Your iPhone 15 Pro's split tunneling feature is supposed to give you the best of both worlds: a secure VPN connection for general browsing, while letting specific apps like your bank and Disney Plus connect directly for optimal speed. When it stops working, you're left choosing between security and functionality. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to diagnose and fix split tunneling issues, getting your favorite apps running smoothly again without sacrificing your privacy.
What you’ll learn:
- Why split tunneling fails with banking and streaming apps.
- Step-by-step troubleshooting for your iPhone 15 Pro.
- How to choose a VPN that handles split tunneling reliably.
Why Your iPhone's Split Tunneling Stops Working
Split tunneling is a clever feature, but it's not foolproof. On your iPhone 15 Pro, it can fail for a few key reasons. Banking apps often use advanced security certificates that can conflict with a VPN's encrypted tunnel, causing the app to freeze or refuse to load. Streaming services like Disney Plus actively block known VPN IP addresses to enforce regional licensing; if your split tunneling isn't configured correctly, the app might still detect the VPN and show an error.
Other common culprits include outdated VPN software that isn't fully optimized for iOS 17, incorrect configuration within the VPN app itself, or even a simple glitch that a quick restart can fix. Understanding the root cause is the first step toward a permanent solution.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Split Tunneling
Before diving into complex settings, let's run through a systematic fix. Follow these steps in order.
1. Restart Your iPhone and VPN App
It sounds simple, but a restart can resolve temporary software conflicts. Fully close your VPN app from the app switcher, then power your iPhone 15 Pro off and on. This clears the device's memory and can re-establish a clean network connection.
2. Update Your VPN App and iOS
Outdated software is a primary cause of feature failure. Head to the App Store and check for updates for your VPN provider. Then, go to Settings > General > Software Update to ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Developers constantly release patches to improve compatibility, especially for new devices like the iPhone 15 Pro.
3. Reconfigure Your Split Tunneling Settings
The problem might be in your configuration. Open your VPN app and navigate to the split tunneling settings (sometimes called “Bypass VPN” or “App Exclusions”).
- For Banking Apps: Ensure your banking app is explicitly added to the “exclude” or “bypass” list. This tells the VPN to leave its connection alone.
- For Disney Plus: Similarly, add Disney Plus to the exclusion list. If it's already there, try removing it and re-adding it. This refreshes the rule.
Double-check that you haven't accidentally enabled an “inverse” mode, where only the selected apps use the VPN and all others are excluded.
4. Check for DNS Leaks
Sometimes, even with an app excluded, DNS requests can still route through the VPN, causing conflicts. Use a free online DNS leak test while your VPN is active and an excluded app is running. If you see your VPN's DNS servers in the results when testing with an excluded app, there may be a leak. A reliable VPN should not leak DNS requests for excluded applications.
When the Problem Is Your VPN Provider
If you've tried all the steps above and split tunneling is still unreliable, the issue might be with the VPN service itself. Not all VPNs implement this feature equally well on iOS. Some have buggy implementations, while others lack the necessary fine-grained control over per-app settings.
For a feature as specific as split tunneling, you need a provider known for robust and stable apps. Services like NordVPN and ExpressVPN are consistently praised for their reliable split tunneling features and strong compatibility with demanding apps like banks and streaming services.
Best VPN This Month
For users who prioritize a flawless split tunneling experience on iPhone, ExpressVPN offers one of the most intuitive and reliable “Bypass VPN” features, making it easy to secure your device while keeping your banking and Disney Plus access fast and uninterrupted.
Advanced Fixes and Last Resorts
For stubborn cases that resist basic troubleshooting, here are a few more advanced strategies.
Switch VPN Protocols
Your VPN's connection protocol can affect its compatibility with other apps. Inside your VPN app's settings, try switching from the default protocol to another option, such as OpenVPN (UDP or TCP) or IKEv2. A different protocol can sometimes bypass the network-level blocks that streaming services employ.
Reinstall the VPN App
As a last resort, delete the VPN app from your iPhone and reinstall it fresh from the App Store. This will wipe all its settings and cache, giving you a clean slate to set up your split tunneling rules from scratch. Remember to note down your split tunneling configuration before you delete the app.
Choosing the Right VPN for Reliable Split Tunneling
Your experience with split tunneling heavily depends on the quality of your VPN provider. When shopping for a VPN that handles this feature well on iOS, look for a few key things: a dedicated and easy-to-find split tunneling menu, a proven track record of working with banking and streaming apps, and a clear privacy policy that respects your data. For a detailed breakdown of top performers, check out our VPN reviews.
Fixing a broken split tunneling setup on your iPhone 15 Pro is usually a matter of methodical troubleshooting. Start with the basics like restarts and updates, then move to reconfiguring your app rules. If the problem persists, consider that your VPN provider might be the weak link. Don't settle for a VPN that forces you to choose between security and access. Find a VPN that delivers both and take back control of your iPhone's connectivity today.
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