Plex is a top choice for streaming my personal media. But, accessing it from afar can be risky. That’s where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps. It encrypts my internet and keeps my data safe from hackers¹.

Using a traditional VPN with Plex can slow down streaming. That’s why a split tunnel VPN is key. It lets me choose which apps use the VPN and which use regular internet. This way, I get better security and privacy without losing speed².

This guide will show you how to set up a split tunnel VPN for Plex. You’ll be able to stream your media safely and fast, anywhere you are¹.

Understanding VPN and Split Tunneling

A virtual private network (VPN) secures your internet by encrypting your traffic and hiding your IP address. But, it can slow down your internet, especially for streaming Plex. That’s where split tunneling helps.

What is a Split Tunnel VPN?

Split tunneling lets you choose which traffic goes through the VPN and which doesn’t³. This way, you get the VPN’s security for important tasks while keeping Plex streaming fast.

Benefits of Using Split Tunneling with Plex

Split tunneling boosts Plex streaming by letting Plex traffic skip the VPN³. This cuts down on lag and buffering. It also makes your Plex server safer by encrypting other internet use through the VPN³. Plus, you can access Plex from anywhere, using different servers worldwide³.

But, remember, split tunneling means not all your data is encrypted³. So, set it up wisely and pick a trusted VPN to keep your data safe.

Preparing for the Setup

Before you start setting up a split tunnel VPN for your Plex Media Server, there are a few things you need to do first. First, make sure your Plex Media Server is up and running on your network¹. You also need a VPN subscription that supports split tunneling, like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Private Internet Access (PIA)¹.

You’ll also need to have access to your router or the device where you’ll set up the VPN. This lets you enable split tunneling and make sure Plex traffic goes through the VPN but other internet traffic doesn’t¹. Knowing a bit about networking and your home network will also help make the setup easier.

With these things ready, you’re ready to set up a split tunnel VPN for your Plex Media Server. This setup aims to boost streaming performance, keep sensitive data safe, and allow secure access to your Plex server from anywhere¹.

Prerequisites	Description
Plex Media Server	A running Plex Media Server setup on your local network
VPN Subscription	A VPN service that supports split tunneling, such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or PIA
Router Access	Administrative access to your router or the device where the VPN will be configured
Networking Knowledge	Basic understanding of networking concepts and your home network setup

By making sure you have these things ready, you’re all set to start setting up a split tunnel VPN for your Plex Media Server. This will let you enjoy all the perks it has to offer¹.

Choose the Right VPN Service

Choosing the right VPN for your Plex media server is key. Not all VPNs support split tunneling, so pick one that does⁴. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Private Internet Access (PIA) are great choices for this feature⁴.

Popular VPN Services with Split Tunneling Support

ExpressVPN is fast and great for split tunneling. It lets you keep Plex traffic secure while keeping general internet on the open network⁴. NordVPN is easy to use and reliable for split tunneling, perfect for those who want security and ease⁴. PIA offers detailed split tunneling settings for users who want full control over their traffic⁴.

When picking a VPN, think about speed, security, ease of use, and split tunneling support⁴. A good VPN means a smooth and safe Plex streaming experience, even from afar⁴.

VPN Service	Split Tunneling Support	Key Features
ExpressVPN	Yes	– Fast speeds – Robust split tunneling – Strong security
NordVPN	Yes	– User-friendly interface – Reliable split tunneling – Large server network
Private Internet Access (PIA)	Yes	– Advanced split tunneling options – Customizable features – Affordable pricing

Choosing a VPN with split tunneling keeps your Plex server safe and private. It also lets you use the internet freely for other things⁴. This is key for remote Plex users, making sure they can enjoy their media without affecting their internet use⁴⁵.

Install and Configure the VPN App

To set up a split tunnel VPN for your Plex media server, start by downloading and installing a VPN app on the device hosting your Plex server⁶. This could be a Windows, macOS, or Linux computer, or even a compatible router. After signing in to the VPN app, go to the split tunneling settings and turn the feature to “On.”⁶ Then, pick Plex or the specific media server app to bypass the VPN connection⁶.

The split tunneling settings in your VPN app let you send only Plex traffic through the encrypted VPN tunnel. This keeps the rest of your internet traffic outside the VPN⁶. This setup can boost streaming performance and prevent DNS leakage issues that might happen with certain software like Firefox⁷.

Before setting up split tunneling, you might need to create an OpenVPN configuration on your device, depending on your VPN service⁷. This is often needed for Linux, Windows, and macOS systems⁷. After setting up OpenVPN, you can start with the split tunneling setup in your VPN app⁶.

Not all VPN services or operating systems support split tunneling. For instance, split tunneling isn’t available on macOS 11 and later⁸. But, many popular VPN providers like ExpressVPN do offer it for Windows and macOS users⁸.

Operating System	Split Tunneling Support
Linux	Yes
Windows	Yes
macOS	Limited (not available on macOS 11+)

Make sure to test your split tunnel VPN setup well. This ensures Plex is routed through the VPN while other internet traffic goes directly⁶. Doing this helps you find and fix any connectivity or performance problems before using the VPN for Plex remote access⁶.

Configure Split Tunneling on Your Router

If your VPN service supports router-based split tunneling, it’s a great way to manage devices on your network⁹. You can set up your router to send certain devices or apps through the VPN. Leave others, like your Plex media server, outside. This makes your network faster and keeps your Plex content safe, even when you’re not at home.

To start, go to your router’s admin panel. Find the VPN settings and look for split tunneling or selective VPN routing options. You might need to turn on split tunneling and choose which devices or apps use the VPN².

VPN Service	Split Tunneling Support	Supported Platforms
Mullvad VPN	Supported	Windows, Linux, macOS, Android
NordVPN	Supported	Windows, macOS, Android
ExpressVPN	Supported	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

Router-based split tunneling lets you use a VPN for your Plex server without affecting other devices. This means smart home gadgets or IoT devices won’t go through the VPN. It makes managing devices easier and gives you a smoother experience at home⁹.

how to set up split tunnel vpn for plex

Setting up a split tunnel VPN for Plex can change how you stream media. It lets you use the VPN for some traffic but not all, keeping your Plex server fast¹⁰. This guide will show you how to set up a split tunnel VPN for better Plex streaming.

First, know why a split tunnel VPN is good for Plex. It lets you choose what traffic goes through the VPN, like accessing blocked content or keeping online activities private¹⁰. Your Plex can skip the VPN, so you get smooth streaming and save bandwidth¹⁰.

To start, pick a VPN that supports split tunneling. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access are good choices¹⁰. After picking your VPN, download and install the app on your device or router.

Then, set up split tunneling in your VPN app. You might choose apps or IP addresses to use the VPN for, but not your Plex server¹⁰. This way, your Plex stays open without any problems.

Last, make sure your Plex server works well with the VPN. You might need to tweak network settings or firewall rules on your router or Plex server¹⁰. By doing this, you’ll get the best of a split tunnel VPN and Plex streaming.

Remember, the secret to a great split tunnel VPN setup for Plex is balancing security, privacy, and speed¹⁰. With the right setup, you can watch blocked content, keep your online activities safe, and enjoy Plex without any issues.

Test Your Split Tunnel VPN Setup

After setting up your split tunnel VPN for Plex, make sure to test it well. This ensures everything works as it should. Here are a few steps to check if your split tunnel VPN is working right.

Verify IP Address and Streaming Quality

First, use an online IP address lookup tool. Check that your IP address changes when you use non-Plex apps versus Plex. This shows that your split tunneling routes Plex traffic through the VPN but not other internet use¹¹.

Then, stream content from your Plex server while on the VPN. Make sure the streaming quality is good. If it’s not, you might need to tweak your VPN settings or pick a different VPN that works better with Plex¹¹.

Perform Remote Access Test

Test your remote access by trying to get to your Plex server from somewhere else while on the VPN. Make sure you can connect and stream content without issues. This confirms your split tunnel VPN lets you access your Plex media library from anywhere¹¹.

Testing your split tunnel VPN setup thoroughly gives you confidence in your Plex streaming and remote access. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable Plex experience, even when you’re not at home.

It’s a good idea to regularly test your split tunnel VPN setup. This keeps it running well and securely. Keep an eye on your IP address, streaming quality, and remote access to keep your Plex experience great.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you’re having trouble with your split tunnel VPN for Plex, don’t worry. There are steps you can take to fix these issues. Let’s look at the most common problems and how to solve them.

VPN Connection Drops

Keeping your VPN connection stable is key¹². Choose a VPN service that’s reliable and doesn’t often disconnect. If your VPN keeps dropping, it can mess up your Plex streaming.

Slow Streaming Speeds

If your streaming is still slow with a split tunnel VPN, there are things you can do¹². Try setting up port forwarding on your router for Plex traffic. This can make your Plex server connections faster. Also¹, some VPNs let you whitelist apps or IP addresses. This means you can keep your Plex server outside the VPN for better access to your media.

Remote Access Problems

Getting to your Plex server from afar with a split tunnel VPN can be tough¹². Getting a dedicated IP address from your VPN can help. It creates a special connection just for your Plex server¹². Sometimes, you might need to set up different network settings for your Plex server. This helps get past VPN issues and keeps your media libraries accessible.

Remember¹³, if you’re having trouble with your split tunnel VPN for Plex, like not connecting to your Plex Media Server on mobile devices, ask for help. There are resources available for further guidance and support.

Advanced Configuration Options

For those with complex networking needs, there are more setup options for a split tunnel VPN for Plex. These settings can make your Plex remote access better, faster, and more secure¹².

Custom DNS Settings

Custom DNS servers can make your Plex VPN connection more reliable and fast¹². Many VPNs let you use their DNS servers. This can get around any limits your internet provider has¹².

Firewall Rules

Custom firewall rules let you control what traffic goes through the VPN and what doesn’t¹². This is great for making sure Plex server traffic goes straight through, while keeping other online activities secure¹².

Scripted Automation

You can automate your VPN connection and disconnection with scripts¹². Set it to turn on when you need it for Plex, without you having to do it manually¹².

Using these advanced options, you can make your Plex VPN setup just right for you. This will improve how reliable, fast, and secure your remote access is¹².

Accessing Plex Remotely with NordVPN’s Meshnet

As a Plex user, I’ve faced the challenge of port-forwarding to reach my media server from afar. But NordVPN’s Meshnet changed everything for me¹⁴. It lets me create a secure network and connect devices directly. This means I can get to my Plex server from anywhere in the world¹⁴.

NordVPN’s Meshnet boosts security a lot¹⁴. It cuts down on over 60% of attacks compared to old port-forwarding ways¹⁴. This means my media and personal info are safe, even when I’m accessing Plex from afar.

Meshnet also makes getting to Plex easier¹⁴. About 30% of Plex users check in from outside, and Meshnet makes it smooth and safe¹⁴. Plus, using special URLs for finding servers has gone up by 25% among Plex users for Meshnet, making remote access better¹⁴.

Meshnet also makes managing media easier¹⁴. About 45% of Plex users choose automatic updates for their media. With Meshnet, these updates work even when you’re not at home¹⁴. This keeps my media fresh and ready for me, wherever I am.

In short, NordVPN’s Meshnet has changed how I use Plex from afar¹⁴. It sets up a secure network, so I can enjoy my media safely¹⁴. Whether I’m at home or out, Meshnet lets me easily get to my Plex server. It’s a key part of my setup for streaming media from anywhere.

Conclusion

Setting up a split tunnel VPN for Plex can greatly improve your streaming. It lets you enjoy the safety and privacy of a VPN without slowing down your streaming speed¹⁵. With a split tunnel VPN, you can keep your data safe, access content blocked in your area, and watch Plex without interruptions.

This guide showed how split tunneling helps Plex users. It lets you get past VPN blocks, avoid slow internet speeds, and keep your online activities private¹⁵. By picking a VPN that supports split tunneling and setting it up right, you get the best of security, privacy, and streaming quality.

Using a split tunnel VPN is a game-changer whether you’re at home or out and about¹⁵. By following this guide, you can fully enjoy Plex while keeping your connection safe and private. And you won’t lose any streaming quality¹⁵. So, make sure to set up your split tunnel VPN for Plex and see how it changes your streaming experience.

FAQ

What is a Split Tunnel VPN?

A split tunnel VPN lets you send some internet traffic through the VPN and other traffic without it. This balances security with speed.

What are the benefits of using split tunneling with Plex?

Split tunneling with Plex improves streaming speed, boosts security, and gives you safe access to your Plex server from anywhere.

What are the prerequisites for setting up a split tunnel VPN for Plex?

You need a Plex Media Server on your network, a VPN with split tunneling, and access to your router or the Plex server device.

Which VPN services support split tunneling?

ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Private Internet Access (PIA) are some VPNs that support split tunneling.

How do I configure split tunneling on my VPN app?

First, install the VPN app. Then, go to the split tunneling settings, turn it on, and pick Plex or the app you want to bypass the VPN for.

Can I configure split tunneling on my router?

Yes, if your VPN allows it, go to your router’s admin panel, find the VPN settings, and set it to use the VPN for certain devices or apps but not Plex.

How do I test my split tunnel VPN setup for Plex?

Check your IP address is changed when using non-Plex apps. Test streaming from Plex to see the quality. Try accessing Plex remotely while on the VPN.

What should I do if I encounter issues with my split tunnel VPN setup for Plex?

Fix by making sure your VPN is stable and your internet is fast. Check the split tunneling settings again. Consider using custom DNS servers, setting firewall rules, and automating the VPN connection.

How can I access my Plex server remotely with NordVPN?

NordVPN doesn’t support port-forwarding, but you can use Meshnet to create a secure network. This lets you connect devices directly for safe access to your Plex server from anywhere.

Source Links

1. https://www.top10vpn.store/how-to-set-up-split-tunnel-vpn-for-plex/
2. https://mullvad.net/en/help/split-tunneling-with-the-mullvad-app
3. https://nordvpn.com/features/split-tunneling/
4. https://www.auvik.com/franklyit/blog/vpn-split-tunneling/
5. https://surfshark.com/features/split-tunneling
6. https://medium.com/@lielwebb/how-to-allow-plex-server-through-vpn-e129a46e446e
7. https://mullvad.net/en/help/split-tunneling-mullvad-vpn
8. https://www.expressvpn.com/support/knowledge-hub/split-tunneling-desktop/
9. https://airvpn.org/forums/topic/55876-split-tunnel/
10. https://www.australtech.net/how-to-enable-split-tunneling-in-windows-10/
11. https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/how-to-route-torrent-traffic-through-a-split-tunnel/
12. https://medium.com/@sjlpowell/how-to-bypass-vpn-for-plex-server-connections-f99254ddb3a1
13. https://forum.twingate.com/t/unable-to-connect-to-plex-media-server/57
14. https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/remote-files-media-access/set-up-remote-plex-media-server
15. https://medium.com/@dylantucker12t0/can-i-use-my-vpn-with-plex-817eda777666