Journalist
Yes, you can selectively send traffic from certain websites and apps through NordVPN while other traffic stays on your regular connection. This guide walks you through how to whitelist websites on NordVPN using split tunneling, with step-by-step instructions, tips, and examples to get you setup quickly. We’ll cover both Windows and Android, plus best practices, troubleshooting, and an FAQ to clear up common questions. If you’re curious to try it today, consider starting with NordVPN and using the provided link to unlock some bonus benefits as you follow along.
Useful resources: NordVPN split tunneling overview, NordVPN apps, NordVPN support pages, Windows 10/11, Android 12+ guides, network troubleshooting basics, VPN security best practices
NordVPN homepage – nordvpn.com
Windows split tunneling guide – support.nordvpn.com
Android split tunneling guide – support.nordvpn.com
How split tunneling works – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_network
IP leak test – www.whatismyip.com
Introduction: What you’ll learn
- How split tunneling works and why you’d want to whitelist sites
- Step-by-step setup for Windows and Android
- Real-world examples: streaming, banking, work apps
- Quick testing tips and common pitfalls
- A handy FAQ with at least 10 questions to help you troubleshoot
What is split tunneling and why whitelist
Split tunneling lets you decide which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which don’t. When you whitelist a site, only traffic to that site goes through NordVPN, while everything else goes directly to the internet. This is great for: Nordvpn Keeps Timing Out Heres How To Get Your Connection Back On Track
- Accessing region-locked content without slowing down your entire connection
- Using banking or work sites that don’t like VPN IPs
- Saving bandwidth for local services while staying protected for sensitive activities
Before you start: what you’ll need
- A NordVPN subscription account with an active plan
- NordVPN installed on your device Windows or Android for this guide
- A working internet connection
- A list of sites you want to whitelist URLs
How to whitelist websites on NordVPN: step-by-step guide for Windows
Step 1: Open NordVPN app
- Launch the NordVPN app on your Windows PC.
- Sign in if prompted.
Step 2: Access Split Tunneling settings
- Click on the Settings gear icon.
- Find Split Tunneling it may be labeled as “Whitelisting” in some builds.
- Turn on Split Tunneling if it’s off.
Step 3: Choose how you want to split
NordVPN typically offers two approaches:
- Allow list Whitelist: Only the apps or sites you specify go through the VPN.
- Block list Blacklist: All traffic goes through VPN except what you specify.
Select Whitelist for our use case of whitelisting websites.
Step 4: Add sites to the whitelist The Ultimate Guide to the Best VPN for Vodafone Users in 2026: Fast, Private, and Reliable Picks
- If you’re whitelisting websites by URL, you’ll need to add each site to the allowed list.
- Some builds require you to specify apps that will use the VPN; for websites, you may rely on browser-based or system-level rules depending on the version.
- Enter the URLs you want to route through NordVPN and save.
Step 5: Decide per-app or per-site if available
- Some users may have the option to apply rules to specific browsers e.g., Chrome, Firefox or per individual apps. Choose the option that matches your needs.
- If you’re not sure, start with a simple setup: whitelist your primary browser and any apps that need VPN access, like streaming apps or banking apps.
Step 6: Test your setup
- Open a site you whitelisted and confirm it loads over the VPN path you can check your IP on whatismyip.com; it should reflect the VPN IP.
- Open a site you did not whitelist and confirm it loads with your regular IP not the VPN.
Best-practice tips for Windows
- Use a dedicated browser profile for VPN-enabled traffic if you run into any browser-specific leaks.
- If you notice performance issues, try whitelisting only essential sites first, then gradually add more.
- Regularly update the NordVPN app to get the latest split tunneling features and bug fixes.
How to whitelist websites on NordVPN: step-by-step guide for Android
Step 1: Open the NordVPN app
- Tap the NordVPN app icon to launch.
- Sign in with your account if needed.
Step 2: Enable Split Tunneling The Ultimate Guide Best VPN For Your Ugreen NAS In 2026: Secure Remote Access, Fast Speeds, and Smart Setup
- Tap the menu three horizontal lines or your profile icon to find Settings.
- Find Split Tunneling and enable it.
Step 3: Choose your mode
- Select Whitelist or the equivalent option like “Only these apps use VPN” depending on the version.
- Note: On Android, you typically filter by apps, not by individual websites. To achieve website-level control, you usually enable VPN for your browser and any apps that require VPN, leaving other apps to flow through normal networks.
Step 4: Add apps to the whitelist
- Tap Add apps and select the browsers you want to route through the VPN.
- If your goal is to limit VPN traffic to certain activities, this is a practical approach: whitelist your browser and any apps that require VPN access.
Step 5: Verify and test
- Open a whitelisted site in your browser and check the VPN IP whatismyip.com to confirm VPN usage.
- Open a non-whitelisted app or browser site to ensure it bypasses the VPN.
Android tips for effective whitelisting
- If you mainly want to access streaming libraries, whitelist your browser plus the streaming apps.
- Some apps may refuse VPN connections; in those cases, adding the app to the whitelist helps ensure it uses the VPN when required.
- If you’re on mobile data or a different network, switching networks can affect split tunneling behavior, so test after a network change.
Common issues and troubleshooting The Ultimate Guide Best VPNs For Your Sony Bravia TV In 2026: Fast, Secure, And Easy To Use
- Issue: Websites load with the VPN IP instead of my real IP
- Check that you’ve added the correct sites or configured the right apps for the whitelist. Make sure Split Tunneling is enabled and active.
- Issue: Some sites don’t load or time out
- Temporarily disable Split Tunneling and re-test. If the site loads, there may be a conflict with the VPN path or DNS leakage. Consider using a different DNS setting in NordVPN.
- Issue: VPN connection drops when accessing a whitelisted site
- Ensure your firewall or security software isn’t blocking NordVPN’s traffic. Reinstall the NordVPN app if necessary.
- Issue: DNS leaks
- Use NordVPN’s DNS protection feature and verify with a DNS leak test. If leaks persist, toggle the DNS protection or switch to a different DNS setting in the app.
Advanced tips and real-world use cases
- Streaming while staying private: Whitelist your browser for streaming sites and keep all other traffic on the regular connection to minimize VPN latency and buffering.
- Banking and financial sites: If a site blocks VPN IPs, whitelist the browser you use for banking to allow direct access while keeping other sensitive traffic protected.
- Work-from-home scenarios: Some corporate tools or intranets don’t play nicely with VPNs. Whitelist the necessary apps and sites to keep your work tools functional while still protecting your privacy on other traffic.
Security and privacy considerations
- Split tunneling reduces protection for some apps. Always balance convenience with risk.
- Regularly review your whitelist to remove sites or apps you no longer need protected by the VPN.
- Use strong device security screen lock, updated OS in addition to VPN protection.
Data and statistics you can cite
- VPN adoption growth trends show rising demand for split tunneling to balance security and performance.
- Studies indicate that misconfigured split tunneling can lead to DNS leaks if not properly implemented.
- Real-world usage data suggests most users start with simple browser-level whitelisting before expanding to apps.
Comparison table: split tunneling vs. full VPN
- Split tunneling: Pros – faster speeds for non-VPN traffic, access to local network resources; Cons – potential exposure for non-VPN traffic, more complex setup.
- Full VPN: Pros – universal protection, simpler configuration; Cons – potential latency, region restrictions can apply to all traffic.
Testing and verification steps you can perform Best vpns for your vseebox v2 pro unlock global content stream smoother
- IP check: Use whatismyip.com before and after enabling VPN and split tunneling to confirm which traffic is routed through VPN.
- DNS leak test: Run a DNS leak test to ensure DNS queries are resolved by NordVPN’s DNS servers when traffic is routed through the VPN.
- Speed test: Compare speeds with and without split tunneling to gauge performance impact and adjust accordingly.
Best practices for maintaining a solid setup
- Start with a minimal whitelist: just the sites you absolutely need through the VPN, then expand.
- Keep your NordVPN app updated to access the latest split tunneling features and fixes.
- Periodically audit your whitelist to remove outdated sites or apps.
- Use strong device security alongside VPN protection.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I whitelist specific websites in NordVPN on all devices?
Yes, but the exact method depends on the OS. Windows supports site-level whitelisting in split tunneling, while Android typically works at the app level. Check your app version for the most precise instructions.
Is split tunneling safe?
Split tunneling is convenient but comes with trade-offs. It can reduce your overall protection if non-VPN traffic isn’t secured. Use it thoughtfully and only for trusted sites/apps.
Will my real IP leak if I whitelist a site?
If configured correctly, the whitelisted site’s traffic should go through the VPN, while other traffic bypasses it. Always verify with an IP leak test. The Ultimate Guide to the Best VPN for OPNsense in 2026: Top Picks, Setups, and Security Tips
Can I combine split tunneling with kill switch?
Yes, you can combine them for extra protection: use the kill switch to block all traffic if the VPN disconnects, while still routing only whitelisted traffic through VPN when it’s connected.
How do I test if split tunneling is working?
Run a real-time IP check on whatismyip.com for both whitelisted and non-whitelisted sites/apps. The whitelisted site should show the VPN IP; non-whitelisted traffic should show your regular IP.
Can I whitelist by browser on Android?
Yes, you can whitelist the browser app to use the VPN, ensuring traffic from that browser goes through NordVPN while other apps bypass it.
What if a site blocks VPN traffic?
Whitelisting that site’s browser or app should help bypass VPN-only restrictions for that activity. If issues persist, consider using a different server or contact NordVPN support.
How do I remove a site from the whitelist?
Go back to the Split Tunneling settings, select the site or app you added, and choose Remove or Delete from the whitelist. Save changes and test again. Best vpn for ubiquiti your guide to secure network connections
Does NordVPN support per-URL rules?
Some builds allow per-URL rules through browser extensions or OS-level controls. If your version lacks per-URL support, you’ll need to rely on app-based rules or browser-based workarounds.
Can split tunneling be used indoors for streaming?
Absolutely. It’s a popular use-case to route streaming traffic through VPN for geo-unblocking while keeping other traffic outside VPN for speed.
How often should I review my whitelist?
A good practice is to review every 1–3 months, or after major app or site changes, to ensure continued protection and performance.
Resources and references
- NordVPN Split Tunneling overview: nordvpn.com
- Windows split tunneling guide: support.nordvpn.com
- Android split tunneling guide: support.nordvpn.com
- VPN safety and privacy basics: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_network
- DNS leak test: www.whatismyip.com
NordVPN affiliate link for readers who want to try it The Ultimate Guide Best VPNs for PwC Employees in 2026: Fast, Secure, and Audit-Ready Options
- Text: Try NordVPN now
- Link URL: https://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=15&aff_id=132441&aff_sub=0401
- Image: NordVPN
Note: If you’re applying the NordVPN link in your video description or on-page content, tailor the anchor text to your audience and topic, but keep the same destination URL for consistency and potential affiliate benefits.
Sources:
パソコンでvpn設定する方法：初心者でもわかる簡単ガイド（windows mac対応）と最新テクニック
Iphone vpn不能用 The Absolute Best VPNs for Your iPhone iPad in 2026 2: Top Picks, Tips, and How to Choose the Right One