Fix VPN Split Tunneling Not Working on Sony PlayStation 5 With Netflix Streaming

Your PS5 is a streaming powerhouse, but when your VPN's split tunneling feature stops working, it can feel like you're stuck in digital traffic. This clever feature is supposed to let you route your Netflix traffic through your regular internet connection for optimal speed while protecting other online activities with the VPN. When split tunneling fails, you might face slow Netflix streams, geo-blocking errors, or connection timeouts. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to diagnose and fix split tunneling issues on your PlayStation 5, getting your Netflix streaming back to smooth, high-definition performance.

• Why split tunneling fails on PS5 and how to identify the root cause.
• Step-by-step troubleshooting for both router-level and app-level VPN configurations.
• How to configure a reliable VPN that handles split tunneling seamlessly with Netflix.

What Is Split Tunneling and Why Does It Matter for Netflix?

Split tunneling is a VPN feature that gives you control over which apps or websites use the encrypted VPN tunnel and which connect directly to the internet. For PS5 Netflix streaming, this is a game-changer. You can set your Netflix app to bypass the VPN, ensuring you get the fastest possible connection from your local servers. Meanwhile, all your other gaming traffic, web browsing, and downloads remain protected by the VPN's encryption. When split tunneling works correctly, it's the perfect balance of speed and security.

However, the PS5 presents a unique challenge. Since Sony's console doesn't support native VPN apps, you typically configure the VPN on your router or through a shared connection from a computer. This setup can complicate split tunneling, as you're managing the feature one step removed from the console itself. Understanding this layer of separation is key to solving the problem.

Common Reasons Why Split Tunneling Fails on PS5

Diagnosing why your split tunneling isn't working requires checking a few potential trouble spots. The issue could be with your VPN provider, your network configuration, or even Netflix's own detection systems.

Router Firmware Limitations

Many standard internet routers, especially those provided by ISPs, lack advanced split tunneling capabilities in their firmware. Even if your VPN service offers robust split tunneling in its desktop app, that functionality may not translate to your router's VPN client. You might find that when the VPN is active on the router, all connected devices—including your PS5—are forced through the VPN tunnel with no option for exceptions.

Incorrect Device or Application Rules

When using a computer to share a VPN connection to your PS5, the split tunneling rules might be misconfigured. Perhaps you've excluded Netflix.com from the VPN, but the PS5 Netflix app communicates with multiple Amazon Web Services domains that also need to be bypassed. Or maybe you've set the rule based on your computer's browser rather than the PS5's network traffic, causing the configuration to have no effect on your console.

Netflix's VPN Detection Systems

Netflix employs sophisticated technology to identify and block VPN traffic. Even with split tunneling correctly configured, if Netflix detects any VPN-related DNS leaks or sees your connection switching between IP addresses, it might trigger their proxy error message. This can make it appear as though split tunneling has failed, when in reality Netflix is being extra cautious about your connection's authenticity.

Step-by-Step Fixes for PS5 Split Tunneling Issues

Follow these troubleshooting steps in order to resolve your split tunneling problems and restore seamless Netflix streaming on your PlayStation 5.

1. Verify Your VPN's Split Tunneling Capabilities

First, confirm that your VPN provider actually supports split tunneling on the platform you're using. Some VPNs only offer this feature on their Windows or Android apps but not on routers. Check your VPN's knowledge base or support documentation specifically for router or connection-sharing split tunneling instructions. If your current VPN doesn't support this, you'll need to consider switching to a provider that does.

For router-based setups, look for VPNs that offer firmware specifically designed for advanced features like split tunneling. NordVPN offers specialized router support with more configuration options than typical VPN clients.

2. Configure Split Tunneling at the Router Level

If your router supports VPN split tunneling, you'll typically configure it through the router's administration panel. The exact process varies by manufacturer, but generally involves these steps:

1. Access your router's admin interface (usually via 192.168.1.1 or similar address).
2. Navigate to the VPN settings section.
3. Look for “Split Tunneling,” “Route Management,” or “Policy-Based Routing” options.
4. Add Netflix's IP ranges or domains to the exclusion list. You may need to research Netflix's current server IP addresses, as these change periodically.
5. Save your settings and restart both your router and PS5.

3. Set Up Computer-Based Split Tunneling

For those sharing a VPN connection from a Windows PC, you can configure split tunneling through the VPN app itself:

1. Install your VPN software on your computer and ensure split tunneling is enabled.
2. Add Netflix.com and related domains to the bypass list in your VPN app settings.
3. Share your computer's internet connection with your PS5 via Ethernet or WiFi.
4. Connect your PS5 to the shared network and test Netflix streaming.

Surfshark offers particularly intuitive split tunneling in its Windows application, making this setup process straightforward.

4. Check for DNS Leaks

DNS leaks can undermine your split tunneling configuration and trigger Netflix's VPN detection. To check for leaks:

1. Connect your PS5 with your split tunneling active.
2. Visit a DNS leak test website using the PS5's browser.
3. If the results show your VPN's DNS servers, your configuration is working correctly.
4. If the test reveals your ISP's DNS servers, you have a DNS leak that needs fixing.

To resolve DNS leaks, configure your router or computer to use your VPN's DNS servers exclusively, rather than automatically obtaining them from your ISP.

Choosing a VPN That Excels at Split Tunneling

Not all VPNs handle split tunneling equally well, especially in the context of PS5 and Netflix streaming. When selecting a VPN for this specific use case, look for these features:

• Router-Compatible Split Tunneling: The VPN should offer clear documentation and support for configuring split tunneling at the router level.
• Bypass by App and IP Address: Flexible options to exclude specific applications, websites, or IP ranges from the VPN tunnel.
• Consistent Netflix Access: Proven ability to work with Netflix without triggering geo-blocking, even when using split tunneling features.
• Kill Switch Compatibility: A kill switch that respects your split tunneling rules rather than cutting all internet access when the VPN disconnects.

Alternative Approach: Dedicated Streaming Connections

If you continue experiencing issues with split tunneling, consider setting up a separate network connection specifically for streaming. This involves either:

• Configuring a guest network on your router that doesn't use the VPN, and connecting your PS5 to this network only when streaming Netflix.
• Using a WiFi extender with its own network that bypasses the VPN entirely.

While this approach requires manually switching networks on your PS5, it completely eliminates split tunneling configuration complexities and guarantees maximum streaming speeds for Netflix.

When to Contact Your VPN's Support

If you've worked through all these troubleshooting steps and your split tunneling still isn't functioning properly, it's time to reach out to your VPN provider's customer support. Before contacting them, gather this information:

• Your router make and model
• The firmware version your router is running
• Your VPN subscription details
• Specific error messages you're seeing on Netflix
• Steps you've already tried to resolve the issue

Quality VPN providers like NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer 24/7 live chat support with technicians who can guide you through advanced split tunneling configurations specific to your setup.

Enjoy Buffer-Free Netflix on Your PS5

Getting split tunneling working correctly on your PlayStation 5 requires some technical patience, but the result—seamless Netflix streaming alongside protected gaming—is well worth the effort. Start by verifying your VPN's capabilities, then methodically work through router or computer configuration. Remember that the right VPN makes all the difference, so don't hesitate to switch providers if your current one can't deliver the split tunneling performance you need for optimal PS5 streaming.

Ready to fix your split tunneling once and for all? Explore VPNs with proven split tunneling support and transform your PS5 into the ultimate entertainment hub without compromising security or speed.