What is Bypass VPN?
Bypass VPN (also known as split tunnelling) lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which ones connect directly to the internet as normal. This is really handy if some apps don't work well through a VPN, or if you simply don't need them protected.
📺 Amazon / Android Devices
- BBC iPlayer
- Netflix
- Disney+
- Any geo-restricted app
📱 Mobile / Phone
- Ring Doorbell
- Sonos
- Android Auto
- Smart home apps
This is also highly recommended if you run Surfshark on your phone — apps like Ring, Sonos and Android Auto work much better when they bypass the VPN.
Setting Up Bypass VPN
1
Open the Surfshark app
2
Click Settings on the left
3
Click VPN Settings
4
Switch Auto-Connect to ON
You can leave the location set to Fastest for now.Auto-Connect ON
5
Press Left twice to go back to the main menu
6
Click Features on the left
7
Switch Bypass VPN to ON
Bypass VPN ON
8
Click on 0 Apps Selected
9
Scroll through the list and select each app you do NOT want to run through the VPN
Examples: BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Disney+, Ring, Sonos, Android Auto.10
Press the Back button on your remote or device
11
Connect the VPN to a location
Fastest location works fine here — or choose your preferred European location.12
Exit back to the Home screen
Remember: Apps you select in the Bypass VPN list will connect to the internet without VPN protection. Only add apps you're happy to run without it.
All done! Your selected apps will now bypass the VPN and connect directly, while everything else stays protected through Surfshark.