Surfshark has officially launched its split tunneling feature, known as Bypasser, on its macOS VPN app. This update makes Surfshark one of the very few VPN providers offering split tunneling support on Mac devices.
What Is Surfshark Bypasser and Why Is It Important?
Surfshark Bypasser is the company’s version of split tunneling. It gives users more control over their internet traffic by letting them decide which apps or websites should use the VPN connection and which ones should connect directly to the internet.
According to Justas Pukys, Surfshark’s Senior Product Manager, “It is a feature that gives users control over which apps or websites use the VPN and which connect directly to the internet.”
When you use a VPN, your entire internet traffic is normally routed through encrypted VPN servers. While this improves privacy and online security, it can sometimes interfere with how certain apps or websites work. For example, banking websites or government portals often block VPN connections. This forces users to turn off the VPN entirely, exposing all other internet activity to potential risks.
Surfshark Bypasser solves this issue by allowing you to split your traffic into two streams. One continues to go through the secure VPN connection, and the other accesses the internet directly using your regular IP address. This means you can use your online banking app outside the VPN while still protecting your browsing and downloads with the VPN.
Split tunneling allows you to:
- Choose the data you want to encrypt
- Use two different IP addresses at the same time
- Keep 100% of your speed on unencrypted traffic
Justas Pukys also emphasised that the feature is particularly useful for users who need to access local services or content that blocks VPNs, while still enjoying the security of encrypted traffic for everything else.
Expanded Support Across All Major Platforms
Before this update, Surfshark Bypasser was already available on Windows, Android, iOS, and browser extensions. Mac users had been left waiting because Apple removed system support for split tunneling in 2021.
However, that changed in February 2024 when Private Internet Access (PIA) became the first VPN provider to bring split tunneling back to macOS. Now, with Surfshark joining the club, Mac users have more top-tier options to choose from. At the time of writing, other major VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and ProtonVPN still do not offer this feature for macOS.
How to Use Surfshark Bypasser on macOS
Using Bypasser on your Mac is simple and user-friendly. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Surfshark VPN app on your Mac.
- Click on the Settings tab located on the left-hand side.
- Select VPN settings, then choose Bypasser.
- Add any apps or websites you want to exclude from the VPN tunnel.
This setup allows you to customise your connection in just a few clicks. Whether you want to stream local content, use your banking app, or access government services, Bypasser gives you the flexibility to do so without compromising your overall security.
A Rare and Valuable Feature for Mac Users
With the launch of Bypasser on macOS, Surfshark has become one of the few VPN services that offer split tunneling across all major operating systems. The feature is already available on Windows, Android, iOS, and browser extensions. Now, Mac users can finally enjoy the same convenience and control.
Split tunneling might seem like a small addition, but it significantly enhances user experience by removing the need to constantly turn the VPN on and off. For privacy-conscious users who also need to access non-VPN-friendly apps or sites, this is a game-changing feature.
Surfshark’s Bypasser for macOS puts the power back in the user’s hands, letting you tailor your internet connection to fit your needs without sacrificing security.