually configured on your system, things are a little different. On most devices, you need to go to Settings, enter the Networks or Connections menu, and look for the VPN section . There you'll see a list of active profiles, and you can deactivate them by sliding the switch.
If you want to delete the connection so it no longer bothers you, the process varies depending on the brand. On a Samsung Galaxy , for example, you go to Connections, then More connection settings, and by tapping the VPN gear icon, you can select Delete . On other models, you simply press and hold the VPN network for a few seconds and confirm the deletion. This is essential if you no longer use that service and want to prevent it from running in the background.
Beware of the Kill Switch and Connection Blocking
This is where many people get a scare. The Kill Switch is a security measure that cuts off your internet connection if the VPN drops, preventing your data from being leaked. However, if you enable Android's "Block connections without VPN" option , the apps you excluded using split tunneling might lose all network access.
This creates a conflict: you want the banking app to work without a VPN, but the system prevents it from accessing the internet without an active tunnel. To resolve this, it's best to manage the blocking from within the VPN app itself, not from Android's global settings, ensuring that the Kill Switch isn't interfering with your local network exceptions.
Advanced management for companies and administrators
For those managing fleets of devices, there are Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solutions . These consoles allow the IT administrator to decide which applications must use the VPN and which don't, without the user having to do anything. They can even configure the VPN to be always on , starting up with the device.
It's important to know that some restrictions may vary depending on the Android version. Starting with Android 7.0, you can force the VPN to be always active through device policies, ensuring that corporate traffic is protected at all times, even if the user tries to disable it manually.
Tips for improving performance and safety
Browsing without protection isn't always recommended, but there are times when it's safe. If you're on your home Wi-Fi with a strong password or visiting websites using HTTPS, the risk is minimal. Disabling your VPN in these cases can reduce latency (ping) in video games and prevent excessive battery drain.
If you notice the VPN is slow, try connecting to a server closer to your actual location or use the pause function if your app has it. If the internet still isn't working after trying to turn it off, check that you don't have automatic reconnection enabled or that your VPN profile isn't corrupted. If it is, the best solution is to delete it and reinstall it.
Managing privacy on Android involves balancing full encryption with device functionality. Whether it's setting up a split tunnel for your banking apps, removing outdated profiles from connection settings, or adjusting the Kill Switch to prevent unexpected disconnections, the key is maintaining control over how your data travels across the network without sacrificing browsing speed.