Fix VPN Split Tunneling Not Working on Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with Banking Apps

Your Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's split tunneling feature is supposed to give you the best of both worlds: a secure VPN connection for most apps while letting your banking apps use your regular mobile network. When split tunneling stops working, it can lock you out of essential financial services, leaving you frustrated and unprotected. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to diagnose and fix the problem, ensuring your banking apps work seamlessly while the rest of your phone traffic stays private.

What you’ll learn:

• Why banking apps and VPNs often conflict and how split tunneling resolves this.
• A step-by-step troubleshooting process for when split tunneling fails.
• How to choose a VPN with reliable split tunneling for your S24 Ultra.

Why Banking Apps and VPNs Don't Always Get Along

Banking apps are designed with extreme security in mind. To protect your money, they constantly analyze your connection for anything unusual. When you connect through a VPN, your internet traffic appears to originate from a different location, sometimes in another country. This sudden geographic hop can trigger the bank's fraud detection systems, causing the app to block access or log you out entirely. This is precisely the problem that a well-configured split tunneling setup is meant to solve, by excluding the banking app from the VPN tunnel.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Split Tunneling on Your S24 Ultra

If your split tunneling feature isn't working as expected, follow these steps in order. Start with the simplest solutions first.

1. Restart Your Phone and VPN App

It sounds basic, but a simple restart can resolve countless software glitches. Completely power down your Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Once rebooted, fully close your VPN app from the recent apps menu and reopen it. This clears temporary caches and can re-establish a clean connection, often fixing split tunneling issues immediately.

2. Double-Check Your Split Tunneling Settings

It's easy to misconfigure settings. Open your VPN app and navigate to the split tunneling or “Bypass VPN” section. Ensure your banking apps are correctly listed as exceptions. Some VPNs offer two modes: “Inverse” or “Exclusive” (only the selected apps use the VPN) and “Standard” or “Normal” (all apps except the selected ones use the VPN). Make sure you are using the “Standard” mode, where your banking apps are on the bypass list.

3. Update Your VPN App and Phone Software

Outdated software is a common culprit. Head to the Google Play Store and check for updates to your VPN application. Developers frequently release patches to improve compatibility with new devices and operating systems. Simultaneously, check for any system updates on your S24 Ultra by going to Settings > Software update > Download and install. Keeping everything updated ensures optimal performance for features like split tunneling.

4. Clear the Cache of Your Banking App

Your banking app might be holding onto old connection data. Go to Settings > Apps on your phone, find your banking app, and tap on “Storage.” Then, tap “Clear Cache.” This does not delete your login information or data, but it forces the app to fetch fresh connection details, which can resolve conflicts with your VPN's network configuration.

5. Switch VPN Protocols

The protocol your VPN uses can affect its compatibility with certain apps and networks. Inside your VPN app's settings, look for a “Protocol” section. If you're using a less common protocol, try switching to a standard one like OpenVPN (UDP or TCP) or WireGuard. After changing the protocol, reconnect to the VPN and test your split tunneling setup again.

6. Reinstall the VPN App

If all else fails, a fresh installation can work wonders. Uninstall your current VPN app, restart your phone, and then download it again from the official Google Play Store. You will need to log back in and reconfigure your split tunneling settings, but this process eliminates any corrupted application data that may be causing the malfunction.

Choosing a VPN with Reliable Split Tunneling

Not all VPNs handle split tunneling equally well, especially on Android. Some have clunky interfaces, while others lack the feature entirely. When selecting a VPN for your Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, prioritize providers known for robust and user-friendly split tunneling capabilities.

For instance, NordVPN offers a feature called “Split Tunneling” (on its Android app) that allows you to easily select which apps bypass the VPN. Similarly, Surfshark provides a “Bypasser” tool that gives you fine-grained control over your app traffic. Using a VPN with a proven track record for this feature is half the battle won.

When All Else Fails: Alternative Security Measures

If you continue to experience issues even with a top-tier VPN, consider a different security approach for your banking. You can temporarily disconnect the VPN whenever you need to use your banking app. While this is less convenient than seamless split tunneling, it guarantees access. For other sensitive browsing, you can rely on your phone's built-in secure folder or use a private browsing session. For more general tips on maintaining your digital privacy, explore our privacy guides.

Secure Your Phone Without Losing Access

A VPN is a critical tool for privacy, but it shouldn't come at the cost of locking you out of your own bank account. By methodically troubleshooting your split tunneling setup and choosing a VPN known for its Android performance, you can enjoy both ironclad security and uninterrupted access to your essential apps. Don't let a technical glitch compromise your convenience or safety.

Ready to experience flawless split tunneling? Get ExpressVPN now and take control of your app-specific security on your S24 Ultra.