Can’t connect to ExpressVPN

This guide is for users who are unable to connect to the ExpressVPN app. Examples of failing to connect include:

• Encountering “Unable to Connect” error messages.
• Being stuck in the “connecting” state or taking too long to connect.

The likely causes for these issues include:

• The VPN server location you are trying to connect to is under maintenance.
• The VPN connection is blocked by your antivirus or online security application.
• Not using the latest version of the ExpressVPN app.

Preliminary check

Before you proceed, check whether you have an active internet connection.

1. Confirm you are not connected to the ExpressVPN app.
2. On your web browser, access a website of your choice.

If you are able to access the website, the VPN connection issue is not caused by your internet connection. Follow the troubleshooting steps below to resolve the issue.

If you are unable to access the internet even when disconnected from ExpressVPN, there is likely an issue with your internet connection. Check whether your internet connection is active or has underlying issues. (If you are on Windows, try these steps to restoring your internet connection.)

Troubleshooting steps

Follow the troubleshooting steps below to resolve the connection issue. After each step, check if the issue is fixed. If the issue is fixed, you can skip the rest of the steps.

1. Download the latest version of ExpressVPN
2. Connect to a different VPN server location
3. Change your VPN protocol
4. Add ExpressVPN as an exception to your antivirus or online security application
5. Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team

1. Download the latest version of ExpressVPN

Check whether you are using the latest version of the ExpressVPN app. If not, download the latest app version for your device.

Set up your ExpressVPN app:

• Setup instructions for Windows
• Setup instructions for Mac
• Setup instructions for iOS
• Setup instructions for Android
• Setup instructions for Linux
• Setup instructions for routers

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

2. Connect to a different VPN server location

Connect to a different VPN server location on the Recommended server location list.

Connect to a different server location for the…

• ExpressVPN Windows app
• ExpressVPN Mac app
• ExpressVPN iOS app
• ExpressVPN Android app
• ExpressVPN Linux app
• ExpressVPN for routers

If you can connect to ExpressVPN after connecting to a different VPN server location, there may be a temporary issue with the VPN server location you were previously trying to connect to. Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team about the issue and use other VPN server locations in the meantime.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

3. Change your VPN protocol

VPN protocols are the methods by which your device connects to a VPN server.

For the best experience, ExpressVPN recommends using the Automatic protocol option, which is selected by default.

If you are unable to connect to ExpressVPN with the Automatic protocol, try the other protocols in the following order (if available):

1. Lightway – TCP
2. Lightway – UDP
3. OpenVPN – TCP
4. OpenVPN – UDP
5. IKEv2

How to change the protocol for the…

• ExpressVPN Windows app
• ExpressVPN Mac app
• ExpressVPN Android app
• ExpressVPN iOS app
• ExpressVPN Linux app
• ExpressVPN for routers

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

4. Add ExpressVPN as an exception to your antivirus or online security application

If you use the ExpressVPN app while an antivirus or online security application is running, your antivirus or online security application may block the VPN connection.

To test whether your antivirus or online security application is blocking your VPN connection:

1. Disable the antivirus or online security application on your device. (For specific instructions, contact your antivirus or online security application provider.)
2. On your ExpressVPN app, connect to a VPN server location.

If you are able to connect to the VPN while your antivirus or online security application is disabled, your antivirus or online security application is blocking your VPN connection.

To resolve this, add ExpressVPN as an exception to your application. For other applications, you may need to:

• Change the security level from High to Medium
• Grant an exception to UDP ports 1194 to 1204
• Set it to Trust ExpressVPN

Different antivirus or online security products have different steps for adding applications as exceptions. For specific instructions, contact your antivirus or online security application provider.

After adding ExpressVPN as an exception to your antivirus or online security application,

1. Restart the ExpressVPN app.
2. Connect to a server location…
   • ExpressVPN Windows app
   • ExpressVPN Mac app
   • ExpressVPN iOS app
   • ExpressVPN Android app
   • ExpressVPN Linux app
   • ExpressVPN for routers

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

5. Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team

If you have tried all the steps above but are still unable to connect to the VPN, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

You can also submit your diagnostic information, which may reveal the cause of your connection issue, through the ExpressVPN app. The ExpressVPN Support Team will contact you after receiving your information.

Windows or Mac

Android

iOS

Linux

Routers

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top