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ExpressVPN split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which connect directly. On Windows and Mac, open Profile > Split Tunneling, enable it, add an app, and choose Bypass VPN or Only VPN. Android offers similar choices in three modes. Linux uses ExpressVPN’s command-line app. The available rules and the steps to apply them vary by platform.
Choose which apps use the VPN
Use Bypass VPN when an app should connect directly while other apps use ExpressVPN. Use Only VPN when you want a particular app routed through the VPN while other apps connect outside it. On Android, these choices appear as modes for all apps, selected exclusions, or selected apps only.
- Choose app exclusions when a particular app or service has trouble working through the VPN.
- Choose VPN-only rules when only a few apps need the VPN, and you accept that other apps may connect directly.
- Consider your tolerance for traffic outside the VPN before setting a default rule or using Android exclusions.
Split tunneling does not guarantee that a service will work: a service may independently check your location for security, fraud prevention, regulatory compliance, or licensing reasons. ExpressVPN suggests excluding an affected app or site as a troubleshooting step, but access can still be denied: ExpressVPN troubleshooting guide. [c006]
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- Open the ExpressVPN app and go to Profile > Split Tunneling.
- Turn on split tunneling, then choose Add App.
- Select the app you want to configure and add it to the list.
- Use the app’s rule menu to choose Bypass VPN or Only VPN.
- If needed, configure the default rule for All Other Apps as Bypass VPN or Use VPN.
The desktop app also supports rules for IP addresses and CIDR subnets. Those options are documented in ExpressVPN’s desktop split-tunneling guide, last updated July 2, 2026. [c001] Windows-specific instructions are also available in the Windows setup guide. [c003]
#1 Best Overall
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Reconnect if you use WireGuard
ExpressVPN says split-tunneling changes apply automatically with other protocols. If you use WireGuard, disconnect from the VPN and reconnect after changing a rule. [c001]
Set up split tunneling on Android
- Open ExpressVPN and tap Profile > Split Tunneling.
- Choose the mode that matches how you want traffic routed:
- All apps use the VPN: the default; all apps use ExpressVPN.
- Do not allow selected apps to use the VPN: choose apps that should bypass ExpressVPN.
- Only allow selected apps to use the VPN: choose apps that should use ExpressVPN.
- Select the apps for the mode you chose. If you were connected while changing the rules, reconnect for the new settings to take effect.
ExpressVPN’s Android guide lists support for Android 7.0 and later. [c002]
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Check Android’s “Block connections without VPN” setting
Android’s system-level Block connections without VPN option can override ExpressVPN’s app exclusions by blocking non-VPN traffic. ExpressVPN says this option is available with Always-on VPN on Android 8.0 and later. To let selected apps bypass the VPN, turn the system option off and reconnect, following the Android troubleshooting instructions. [c002]
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Set up split tunneling on Android TV
- Open the ExpressVPN app and go to VPN tab > Options > Settings > Split Tunneling.
- Choose whether all apps use the VPN, selected apps are excluded, or only selected apps use the VPN.
- Select the apps for your chosen mode. If you changed the setting while connected, reconnect to apply it.
See ExpressVPN’s Android TV setup guide. [c005]
Use the Linux command line
Linux setup uses ExpressVPN’s CLI and routes apps by executable path. The commands below follow the examples in ExpressVPN’s split-tunneling guide. [c001]
- Enable split tunneling:
expressvpnctl set splittunnel true - Find the executable path for the app you want to configure. ExpressVPN’s Firefox example uses
/usr/bin/firefox. - To bypass the VPN for that app, run
expressvpnctl set split-app bypass:PATH, replacingPATHwith its executable path. - To route the app through the VPN, run
expressvpnctl set split-app vpn:PATH. - To remove the rule, run
expressvpnctl set split-app remove:PATH.
Understand the limits before adding exclusions
IP-address exclusions can be unreliable
Large websites may use changing IP addresses, and one address may be shared by unrelated sites. ExpressVPN warns that whitelisting a public IP could expose data to unrelated sites; it recommends whitelisting only private IPs you trust. For a single app, an app rule may be more suitable than an IP rule. [c001]
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Desktop DNS remains routed through ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN Support states in its desktop guide, last updated July 2, 2026: “As long as you are connected to ExpressVPN, all of your DNS queries should go through ExpressVPN’s servers, no matter how you configure your split-tunneling settings.” This statement is specific to desktop; the cited guide does not establish the same behavior for Android. [c001]
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If desktop email is not working, ExpressVPN’s email troubleshooting guidance says to enable local network access in the desktop Internet Kill Switch settings when needed, then add the email app as a bypass rule. It also gives Android steps for excluding an email app: email troubleshooting guide. [c007]
Quick Recap
Best Value
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