How to Set Up Split Tunnel VPN for Plex: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to set u p split tunnel VPN for Plex is a question many users face when they want to combine the security of a VPN with the performance needed for streaming. In the era of digital entertainment, Plex has emerged as a go-to solution for streaming personal media libraries. However, accessing your Plex server remotely, particularly when traveling or using a public network, can pose security risks. This is where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) comes into play. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, protecting your data from potential intruders. But, when using a VPN with Plex, you might encounter issues with streaming speed and accessibility. This is where a split tunnel VPN becomes essential.

Split tunneling allows you to choose which applications or devices use the VPN and which access the internet directly. By setting up a split tunnel VPN for Plex, you can secure your remote connections without compromising on streaming quality. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up split tunnel VPN for Plex, ensuring you have a seamless and secure streaming experience.

Table of Contents

What is a Split Tunnel VPN and Why Use It with Plex?

Understanding VPN and Split Tunneling

Before diving into the setup process, it’s crucial to understand what a split tunnel VPN is and why it’s beneficial for Plex users.

A VPN routes all your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a secure server, masking your IP address and securing your data. While this enhances security, it can sometimes slow down your internet connection, particularly when streaming media. Split tunneling offers a solution by allowing you to direct some traffic through the VPN (e.g., sensitive data or remote connections) while letting other traffic (e.g., streaming Plex) bypass the VPN and use your regular internet connection.

Why Use Split Tunneling with Plex?

Using split tunneling with Plex offers several advantages:

Improved Streaming Performance: By bypassing the VPN for Plex traffic, you can enjoy faster streaming speeds and reduce buffering issues.
Enhanced Security: You can still protect sensitive data, such as banking or browsing activity, by routing it through the VPN while keeping Plex’s streaming traffic separate.
Remote Access: Securely access your Plex server from anywhere without compromising on streaming quality.

Preparing for the Setup

Before you begin the setup process, there are a few prerequisites you’ll need to prepare:

A Plex Media Server set up and running on your local network.
A VPN subscription that supports split tunneling (e.g., ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or PIA).
Administrative access to your router or the device where the VPN will be configured.
Basic understanding of networking concepts (IP addresses, gateways, etc.).

How to Set Up Split Tunnel VPN for Plex: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose the Right VPN Service

Not all VPNs support split tunneling, so it’s essential to choose one that does. Some popular options include:

ExpressVPN: Known for its fast speeds and robust split tunneling feature.
NordVPN: Offers a user-friendly interface and reliable split tunneling.
Private Internet Access (PIA): Provides advanced configuration options for split tunneling.

When selecting a VPN, ensure it has dedicated apps for the device you’re using Plex on and that it supports split tunneling either through its app or router configuration.

Step 2: Install and Configure the VPN App

Once you’ve chosen a VPN service, follow these steps:

Download and Install the VPN App: Install the VPN application on the device hosting your Plex Media Server or on a compatible router.
Sign In to the VPN: Use your credentials to sign in to the VPN app.
Navigate to Split Tunneling Settings: Most VPN apps have a dedicated section for split tunneling under the settings menu.
Enable Split Tunneling: Toggle the split tunneling option to “On.”
Select Applications to Bypass the VPN: Choose Plex or the specific media server application to bypass the VPN. This will ensure that only non-Plex traffic is routed through the VPN.

Step 3: Configure Split Tunneling on Your Router (Optional)

If your VPN service supports router-based split tunneling, this can be an efficient way to manage multiple devices. Here’s how to do it:

Access Your Router’s Admin Panel: Enter your router’s IP address into a web browser and log in using your admin credentials.
Locate VPN Settings: Depending on your router model, find the VPN settings section.
Set Up Split Tunneling: Configure the router to use the VPN only for selected devices or applications, excluding the device running Plex.
Apply Changes: Save and apply the settings.

This setup allows all devices on your network to benefit from split tunneling without the need to configure each one individually.

Step 4: Test Your Split Tunnel VPN Setup

After configuring split tunneling, it’s essential to test it to ensure everything works as expected.

Check Your IP Address: Use an online tool to verify that your IP address is different when accessing non-Plex applications compared to Plex. This will confirm that split tunneling is working.
Stream from Plex: Try streaming content from your Plex server. If the streaming quality is high and buffering is minimized, the setup is successful.
Remote Access Test: Attempt to access your Plex server remotely while connected to the VPN. You should experience smooth streaming without compromising security.

Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues with your split tunnel VPN setup for Plex, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

VPN Connection Drops: Ensure your VPN service is stable. If it frequently disconnects, try switching servers or contacting your VPN’s customer support.
Slow Streaming Speeds: If streaming is still slow, check your internet connection speed or try excluding additional applications from the VPN to free up bandwidth.
Access Issues: If you can’t access your Plex server remotely, double-check the split tunneling settings and ensure the correct IP addresses are configured.

Advanced Configuration Options

For users with more advanced networking needs, consider these additional configuration options:

Custom DNS Settings: Use custom DNS servers to improve connection reliability and speed.
Firewall Rules: Set up specific firewall rules to control which traffic is allowed through the VPN and which is bypassed.
Scripted Automation: Automate the process of connecting and disconnecting the VPN based on certain triggers (e.g., specific times of the day).

Conclusion

Setting up a split tunnel VPN for Plex can significantly enhance your streaming experience by combining the security of a VPN with the performance of a direct internet connection. By following this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy seamless, high-quality streaming while protecting your sensitive data. Whether you’re at home or on the go, split tunneling offers the perfect balance between security and convenience for Plex users.