Overview
VirtualShield now provides a unique feature called Local Network Access, allowing you to use your Wi-Fi and
LAN (Local Area Network) connected devices, while keeping your data secure at the
same time.
Also known as Split Tunneling, this option allows you to communicate with other wireless devices on your network while the VPN is active. This includes printers,
scanners, webcams,
network drives, and more.
Windows
If you have any wireless devices connected to your computer, we recommend enabling this option. Otherwise, all traffic will be routed through the
VPN tunnel, including your local/Wi-Fi traffic.
Disabling it provides an additional layer of security, by blocking all outside traffic from reaching your
local network. However, you may be
unable to access these devices until you disconnect.

This is especially important when you’re browsing the web at apublic hotspot, like at a
coffee shop or airport. You can safely enable this option when you’re connected to your home network.
Local Network Access
How to enable or disable Split Tunneling on your Windows computer:
Open VirtualShield VPN and log in to your account, if you are not logged in already.
For more help logging in and connecting, see our
.Select the VPN tab, or navigate to Secure VPN from the Home/Overview screen.
Click the Settings button near the top-right to open the VPN Settings panel.

Alternatively, you can right-click theshield icon next to your clock, then select VPN Settings from the menu.
Toggle the Local Network Access option on or off, then click the back arrow to return to the VPN tab.
You may need to re-connect to the VPN after saving this setting before the changes will be applied.
macOS
If you have any wireless devices connected to your computer, we recommend enabling this option. Otherwise, all traffic will be routed through the
VPN tunnel, including your local/Wi-Fi traffic.
Disabling it provides an additional layer of security, by blocking all outside traffic from reaching your
local network. However, you may be
unable to access these devices until you disconnect.

This is especially important when you’re browsing the web at apublic hotspot, like at a
coffee shop or airport. You can safely enable this option when you’re connected to your home network.
Local Network Access
How to enable or disable Split Tunneling on your Mac computer:
Open VirtualShield VPN and log in to your account, if you are not logged in already.
For more help logging in and connecting, see our
.In the Secure VPN section, click the slider icon to open the
VPN Settings panel.

If you can’t find this icon, click theclose button near the top-right to return to the Home/Overview screen.
Toggle the Local Network Access option on or off, then click the
close button to return to the Home/Overview screen.
You may need to re-connect to the VPN after saving this setting before the changes will be applied.
iOS
If you have any wireless devices connected to your phone/tablet, we recommend enabling this option. Otherwise, all traffic will be routed through the
VPN tunnel, including your local/Wi-Fi traffic.
Disabling it provides an additional layer of security, by blocking all outside traffic from reaching your
local network. However, you may be
unable to access these devices until you disconnect.

This is especially important when you’re browsing the web at apublic hotspot, like at a
coffee shop or airport. You can safely enable this option when you’re connected to your home network.
Local Network Access
How to enable or disable Split Tunneling on your Apple iPhone/iPad:
Open VirtualShield VPN and log in to your account, if you are not logged in already.
For more help logging in and connecting, see our
.Tap the slider icon near the top-right to open the
VPN Settings panel.

If you can’t find this icon, tap theOverview icon near the bottom to return to the Home/Overview screen.
Toggle the Local Network Access option on or off, then tap the back arrow to return to the Home/Overview screen.
You may need to re-connect to the VPN after saving this setting before the changes will be applied.
Android
If you have any wireless devices connected to your phone/tablet, we recommend enabling this option. Otherwise, all traffic will be routed through the
VPN tunnel, including your local/Wi-Fi traffic.
Disabling it provides an additional layer of security, by blocking all outside traffic from reaching your
local network. However, you may be
unable to access these devices until you disconnect.

This is especially important when you’re browsing the web at apublic hotspot, like at a
coffee shop or airport. You can safely enable this option when you’re connected to your home network.
Local Network Access
How to enable or disable Split Tunneling on your Android phone/tablet:
Open VirtualShield VPN and log in to your account, if you are not logged in already.
For more help logging in and connecting, see our
.Tap the slider icon near the top-right to open the
VPN Settings panel.

If you can’t find this icon, tap theOverview icon near the bottom to return to the Home/Overview screen.
Toggle the Local Network Access option on or off, then tap the back arrow to return to the Home/Overview screen.
You may need to re-connect to the VPN after saving this setting before the changes will be applied.
Common Questions
Do I need Split Tunneling if I’m not using Wi-Fi?
No, if you have an Ethernet orCellular/LTE connection you can safely disable this option. However, we recommend leaving it on in case your network changes.
Do I need Split Tunneling for satellite internet?
Yes, Split Tunneling is strongly recommended while using satellite-based networks like, , or . Sometimes it is required in order to establish a secure connection with your router.
Do I need Split Tunneling for Bluetooth devices?
No, this only applies to Wi-Fi andLAN (Local Area Network) connected devices. Your Bluetooth devices (mouse, keyboard, etc.) will not be affected.
Split Tunneling will not have any impact on these devices.