How to Set Up Split Tunnel VPN for Plex

Plex is a top choice for streaming personal media. But, accessing it from afar can be risky. That’s where a VPN helps, encrypting your internet and keeping your data safe¹.

Using a VPN with Plex can sometimes slow down your streaming. That’s why a split tunnel VPN is key. It lets you choose which traffic goes through the VPN and which doesn’t. This way, you keep your Plex server safe and fast².

This guide will show you how to set up a split tunnel VPN for Plex. It’s perfect for boosting Plex security or improving streaming speed. Follow along to make your Plex streaming safer and smoother³.

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

A split tunnel VPN is a great tool for Plex users. It’s different from a regular VPN because it lets you pick which apps or devices use the VPN. This means you can keep your sensitive data safe while still enjoying fast streaming⁴.

Understanding VPN and Split Tunneling

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address. This makes your online activities safer and more private⁴. But, it can slow down your internet, especially when you’re streaming Plex⁴. That’s where split tunneling comes in. It lets you send certain traffic through the VPN and other traffic directly to the internet⁴.

Why Use Split Tunneling with Plex?

Using a split tunnel VPN for Plex means you can keep your remote connections safe without losing streaming quality⁴. It stops all traffic from going through the VPN, which can slow things down⁴. You can choose which apps use the secure VPN and which use your regular internet⁴. This is great for Plex users who want to stream their media safely from anywhere⁴³.

Preparing for the Setup

Before starting your Plex server setup with a split tunnel VPN, make sure you have a few things ready. First, you need a Plex Media Server running on your network⁵.

Also, get a VPN subscription that supports split tunneling. Options include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Private Internet Access (PIA)⁶. This lets your Plex traffic stay secure while other internet use doesn’t go through the VPN.

You’ll need administrative access to your router or the device for the VPN setup. Knowing a bit about networking concepts, like IP addresses and gateways, will also help⁶.

With these things ready, you’re set to start the split tunnel VPN setup for your Plex server. This will give you secure, smooth streaming⁷.

how to set up split tunnel VPN for plex: Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up a split tunnel VPN for your Plex Media Server can change the game. It lets you keep your online activities safe while streaming media without issues. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

Step 1: Choose the Right VPN Service

First, pick a VPN that supports split tunneling, like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Private Internet Access (PIA). Ensure it has apps for your device and supports split tunneling, either through the app or router⁸.

Step 2: Install and Configure the VPN App

After picking your VPN, download and install the app on the device with your Plex Media Server. Log in to the app, go to the split tunneling settings, and turn it on. Then, pick Plex or the app you want to bypass the VPN⁸.

For Windows users, you can set all apps to use the VPN, exclude some apps, or let only certain apps use it⁸. On Mac, you have the same choices, but remember split tunneling doesn’t work on macOS 11 and up⁸.

When connected to the VPN, all DNS queries go through the VPN’s servers, even with split-tunneling settings⁸.

By setting up your split tunnel VPN for Plex right, you get a secure and private connection for streaming. Make sure to test it well to see if it works as expected⁸.

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

If your VPN service supports router-based split tunneling, it’s a great way to manage devices on your network. By setting up your router’s VPN settings, you can choose which devices or apps use the VPN. This lets all devices use split tunneling without setting it up on each one⁹.

To start split tunneling on your router, go to your router’s admin panel and find the VPN settings. There, you can make sure only certain devices or apps use the VPN, leaving your Plex server out of it⁹. This is great for managing many devices or keeping your Plex server’s traffic separate.

Remember, the steps to set up split tunneling can change based on your router and VPN. Some routers make it easy, while others need more tech know-how. Always check your VPN provider’s help and your router’s manual for the right steps¹⁰.

Using router-based split tunneling makes managing your Plex VPN easier. It ensures your Plex server works well without slowing down your other devices⁹.

Step 4: Test Your Split Tunnel VPN Setup

After setting up your split tunnel VPN for Plex, it’s key to test it. This ensures it works right and keeps your Plex streaming quality high. Let’s go through the steps to test it.

First, check your IP address when using apps not related to Plex. It should be different from your Plex server’s IP. This confirms split tunneling is working¹¹. It means your internet traffic is routed right through the VPN for certain apps, but not all.

Next, stream content from your Plex server to check for quality and buffering. This confirms your Plex traffic is getting priority and isn’t slowed down by the VPN¹¹. If streaming quality is poor, check your VPN settings and adjust your Plex server settings if needed.

Finally, try accessing your Plex server from a remote location while on the VPN. This checks the stability and reliability of your split tunnel VPN setup¹¹. If it works well, you’ll know your Plex streaming is secure and fast, even from afar.

The main aim of these tests is to¹¹ make sure your split tunnel VPN is set up right. It should not affect your Plex streaming quality. Take your time to test everything. Don’t be shy to adjust your VPN or Plex settings for the best results.

Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Setting up a split tunnel VPN for your Plex server might lead to some common issues. Let’s look at the most frequent problems and how to fix them.

VPN Connection Drops

If your Plex VPN connection drops often, check the stability of your VPN service first. Make sure your VPN provider is reliable and consistent¹². Often, a force refresh in the browser or clearing the browser cache can solve the issue¹². If you’ve forgotten your login details, they can be found in the Tautulli config.ini file¹².

Slow Streaming Speeds

Slow streaming speeds with the VPN on? Check your internet connection speed first. A slow internet connection might be the real problem, not the VPN¹³. iTop VPN offers speeds over 100Mbps, ensuring fast and reliable streaming for Plex users without worrying about bandwidth issues¹³. Try excluding other apps from the VPN to give your Plex streaming more bandwidth.

Access Issues

Can’t access your Plex server remotely? Check your split tunneling settings again. Make sure the right IP addresses are set and only necessary traffic goes through the tunnel¹². If Tautulli isn’t updating, try different installation methods like Git or ZIP¹²¹³. iTop VPN works with many devices and systems, making sure Plex users can securely stream on PC, Mac, iPhone, Android, and iPad¹³.

Fixing Plex VPN problems might take some time and effort. Be patient and don’t hesitate to get help from your VPN provider or the Plex community if needed¹²¹³.

Advanced Configuration Options

The basic setup for Plex VPN is easy, but there are advanced options for power users. These options let you customize your VPN for your needs and likes¹⁴.

Custom DNS Settings

Looking into custom DNS settings is a good idea. Using different DNS servers can make your Plex VPN faster and more reliable¹⁴. This is great if your usual DNS is slow or unreliable while using the VPN.

Firewall Rules

Setting up firewall rules is another advanced feature. It lets you control which traffic goes through the VPN and which doesn’t. This can make Plex and other apps run better¹⁵.

Scripted Automation

You can also automate your Plex VPN to turn on and off automatically. This can happen at certain times or when you open Plex¹⁴. This ensures your VPN is always set up right for streaming Plex.

By using these advanced options, you can make your Plex VPN work just how you want. Whether it’s better DNS, firewall control, or automated VPN connections, these tools enhance your Plex VPN experience¹⁴¹⁵⁸.

Using NordVPN’s Meshnet for Plex

Getting to your Plex media server from afar can be tough, especially with port forwarding issues. NordVPN’s Meshnet feature is a game-changer. It lets you securely connect to your Plex server from anywhere in the world¹⁶.

NordVPN’s Meshnet creates a secure network between your devices, making port forwarding unnecessary. By setting up a Meshnet, you can directly connect your Plex server with the devices you want to use it on. This keeps your streaming safe and without interruptions¹⁷.

Using NordVPN’s Meshnet with Plex means you can access your media from anywhere safely. The Meshnet encrypts your connection, adding an extra shield against threats or snooping¹⁷.

To start, just download the NordVPN app and turn on Meshnet. Then, link your Plex server and other devices to the Meshnet. This lets you stream your media safely from anywhere in the world¹⁷.

NordVPN’s Meshnet gives you the ease of Plex access from afar while keeping your network secure and private. This cutting-edge solution helps you beat the limits of traditional port forwarding. It ensures a smooth, secure Plex streaming experience¹⁶.

Conclusion

Setting up a split tunnel VPN for your Plex media server changes the game. It combines VPN security with direct internet speed. This way, you get to stream without lag and keep your data safe¹⁸.

This guide shows you how to do this with Ubuntu Server 14.04 LTS or 16.04 LTS. It uses Private Internet Access (PIA) and OpenVPN¹⁸.

Keeping your online life private is key, and a split tunnel VPN is perfect for Plex users¹⁹. By using this guide, you can stream Plex safely from anywhere. You’ll get smooth streaming at home or on the go²⁰.

So, don’t wait to set up a split tunnel VPN for Plex. Enjoy secure streaming and free internet access¹⁸²⁰¹⁹.

Source Links

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16. https://www.comparitech.com/plex/plex-vpn-routing/
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20. https://howdoiknowifimonavpn.tumblr.com/post/747669288857567232/cant-access-plex-server-locally-when-vpn-is