With Split-tunneling in Bitdefender Hub for Android, you can choose which applications or websites use your regular internet connection instead of the VPN, while all other traffic continues to go through the VPN. This feature can be useful when an application does not work properly through VPN, requires a local network connection, or needs to access region-specific services directly through your regular internet connection. For example, you might want to:

• Allow a banking app to connect directly to the internet
• Use a local streaming service that does not work through a VPN
• Access devices on your home network, such as printers or smart home equipment
• Improve compatibility with apps that restrict VPN usage

This guide explains how to use Split-tunneling in Bitdefender Hub for Android to exclude an application from the VPN connection.

What Happens When an App Is Added to Split-tunneling?

When an application is added to the Split-tunneling list:

• Traffic from that app bypasses the VPN
• The app connects directly through your normal internet connection
• Other apps continue using the VPN normally unless they are also added to the bypass list

This gives you more control over which apps use the VPN tunnel and which apps connect normally.

Follow these steps to add an Android application to the Split-tunneling list in Bitdefender Hub.

Step 1: Go to VPN Settings

1. Open the Bitdefender Hub appon your Android device.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner to open the settings menu.
3. Tap VPN to open the VPN settings screen.

Step 2. Open Split-tunneling settings

Scroll down and tap Split-tunneling to open the feature configuration section.

Step 3: Enable Split-Tunneling

If Split-tunneling is not already enabled, turn on the Split-tunneling switch at the top of the screen.

Once enabled, additional options for managing websites and applications become available.

Step 4: Add an Application

1. Tap Add application to open the list of apps installed on your Android device.
2. Browse the list or use the search bar to find the app you want to exclude from the VPN, then select the checkbox next to its name.
3. Tap the Back (‹) button to return to the Split-tunneling screen.

The selected app will now appear in the Applications list, confirming that it has been added to Split-tunneling. From now on, the app will bypass the VPN and connect directly to the internet, while your other traffic continues to use the VPN connection.

Step 5. Turn off: Block connection without VPN

After adding the application to the Split-tunneling list, make sure your Android device is not configured to route all traffic through the VPN. This Android security feature forces all network traffic to use the VPN connection. When enabled, websites and apps on the Split-tunneling list cannot bypass the VPN, which prevents Split Tunneling from working as intended. To verify this option is turned off:

1. Tap Android Settings in the Split-tunneling section.
2. In the list of VPN services, tap the settings icon (⚙︎) next to Bitdefender Hub.
3. Turn off the Block connections without VPN option if it’s enabled.
   

Removing an Application from Split-Tunneling

If you no longer want an Android application to bypass the VPN:

1. Open Bitdefender Hub > profile icon.
2. Navigate to VPN > Split-tunneling.
3. Locate the app under the Applications section.
4. Tap the trash icon next to the application.
   

The app is removed from the Split-tunneling list and will once again use the VPN connection.