Set Up a VPN on iOS 12 and Above | ExpressVPN (2024)

Last updated: October 17, 2023

This tutorial will show you how to set up the ExpressVPN app on iOS 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, and 12.

Not yet a customer? Read more about VPN for iOS.

Download the VPN app

Go to the App Store and search for ExpressVPN.

Tap GET.

The ExpressVPN app will be downloaded to your phone.

If you do not see the ExpressVPN app in your App Store, try changing your App Store country.

After the app has finished downloading, tap OPEN to launch the ExpressVPN app.

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

Back to top

Set up the VPN app

On the app’s welcome screen, tap Sign In.

• If you did NOT purchase your ExpressVPN subscription from the App Store: Enter the email address and password associated with your ExpressVPN account. Tap Sign In.
• If you purchased your ExpressVPN subscription from the App Store: Tap restore your App Store subscription. You may receive an iOS prompt to enter your Apple ID password.

You will see a statement detailing the information collected by the ExpressVPN app. Tap Agree and Continue to proceed.

You will be invited to set up your VPN. Tap Continue to proceed with the installation.

The app will notify you: ‘ “ExpressVPN” Would Like to Add VPN Configurations.’ Tap Allow.

Use your Touch ID or enter your passcode to add the VPN configurations.

ExpressVPN will ask if you’d like to be notified of important announcements and alerts. Select your preference to continue.

If you selected OK, tap Allow to confirm you’d like to receive notifications from the ExpressVPN app.

Your app will ask you if you’d like to share anonymous analytics to help make ExpressVPN faster and more reliable. Select your preference to continue.

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

Back to top

Connect to a VPN server location

To connect to a VPN server location, tap . By default, ExpressVPN will suggest the location that provides the optimal experience for you, called Smart Location.

Once you see the Connected message on the app screen, you can begin browsing with freedom and security!

Note: With a single ExpressVPN subscription, you can connect to the VPN on up to eight different devices at the same time, regardless of platform. If you try to connect to more than eight devices at once, you will see this screen:

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

Back to top

Disconnect from a VPN server location

To disconnect from a VPN server location, tap while the VPN is on.

You will know you are disconnected when the screen says, “Not connected.”

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

Back to top

Connect to a different VPN server location

To connect to a different server location, tap .

Note: The first time you try to change locations while connected to VPN, you will get a warning stating your internet traffic may be unsecure during reconnection. Click Continue to proceed.

Tap the new server location you would like to connect to.

ExpressVPN will automatically connect you to the selected server location.

To add a location to your list of favorite locations, swipe right on it. You can access your favorite locations in the Favorites tab.

To remove a location from your list of favorites, swipe right on it.

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

Back to top

Switch to a different 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. This is selected by default and automatically picks the protocol most appropriate for your network.

In some cases, switching to a different protocol may help you achieve faster connection speeds.

To switch to a different protocol:

Tap Options.

Tap Settings > VPN Protocol.

Your current protocol is indicated with a check mark. To change to another protocol, tap the protocol of your choice.

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

Back to top

Block ads, trackers, and harmful sites

Customize your online experience and take back control over what companies know about you. You can block ads, trackers, malicious sites, and adult content from within the ExpressVPN app in just a few taps.

A lot of the apps and websites you visit keep a record of and share your activity with third-party companies, including trackers, scammers, and malware sites. This information is used to serve you more targeted ads and content, usually without your knowledge or permission.

These advanced protection features prevent all apps and websites you visit on your device from communicating with the third-party companies in our open-source blocklists.

Advanced protection features are disabled by default. To enable them:

1. Make sure to connect to the VPN and use the Automatic or Lightway protocol.
2. Tap Options > Settings > Advanced Protection.
3. Toggle the settings on.

Read more about ExpressVPN’s advanced protection features.

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

Back to top

Reconnect to the server if the app disconnects

If your device’s screen has been turned off for a while, the ExpressVPN app might disconnect.

To connect again, open the app and connect to your preferred VPN server location.

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

Back to top

Reinstall your VPN configuration

If the app gives you an unexpected error, you may need to reinstall your ExpressVPN configuration.

Tap Options.

Tap Settings > Reinstall VPN Configuration.

A notification will pop up. Tap Allow.

The app will notify you: ‘ “ExpressVPN” Would Like to Add VPN Configurations.’ Tap Allow to continue.

Use your Touch ID or enter your passcode to add the VPN configurations.

Your VPN configuration will be reinstalled now.

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

Back to top

Change languages in the ExpressVPN iOS app

Tap Options.

Tap Settings > Language.

Select the language you want to use.

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

Back to top

Access support articles in the app

You can now access support articles within the ExpressVPN app.

Tap Help.

Tap a category to select an in-app support article.

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

Back to top

Uninstall the app

To remove ExpressVPN from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, tap and hold the ExpressVPN icon until the app icons vibrate. Tap Delete App.

Tap Delete to remove the app.

The app is now deleted from your device.

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

Back to top