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How to whitelist websites on nordvpn your guide to split tunneling is a practical, step-by-step walkthrough that shows you how to selectively route traffic via NordVPN so certain sites bypass the VPN. This post provides a clear, actionable plan: what split tunneling is, why you’d want it, how to enable it on different devices, best practices, common pitfalls, and a quick troubleshooting guide. Think of it as your one-stop manual for keeping specific apps or sites off the VPN while others stay protected.
- If you’re short on time: split tunneling lets you choose which apps or destinations go through the VPN and which don’t, helping with speed, streaming, or accessing local services.
- Quick-start path: enable split tunneling in NordVPN, add whitelisted sites or apps, test with a few quick checks, and adjust as needed.
Useful resources and starting points non-clickable text for reference:
- NordVPN official support pages – nordvpn.com
- NordVPN split tunneling guide – en.nordvpn.com
- General VPN best practices – tech blogs and security guides
- Web browser and OS security settings – vendor support pages
- DNS and IP leakage basics – security research sites
Introduction
Yes, you can whitelist websites on NordVPN using split tunneling, and this guide shows you exactly how. We’ll cover what split tunneling does, the differences across devices, and a practical, step-by-step approach plus troubleshooting tips. You’ll find checklists, quick-action tables, and real-world examples to make it easy to implement.
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- Split tunneling lets you decide which traffic goes through the VPN and which goes directly to the internet.
- Whitelisting websites means those sites bypass the VPN, which can improve access to local services, streaming, or your own corporate resources.
- Common reasons to whitelist: faster streaming from local providers, remote work access to internal sites, and reducing VPN overhead for trusted sites.
Key terms you’ll see
- VPN tunnel: the encrypted path between your device and the VPN server.
- Split tunneling: feature that splits traffic into VPN and non-VPN routes.
- Whitelist: list of apps or websites allowed to bypass the VPN.
- DNS leak: when a domain lookup reveals your real IP address despite a VPN.
- Kill switch: prevents all traffic if the VPN drops, protecting your real IP.
Device-by-device guide overview
We’ll break this into sections for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and browser-based usage. If you’re streaming on a TV or using a Linux machine, jump to the Linux section for specifics.
Section 1: Windows
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Step-by-step:
- Open NordVPN and log in.
- Go to Settings > Split Tunneling.
- Turn on Split Tunneling.
- Choose to either “Only allow selected apps to use VPN” or “Do not allow selected apps to use VPN” depending on your goal.
- If you’re whitelisting websites, you’re typically using the “Do not allow selected apps to use VPN” approach for browser apps, but it’s often easier to whitelist entire apps that you want to bypass, like your browser or a streaming app.
- Add your browser or specific apps to the exception list.
- Save changes and reconnect the VPN.
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- If you want only certain sites to bypass VPN in your browser, add the browser app to the exception list and then control site access via browser settings or third-party extensions.
- Test for leaks with a site like ipinfo.io to verify your real IP appears only when you’re bypassing the VPN.
Section 2: macOS
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Step-by-step:
- Open NordVPN and sign in.
- Navigate to Settings > Split Tunneling.
- Enable Split Tunneling.
- Choose the mode that fits your needs usually “Do not allow VPN for selected apps” to bypass VPN for a browser.
- Add the browser or other apps you want to bypass to the exception list.
- Reconnect and test.
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Notes:
- macOS handles DNS differently; if you see DNS leaks, enable the NordVPN DNS and ensure the app’s kill switch is active to protect your real IP.
Section 3: Android
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- Open the NordVPN app and sign in.
- Tap Settings > Split tunneling.
- Turn on Split tunneling.
- Select “Do not allow VPN for selected apps” to bypass VPN for your browser or other apps.
- Add apps you want to bypass to the list e.g., Chrome, Netflix app, banking apps.
- Save and reconnect.
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Pro tips:
- Android often experiences background app updates; test after a reboot to ensure your exceptions persist.
- Some apps may still route traffic through the VPN due to system-level services; consider testing with leakage checks.
Section 4: iOS
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Step-by-step:
- Open NordVPN and log in.
- Go to Settings > Split tunneling.
- Enable Split tunneling.
- Choose the option to “Do not allow VPN for selected apps.”
- Add the apps you want to bypass usually Safari or App Chrome equivalents, and perhaps a banking app.
- Apply changes and reconnect.
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Notes:
- iOS has stricter app control; ensure you’re using the latest NordVPN iOS app for the best compatibility.
- If you’re trying to bypass VPN for certain sites in a browser on iOS, you may need to rely on app-level bypass rather than per-site bypass in the OS.
Section 5: Linux The Top VPNs People Are Actually Using in the USA Right Now: A Fresh, In-Depth Look at Speed, Privacy, and Reliability
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Step-by-step:
- Install NordVPN’s Linux client if you haven’t already.
- Use the terminal to enable or configure split tunneling depending on the distribution; many users rely on app-based exceptions or route rules.
- For per-site control, you’ll typically set up routes for specific IP ranges and destinations or use local proxy exceptions if supported by your distro and NordVPN client.
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Quick look at routes:
- You can view current routes with ip route show.
- Add a route to bypass VPN by directing specific IPs through your default interface.
Section 6: Browsers and extensions
- When you want to bypass the VPN for a browser, you usually do it by app-level split tunneling exclude the browser app rather than per-site by browser extension, because NordVPN doesn’t always support per-site rules inside the browser.
- If you need per-site control, consider a separate browser profile or a separate browser that you always run outside the VPN while the system-wide VPN is active for other apps.
Section 7: Testing and validation
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Use multiple tests to ensure correct behavior: The Ultimate Guide to the Best VPN for Vodafone Users in 2026: Fast, Secure, and Reliable Options
- IP check tests: visit whatismyipaddress.com to confirm IP changes according to VPN status and split tunneling rules.
- DNS leak tests: run a DNS leak check to ensure your DNS requests aren’t leaking outside the VPN.
- Speed tests: run speed tests with VPN on and off to verify you’re getting the expected performance.
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Practical test plan:
- Test 1: VPN ON, all apps routed through VPN: note IP and location.
- Test 2: VPN ON, browser bypass enabled: check IP for browser sites; confirm other apps route through VPN.
- Test 3: VPN OFF, critical site access: ensure you can access required services without VPN.
Section 8: Common pitfalls and troubleshooting
- Pitfall: DNS leaks despite split tunneling
- Fix: enable NordVPN DNS in settings and ensure the kill switch is on.
- Pitfall: Slow performance after enabling split tunneling
- Fix: Only bypass non-critical apps, reduce the number of concurrent connections, and ensure you’re connected to a nearby VPN server.
- Pitfall: Changes not sticking after reboot
- Fix: re-check the app’s permission settings and ensure you’re updating to the latest app version.
- Pitfall: Some apps bypass VPN due to system services
- Fix: Use per-app bypass as much as possible and limit background activity for those apps.
- Pitfall: Inconsistent behavior across devices
- Fix: Confirm the exact split tunneling settings on each device and test with the same site or service to compare results.
Security considerations when whitelisting
- Only whitelist trusted apps and sites. Whitelisting can create a vulnerability if a compromised app is allowed to bypass VPN protections.
- Regularly review your whitelist to remove apps you no longer trust or need to bypass.
- Keep NordVPN app and device OS updated to benefit from the latest security fixes.
- If you manage devices in a small business or family setting, document the whitelist rules and share them with affected users.
Performance and reliability data
- VPN performance varies by server load, distance, and encryption protocol. Expect some degradation in speed when using VPN generally, but split tunneling can help by steering non-sensitive traffic away from the VPN.
- NordVPN generally reports an average server connection speed in the hundreds of Mbps on well-provisioned servers; your mileage will vary based on your plan and location.
- DNS protection and leak protection features are key for users who rely on split tunneling to protect privacy for other apps while bypassing specific sites.
Best practices for whitelisting and split tunneling The ultimate guide to the best vpn for opnsense in 2026: finding the perfect match for your network
- Start small: whitelist one browser or a couple of apps, then test before expanding.
- Prioritize critical services: banking apps, corporate intranets, and streaming services you rely on should be carefully tested for stability and performance with VPN and without.
- Regularly audit: set a quarterly reminder to review your split tunneling rules and remove anything unnecessary.
- Combine with kill switch: to protect your real IP in case the VPN connection drops.
- Document changes: keep a simple log of what’s whitelisted and why.
Table: Quick reference by device
- Windows: Settings > Split Tunneling > Enable > Do not allow selected apps to use VPN -> add apps
- macOS: Settings > Split Tunneling > Enable > Do not allow selected apps to use VPN -> add apps
- Android: Settings > Split Tunneling > Enable > Do not allow VPN for selected apps -> add apps
- iOS: Settings > Split Tunneling > Enable > Do not allow VPN for selected apps -> add apps
- Linux: NordVPN client or CLI route changes to bypass VPN for chosen destinations
What to monitor after setting up
- App performance and reliability: ensure sensitive apps work as expected without VPN latency.
- Content availability: verify streaming sites don’t block your access when bypassed.
- Privacy posture: check your IP and DNS leaks periodically.
- Server health: be aware that switching servers might affect split tunneling behavior, especially if a service uses aggressive geo-blocking.
Real-world examples scenarios
- Scenario A: You want to stream local content while still protecting your other traffic
- Approach: Keep VPN on for all apps except your browser you use for local streaming; ensure the browser is in the whitelist.
- Scenario B: You need access to a corporate intranet while staying protected for other activities
- Approach: Exclude your corporate app or browser from VPN, while other apps stay on VPN; test access to intranet from home Wi-Fi.
- Scenario C: Gaming on a VPN
- Approach: If latency is too high, bypass VPN for game traffic by excluding the game app; keep the rest of traffic protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is split tunneling in NordVPN?
Split tunneling is a feature that lets you choose which traffic goes through the VPN and which goes directly to the internet, letting you bypass the VPN for selected apps or sites. The Ultimate Guide Best VPN For Your Ugreen NAS In 2026: Smart, Fast, and Secure Access
Can I whitelist specific websites in NordVPN?
NordVPN doesn’t typically offer per-website bypass; you do app-based split tunneling where you bypass the VPN for specific apps. For site-level control, rely on app-level bypass plus browser-level configurations.
Will split tunneling affect my privacy?
Yes, by bypassing VPN for some apps or sites, those traffic paths aren’t encrypted by the VPN. Always weigh the privacy trade-off and consider using split tunneling only for non-sensitive traffic.
How do I test if split tunneling is working?
Run IP and DNS tests from the apps you expect to bypass and compare results with VPN on and off. Use sites like whatismyipaddress.com and dnsleaktest.com to verify.
Can I still use NordVPN’s kill switch with split tunneling?
Yes, enable the kill switch so that if the VPN drops, all traffic—except for the whitelisted apps—doesn’t leak unexpectedly.
Are there known issues with split tunneling on Windows?
Some users report flaky behavior after Windows updates or with certain antivirus/firewall configurations. Ensure NordVPN is allowed through firewall rules and keep Windows updated. The Ultimate Guide Best VPNs For Your Sony Bravia TV In 2026: Fast, Safe, And Easy To Use
Is split tunneling available on all NordVPN plans?
Split tunneling is generally available on most NordVPN plans, but features can vary by platform and version. Check for the latest app updates.
How do I revert split tunneling changes?
Go back to Settings > Split Tunneling and disable the feature, or remove apps from the exception list, then reconnect the VPN.
Can I use split tunneling on multiple devices at once?
Yes, you can configure split tunneling on all devices where you use NordVPN, but the exact steps and availability may differ by platform. Ensure each device’s settings reflect your intended traffic routing.
Is there a mobile-specific tip for split tunneling?
Mobile devices often require stricter app-level control due to OS restrictions. Use the “Do not allow VPN for selected apps” option to bypass most mobile browser traffic and test after each OS update.
Conclusion
While you won’t find a one-click, per-site whitelist in NordVPN, split tunneling gives you powerful control over which apps or traffic bypasses the VPN. With careful setup, you can keep sensitive traffic protected while allowing trusted sites and apps to run at native speeds. Always test after changes, monitor for leaks, and keep security features like DNS protection and kill switch enabled. If you want a quick starting point and reliable VPN performance, NordVPN with split tunneling is a solid option. The Ultimate Guide Best VPNs For PwC Employees In 2026: Top Picks, Security Wins, And How-To’s
NordVPN link for readers
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