How to Use ExpressVPN in 2026: Setup and First Steps

To use ExpressVPN, you need an active account and the official app for your device. You do not need to understand VPN protocols before connecting: Automatic and Smart Location are sensible starting points.

ExpressVPN now sells Basic, Advanced, and Pro tiers. Its US checkout surfaced a long introductory Basic offer starting around $3.49 per month when checked on July 14, 2026, but the full term is paid upfront and most payment methods renew automatically. Confirm the checkout total, renewal date, and renewal price for your region before paying.

ExpressVPN is part of Kape Technologies. That ownership does not change the setup steps, but it is relevant when deciding whether the provider fits your privacy preferences; our full ExpressVPN review covers the service in more depth.

Before you install ExpressVPN

Start by checking that the plan covers your devices. Basic permits 10 simultaneous VPN connections, Advanced permits 12, and Pro permits 14. You can install the app on more devices, but only the plan-specific number can connect at the same time.

Download the app only from your ExpressVPN dashboard, the provider’s official download page, or the official app store for your device. Keep your account email available during setup.

This quick reference shows the current setup route for the main platforms:

Platform	Current install route	First setting to check
Windows 10 or later	Download the installer from your ExpressVPN account	Internet Kill Switch and startup behavior
Android 7 or later	Install the official Android app and approve the VPN connection request	Auto-connect on untrusted networks
iPhone or iPad on iOS 15 or later	Install from the App Store and allow the VPN configuration	Internet Kill Switch mode
Apple TV, Android TV, or Fire TV	Install the matching TV app where supported	Smart Location or another nearby location

Install ExpressVPN and make your first connection

Windows

1. Sign in to your ExpressVPN account in a browser and download the Windows app.
2. Run the installer. Approve the Windows permission prompt if it appears.
3. Open the app and sign in. Use the email sign-in link, or paste the activation code from your dashboard if the app requests it.
4. Leave the protocol set to Automatic for the first connection.
5. Select the large connection button to use Smart Location. Wait until the app shows that the VPN is connected before opening the app or site you want to use.

Smart Location recommends a location based on your network. If you need a specific country or city for a legitimate reason, open the location picker; otherwise, stay nearby to avoid unnecessary routing distance.

Android

Install the official ExpressVPN app, sign in, and accept Android’s VPN connection request. That permission lets the app create the encrypted tunnel; ExpressVPN cannot connect until you approve it.

Tap the connection button to use Smart Location. Once the app reports that you are connected, open your browser or other app normally.

iPhone and iPad

Install ExpressVPN from the App Store, sign in, and tap Allow when iOS asks to add the VPN configuration.

Use the main button for the first connection. The current iOS app supports Automatic protocol selection, an Internet Kill Switch, and IP-address-based split tunneling.

TVs and routers

ExpressVPN has current setup paths for Apple TV on tvOS 17 or later, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV devices. On a supported TV, install the native app, sign in, and connect just as you would on a phone.

For a device that cannot run a VPN app, use a compatible router. Setup and available controls vary by model, so follow the exact ExpressVPN guide instead of generic firmware instructions. For a similar walkthrough on another provider, see Proton VPN’s TV and router setup.

Configure the ExpressVPN settings that matter

Keep the Internet Kill Switch on

The Internet Kill Switch blocks internet access if the VPN unexpectedly disconnects, limiting the chance that traffic leaves through your normal connection. ExpressVPN uses the name Network Lock in some desktop and Linux documentation; the mobile apps label the control as an Internet Kill Switch.

Enable it where an unprotected connection would matter. The current iOS app offers Standard and Advanced modes; read their in-app descriptions before choosing the stricter option.

Leave the protocol on Automatic first

ExpressVPN recommends Automatic because the app selects a protocol for the current network. This is the right default for a first-time setup. Lightway and other manual choices are useful when troubleshooting, but changing protocols without a reason can disable or alter other features.

If the VPN will not connect, update the app first, try another location, and then test another protocol. Change one thing at a time so you know which step fixed the problem.

Turn on auto-connect where it is useful

On Windows, ExpressVPN can connect to your last location at startup and apply automation rules based on the network you join. On Android, it can connect automatically when you join a network you have not marked as trusted.

Auto-connect is most useful on devices that regularly join hotel, airport, cafe, or coworking Wi-Fi. Review the trusted-network list occasionally.

Use split tunneling sparingly

Split tunneling sends selected traffic outside the VPN. On Windows and Android, you can choose which apps use or bypass the VPN. The current macOS app can apply rules to apps and IP addresses, while the iOS implementation uses IP-address rules.

Use it when a local service, printer, or work app needs the direct connection. Anything you exclude loses the VPN tunnel for that traffic.

Review Advanced Protection

ExpressVPN’s Advanced Protection area includes controls for trackers, ads, malicious sites, and adult-content blocking, with availability depending on the plan, app, and platform. The malicious-site blocker is available on Basic, Advanced, and Pro. For a closer look at how well the ad-blocking layer works, see does ExpressVPN block ads.

These blocklist controls do not replace browser updates, antivirus, or careful handling of links and downloads. The same controls are also available on Fire TV; see our guide to ExpressVPN on Amazon Fire TV Stick.

A simple routine for everyday use

Open ExpressVPN before using an unfamiliar network. Connect with Automatic protocol and Smart Location, wait for the connected state, and then use your apps normally. Choose a specific location only when you have a clear reason.

Leave the VPN connected while you move between routine tasks. If a bank, work service, streaming app, or local device rejects the VPN connection, try another suitable location first. If that does not help, disconnect only for the necessary task and reconnect afterward. The same everyday routine works well for other providers too, such as PureVPN’s setup and first steps.

For a household installation, count phones, computers, tablets, and TV devices before deciding which tier is enough. Our guide to the best VPNs for multiple devices explains how ExpressVPN’s tiered limits compare with providers that allow more connections.

Common ExpressVPN problems and fixes

The VPN will not connect

Disconnect ExpressVPN and confirm that the internet works without it. Then update the app, restart the device, try another nearby server location, and test a different protocol. ExpressVPN’s current troubleshooting order also recommends checking whether antivirus or security software is interfering before contacting support.

ExpressVPN connects, but the internet does not work

First test the underlying connection with the VPN disconnected. Reconnect using Automatic protocol and another nearby location. If internet access remains blocked after disconnecting, check the Internet Kill Switch and DNS settings rather than repeatedly reinstalling the app.

The connection is slow or keeps dropping

A distant location adds more network distance. Return to Smart Location or another nearby location, update the app, and compare the result with the VPN disconnected. If drops continue, change the protocol once and retest; on mobile, also check whether battery-saving settings are restricting ExpressVPN in the background.

A printer or shared drive disappears

The Internet Kill Switch can block local network access. ExpressVPN’s current apps let you allow access to local network devices while the kill switch remains enabled. Use that setting for a trusted home or office network instead of turning off the kill switch completely.

You see a connection-limit warning

Disconnect ExpressVPN on devices you are not using. Remember that the current limits are 10 connections on Basic, 12 on Advanced, and 14 on Pro. If you regularly reach the cap, decide whether a higher tier, a compatible router, or a service with broader device coverage is the better long-term fix.

The setup we recommend

For most people, the best ExpressVPN setup is deliberately simple: Automatic protocol, Smart Location, the Internet Kill Switch enabled, and auto-connect on devices that join unfamiliar networks. Add split-tunneling rules only for apps that actually need to bypass the VPN.

That configuration gives the app room to choose a suitable connection while protecting against an unexpected drop. Revisit the settings after major app updates, because names and platform-specific options can change.

FAQ

Should I leave ExpressVPN on all the time?

Leave it on when you want consistent VPN protection and your normal apps work correctly. If a trusted bank, work tool, streaming service, printer, or other local device does not work through the VPN, adjust the location or relevant setting before disconnecting temporarily.

How do I know ExpressVPN is connected?

The app should show a connected state and name the active VPN location. Do not assume that opening the app means the tunnel is active; wait for the connection confirmation before sending traffic you want routed through the VPN.

How many devices can use ExpressVPN at once?

Basic supports 10 simultaneous connections, Advanced supports 12, and Pro supports 14. Those are connection limits, not installation limits, so the app can remain installed on additional devices as long as too many are not connected at the same time.

Can I use ExpressVPN on a smart TV?

Yes, on supported Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV devices. Install the native app where available. For a TV or media device without a compatible app, use a supported router setup and follow the model-specific instructions from ExpressVPN.