How to use NordVPN split tunnelling for UK users

Introduction

Split tunnelling lets you decide which apps or websites travel through the VPN tunnel and which use your regular internet connection. For UK readers, this feature can improve streaming performance, reduce latency for remote‑work tools, and help you stay within the bounds of ISP traffic‑management policies. NordVPN offers a straightforward split‑tunnelling option across its desktop and mobile apps, making it a useful tool when you need both privacy and local‑network access.

What is split tunnelling?

In a standard VPN setup, all of your device’s traffic is encrypted and routed via the VPN server. Split tunnelling changes that by creating two parallel paths:

• VPN‑protected traffic – apps you select (e.g., a banking app or a UK‑based streaming service) go through the encrypted tunnel.
• Direct traffic – everything else (such as local network printers, gaming consoles, or UK‑only news sites) bypasses the VPN and uses your normal ISP connection.

This selective approach can save bandwidth, improve speeds for latency‑sensitive applications, and let you access devices on your home network that might otherwise be unreachable when the VPN is active.

How NordVPN implements split tunnelling

NordVPN calls the feature “Split Tunnelling” on Windows and macOS, and “Split Tunnelling” (or “App‑specific VPN”) on Android and iOS. The steps are broadly the same:

1. Open the NordVPN app and sign in.
2. Navigate to Settings → Split Tunnelling.
3. Choose either “Split tunnelling – exclude apps” (pick apps that won’t use the VPN) or “Split tunnelling – only selected apps” (pick apps that will use the VPN).
4. Save your selection and reconnect if prompted.

On mobile, the interface presents a list of installed apps; toggling a switch either includes or excludes the app from the VPN tunnel. NordVPN also allows you to split by URL on its browser extensions, useful if you only want certain sites (e.g., iPlayer or ITV Hub) protected while leaving other browsing untouched.

Practical UK use‑cases

Streaming UK‑only content

Many UK streaming platforms (BBC iPlayer, All 4, My5) restrict access based on IP address. By routing only the streaming app through a UK NordVPN server, you can maintain a reliable connection for HD playback while letting other traffic (such as software updates or cloud backups) use your ISP’s faster route. This can reduce buffering during peak evenings when ISPs may throttle high‑volume VPN traffic.

Remote work and corporate resources

If you work for a UK‑based employer that provides internal tools (intranet, SharePoint, internal CRM) only accessible via the corporate LAN, you can exclude those tools from the VPN tunnel. This avoids double‑encryption overhead and ensures low latency for VoIP calls or file shares, while still protecting sensitive activities like accessing client data or using public Wi‑Fi in cafés.

Gaming and local network devices

Online gaming often benefits from a direct connection to reduce ping. By excluding your gaming client or console from the VPN, you keep the low‑latency route to UK game servers. Simultaneously, you can keep your banking app or password manager inside the tunnel for added security on public hotspots.

Compliance with ISP and data‑protection rules

UK ISPs are subject to Ofcom regulations and may apply traffic‑shaping policies. Split tunnelling lets you limit the amount of traffic that appears as VPN‑encrypted, which can help avoid unintentional throttling. Additionally, handling personal data under UK GDPR (or the post‑Brexit UK GDPR) requires appropriate security measures. Using the VPN only for tasks that involve personal data helps you demonstrate a proportionate approach, as recommended by the ICO’s guidance on data‑security safeguards.

Risks of free VPNs and why a paid service matters

Free VPN providers often monetise by logging user data, injecting ads, or offering limited server locations. In the UK context, this raises concerns under the ICO’s stance on unlawful data processing and could expose you to malware or data‑leak risks. Moreover, free services rarely support advanced features like split tunnelling, forcing you to route all traffic through the VPN — potentially slowing down streaming, gaming, or local‑network access. Choosing a reputable paid provider such as NordVPN ensures stronger encryption, audited no‑logs policies, and reliable customer support — essential for staying compliant with UK data‑protection expectations.

Setting up split tunnelling on NordVPN – step‑by‑step (UK focus)

Windows/macOS

1. Launch NordVPN, click the gear icon → Settings.
2. Select “Split Tunnelling” from the sidebar.
3. Choose “Only selected apps” if you want a shortlist protected, or “Exclude apps” if you prefer most traffic to go through the VPN.
4. Click “Add Apps” and tick the programmes you want (e.g., NordVPN‑protected: Netflix UK, Outlook; Excluded: Steam, Printer Software).
5. Apply changes and reconnect the VPN if necessary.

Android/iOS

1. Open the NordVPN app, tap the profile icon → Settings.
2. Tap “Split Tunnelling” (iOS) or “Wi‑Fi / App‑specific VPN” (Android).
3. Toggle the switch for each app you wish to include or exclude.
4. Return to the main screen and connect; the selected apps will now follow the VPN rule you set.

Browser extensions (Chrome/Firefox)

1. Click the NordVPN extension icon → Settings → Split Tunnelling.
2. Add URLs you want to protect (e.g., https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer) or exclude.
3. Save; the extension will apply the rule only to browser traffic, leaving other apps unaffected.