ExpressVPN Multiple Device Installation & Compatibility Guide

One of the most frequent questions we receive is, “Can I install ExpressVPN on multiple devices? How does that even work?” Yes, you can do so. It is easier than you think! Secure your desktop, mobile or even your smart TV. ExpressVPN is designed to allow for seamless acceptance across a variety of devices. From our personal experience, we have seen that it is very easy to set up, even for a noob.

Here in this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about ExpressVPN multiple device installations of your preference. We will go into its compatibility with many platforms so that you may feel comfortable knowing your online privacy is always secured. Trust us: once you see how easy it is, you will want to secure every device in your home. So, let us get down to it and get your VPN up and running everywhere you need it!

ExpressVPN Device Compatibility

It has a pretty good record for offering strong device support across multiple devices. Here is what you need to know about ExpressVPN device compatibility:

Operating Systems

Windows

It offers an app specifically for Windows and accepts versions 7, 8, 10 and 11. A standout feature of the app is its user interface which allows convenient access to some of the fantastic features, such as split tunneling and Network Lock (kill switch). Installation is a relatively straightforward process with just a few clicks to go about, making it suitable for the beginner as much as a highly advanced user.

macOS

The macOS application does integrate well with the environment. It supports OS X 10.10 Yosemite and newer releases of the macOS operating system. The server automatically picks one, split tunneling is also supported and Network Lock is engaged. Installation is available on the ExpressVPN website with minimal steps.

Linux

It supports most Linux distributions using their CLI. No GUI, but the Linux CLI application makes up for this with the fact that users have complete control over server connections, the kill switch and protocol switching like OpenVPN and Lightway. Installation is not a problem for Linux users who are familiar with the terminal.

Mobile Devices

Android

It is supported by Android devices with Android versions of at least 5.0. The split tunneling and auto-connect features, together with the Lightway protocol, will make this app a great on-the-go private app. The app is downloadable directly from the Google Play Store or via APK from the official site of ExpressVPN for direct download and installation.

iOS

ExpressVPN’s iOS app is compatible with iPhones and iPads running iOS 12 and up. The interface is pretty user-friendly. The VPN can be connected with one tap. It supports features that switch between two protocols known as Lightway, as well as IKEv2/IPsec. 

Routers

ExpressVPN supports Linksys, Asus and Netgear, among others, which means that network-wide VPN coverage is enabled with one installation. All connected devices like smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles are protected when placed behind a router installation using ExpressVPN, obviating the need for an individual app installation. Supported models can have a manual setup guide downloaded or users may buy it pre-configured for easier installation.

Multiple Device Support

With ExpressVPN, you can connect up to 8 devices simultaneously on only one subscription. That means securing multiple gadgets, one with your laptop, your smartphone, your tablet, or even your smart TV, all at once. You will be working, streaming or browsing on those devices, ensuring that all your online activities remain private and are protected.

This feature is very helpful to families or individuals who need more than one device daily. There is no more juggling between connections or logging in and out of different devices; you are well covered everywhere. And if you happen to need more than 5 connections, it’s perfect when installing ExpressVPN for routers, which secures all the devices that get connected to your Wi-Fi network.

ExpressVPN On Desktop Platforms

It is developed with the support of desktop platforms pretty much completely, so it doesn’t matter whether you are on a Windows, macOS, or Linux platform. It provides perfect protection for a secure and private source of the Internet. Let us take a look at ExpressVPN multiple device installations through standard apps and configurations.

Windows

Standard Installation

Connecting ExpressVPN on Windows is pretty much straightforward:

Sign Up and Download

• Go to the ExpressVPN site and sign up for a subscription. Sign in to the account with your login details and download the Windows application supporting Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11.

Installs Application

• You can locate the downloaded .exe file. 
• Double-click it to install the application.

Activation

• Open ExpressVPN on your computer.
• Activate your app by giving an activation code. You can locate this in the dashboard of your ExpressVPN account.
• Enter the activation code on the application.

Connect to a Server

• Tap on the “Power” button so you can connect to the smart location, which is one of the best servers recommended for the application.
• You can change to a different server by tapping on the “Selected Location” and choosing a suitable one from the presented list.

Manual Installation

Use a manual setup or configure ExpressVPN without the application if you still want to do that:

Get your Manual Configuration Credentials

• Log in to your ExpressVPN account on the website.
• On the “Set Up Other Devices” click on “Manual Configuration”.
• Click on the PPTP & L2TP/IPSec tab.
• Ensure that you write down all your usernames, passwords, and server addresses.

Setup VPN Connection

Go to “Settings” > “Network & Internet” > “VPN” > “Add a VPN connection”. In the dropdown for VPN provider, select “Windows (built-in).” Fill in the connection details:

• Connection name: Any name you like to refer to it by (like ExpressVPN Manual).
• Server name or address: Enter one of the server addresses.
• VPN type: Select “L2TP/IPSec with pre-shared key”.
• Pre-shared key: Input “12345678” – This is the default key used by ExpressVPN.
• Type of sign-in info: Select “Username and password.”
• Username and Password: Use the credentials found on the manual configuration page.

Connect

• Save the VPN profile.
• Click the newly created VPN connection on your PC and click “Connect.”

Note: Proceed with this process using the manual method only. Please note the manual does not give you the same amount of security as the app does, including the kill switch, so if you’re interested in maximum protection, you should use the app.

macOS

Standard Installation

Installing ExpressVPN on your Mac is not very complicated at all:

Sign Up and Download

• Go to the ExpressVPN website and sign up.
• Login and click “Set Up on More Devices,” choose “Mac.”
• Download the application for macOS version 10.10 (Yosemite) or higher.

Downloading and Installing the App

• Open the downloaded .dmg file.
• Drag the ExpressVPN application directly to the “Applications” folder.

Activating the App

• Open ExpressVPN through the Applications folder.
• When prompted, please enter your activation code from your account dashboard.

Connect to a Server

• Use the power button to connect to the recommended server. 
• For a different location, click on the “Selected Location” and choose your preferred server.

Manual Installation

If you want to configure manually, utilizing the L2TP/IPSec protocol:

Get Your Credentials

• Log in to your ExpressVPN account
• Go to “Set Up on More Devices” > “Manual Configuration” > “PPTP & L2TP/IPSec”.
• Note down your username, password and server addresses.

Configuration of VPN Settings

Open “System Preferences” > “Network.” Click on the “+” to connect a new network connection.

• Interface: VPN
• VPN Type: L2TP over IPSec
• Service Name: Any name you prefer, like ExpressVPN Manual.

Enter Server and Account Details

• Server Address: Choose one from the list.
• Account Name: This will be the account name on the settings page.

Authentication Settings:

• Click “Authentication Settings”.
• Password: enter your password from your manager
• Shared Secret: enter “12345678.”
• Click “OK”.

Apply and Connect

• Click “Apply” to commit the changes.
• To connect to the VPN, simply select the VPN connection in the network list, then click “Connect.”

Reminder: Some of the advanced features like Network Lock (kill switch) might not be supported in some actual configurations and provide less security than the app.

Linux

ExpressVPN supports various Linux distributions, providing a command-line interface (CLI) app for efficient control.

Download the App

• Log in to your ExpressVPN account.
• Navigate to “Set Up on More Devices” > “Linux.”
• Download the appropriate package for your distro (Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.).

Install the App

• Open the terminal.
• Navigate to the directory containing the downloaded package.

Install the package using

• For Debian/Ubuntu: sudo dpkg -i expressvpn_*.deb
• For Fedora/CentOS: sudo rpm -ivh expressvpn_*.rpm

Activate the App

• In the terminal, enter: expressvpn activate
• Paste your activation code when prompted.

Connect to a Server

• To connect to the recommended server, type: expressvpn connect
• To connect to a specific location: expressvpn connect [LOCATION]
• Replace [LOCATION] with your desired server code (e.g., usa, uk, japan).

Additional Commands

• List Server Locations: expressvpn list
• Disconnect: expressvpn disconnect
• Check Status: expressvpn status

ExpressVPN On Mobile Devices

ExpressVPN offers seamless access on a mobile phone with no interference and keeping data safe becomes very straightforward when you have to roam around. Whether you use an Android or an iOS phone, it offers separate apps for security purposes designed only for your gadget, while it also makes sure you have speed. Let’s dive right into the ways of App-based and Manual ExpressVPN setup guides on both your devices.

Android

Standard Installation (Recommended)

Sign up and download the App

• From Google Play Store on your Android.
• Search for ExpressVPN, download and install the app.
• On Android versions below Android 4.0, users will be prompted to download from a region where ExpressVPN is available from the Play Store. APKs can then be downloaded directly from the ExpressVPN website.

Install the App

• Once downloaded, open the app and log in with your ExpressVPN credentials.
• Follow through with the installation and accept all required permissions, such as the app needing network access to work properly.

Connect to a Server

• Now go ahead and click on the “Power” button to join a default recommended server or go through your list of servers for any available location in the server.
• Other additional features, including split tunneling and auto-connect, are also available for more granular customization with the app settings.

Manual Installation

To set up a VPN manually on Android, you can go for OpenVPN or L2TP/IPSec if you really don’t want to get along with an app.

Download OpenVPN Connect

• OpenVPN Connect is available in the Google Play Store.

Get Manual Configuration Files

• Go to your ExpressVPN account and tap “Set Up on More Devices.”
• Tap “Manual Configuration” and download your configuration files (.ovpn) for the server locations you want to connect to.

Configure OpenVPN

• Open the OpenVPN Connect app and import the downloaded .ovpn files
• Enter your ExpressVPN username and password, as found on the manual configuration page
• Tap the “Connect” button to start accessing ExpressVPN without the specific app.

iOS

Standard Installation (Recommended)

Download from the App Store

• Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
• Search for ExpressVPN and download the app.

Install and Log In

• Launch the app and log in using your ExpressVPN credentials.
• You’ll be prompted to complete a few setup steps including permissions to configure the VPN and to receive notifications.

Connect to a Server

• Tap the “Power” button, which will connect you to the recommended server, or you can choose one of your own from the location list.
• Use features such as public Wi-Fi auto-connect and Network Lock, or more simply known as a kill switch.

Manual Installation

To install L2TP/IPSec for iOS by hand:

Get Manual Configuration Information

• Log into your Express account, then click “Manual Configuration” under the “Set Up on More Devices” option.
• Choose PPTP & L2TP/IPSec.  
• Make a note of your username, password and server addresses.

Install VPN in iOS Settings

Go to “Settings” > “General” > “VPN” > “Add VPN Configuration.” L2TP, fill in information by:

• Server: Add server address
• Account: ExpressVPN manual configuration username
• Password: Password from the page with manual configuration
• Secret: “12345678” (ExpressVPN shared secret for L2TP connection)

Connect

• After saving your configuration, return to “Settings” > “VPN” and flip the connection on.

Note: The manual method might not provide all the advanced features (like split tunneling or kill switch) available in the app.

Additional Tips

• Stay Up-to-Date: The latest app versions for ExpressVPN ensure you are receiving the most recent security features.
• Device Flexibility: Never forget, it provides 5 connections on the go, on all of your devices, be it mobile or desktop devices.
• Customer Support: In case of problems, ExpressVPN provides live 24/7 support through chat to be at your service at all times.

ExpressVPN On Routers

ExpressVPN can be installed directly onto your router, which will automatically cover all the attached devices. Of course, many of you may not be router geeks, but that is just fine. And thus, ExpressVPN has you covered too in the way of pre-configured routers or even more directly with a manual setup. Let’s go through both options so that you can figure out which one of these two best matches your requirements.

Pre-Configured Routers (Recommended)

Why Pre-Configured?

Want a headache-free solution? ExpressVPN partners with companies like FlashRouters that sell pre-configured routers with the ExpressVPN already installed. Pre-configured routers are totally out-of-the-box and do not need further manual configuration. Here’s how it is:

• Purchase the Pre-configured Router: Find a compatible router in FlashRouters by browsing the router page of ExpressVPN.
• Connect and Start Surfing: Just power the router, hook up your devices to the VPN, and log into your account. Every device attached to your network will automatically be tunneled through ExpressVPN, ready for secure encrypted connections.
• Ease of Use: You can manage VPN connections using an intuitive dashboard provided by ExpressVPN and keep every connected device, from laptop to smart TV to game console, protected without ever having to configure anything in the latter part.

Manual Router Setup

You can manually set up ExpressVPN on routers with VPN connection support. On compatible ASUSWRT, DD-WRT, Tomato and many more, you can manually set it up as follows:

Step 1: Check Router Compatibility

Before the manual setup, make sure that your router is VPN-compatible. The most common firmware-supporting VPN configurations are AsusWRT, DD-WRT, Tomato, Netgear, TP-Link and Linksys.

Step 2: Download Configuration Files

Log in to your ExpressVPN account and go to the Router Setup section. Select your router model and download the respective OpenVPN configuration files or L2TP/IPsec settings manually.

Step 3: Access Your Router’s Admin Panel

Open up a new browser window and enter the IP address of your router (usually it will be 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Login with your admin username and password. 

Step 4: Configure the VPN

For OpenVPN

• Go to the VPN tab within your router’s admin interface.
• Upload the downloaded ExpressVPN .ovpn configuration file. Enter username and password on the account page; enable optional settings, such as auto-reconnect or kill switch if configured.

With L2TP/IPSec

• Insert the necessary information including server address, username, password and shared IPSec secret.
• Enable and Connect.

Step 5: Connect and Verify

All devices on your network will be protected by the VPN once settings are saved and your router connects to ExpressVPN without requiring individual installations for each device.

Additional Tips

• Router Control Panel: Use your ExpressVPN dashboard for routers to toggle between VPN locations and devices and turn off or on your VPN with only a few clicks.
• Devices Supported: Flit the VPN software to your router and make sure that devices that do not natively support VPN apps, such as Apple TVs, gaming consoles and even smart appliances, are well protected.
• Multi-Device Support: By securing your router, you can bypass the limitation of simultaneous connections of five devices to protect all the members in your household or office without restriction.

Benefits of Installing ExpressVPN on a Router

• Protect Every Device on Your Network: Installing ExpressVPN on your router makes the VPN accessible to all devices via your Wi-Fi. This encompasses basically anything like smart TVs, gaming consoles and Internet of Things devices that largely do not permit VPN applications.
• Unlimited Device Connections: The 8-device limit does not have to be broken because of a VPN on your router. Everything in your house from your laptops to your smart speaker will become encrypted and secure.
• Always-On Protection: Once installed, your router automatically encrypts all of your devices that connect to your network. There is no need to turn on the VPN because it will be done for you.
• Improved Network Security: Routers are usually the weak point in home networks. Added security improves your chance of not being compromised by hackers or found online.
• Seamless User Experience: The installed VPN quietly runs in the background, protecting all the flow of traffic through your router, requiring no further steps on individual devices. This makes it perfect for the set-it-and-forget kind of users.

Troubleshooting ExpressVPN On Multiple Devices

Even if you have the same ExpressVPN account on many devices, you can still experience issues. But most problems have easy solutions. Be it connection issues, speed slowdowns or configuration problems, here is how you troubleshoot with effectiveness:

Connection Problems Across Devices

Sometimes, your device will simply fail to connect to ExpressVPN. Try these:

• Reboot your VPN app: To refresh the connection, close and reopen your app.
• Switch to a different server: Maybe the one you aimed at is overloaded in some way. ExpressVPN has a huge number of servers, so changing to another location may be all it takes for the problem to be on the server side.
• Restart your router: Assuming you have installed ExpressVPN on your router and all devices affected cannot connect to it. Then, just restart your router so that the connection gets reset.
• Upgrade the application: Make sure your application has upgraded to the latest one. Sometimes, the older the software is, the buggier it becomes. This sometimes affects connectivity.
• Deactivate firewalls or any other security software: If there is some firewall or security software, sometimes it prevents the VPN, too. Just disable such applications and see if the issue is resolved.

Slow Internet Speeds on VPN

Slow speed is a good enough reason to use a VPN. If you face a slow internet speed when connected to ExpressVPN, then follow one of the following:

• Change VPN protocols: At times, changing the protocol will make the speed even better. OpenVPN, Lightway, IKEv2 and L2TP/IPsec are available in ExpressVPN. Overall, Lightway offers the best speed and security balance.
• Connect to a closer server: Sometimes proximity may interfere with the speed. Connect to the geographically closest server for the highest possible speed.
• Use a base connection test: An issue may not lie with the VPN but with your internet service provider experiencing slowdowns. Run a test with the VPN off to get a baseline measurement of your connection speed.
• Close bandwidth-intensive applications: If you are downloading big files or viewing movies on multiple devices at the same time, then it will probably slow your connection.

You can also check out our in-depth guide on how to improve ExpressVPN speed.

Device Compatibility and App Crashes

The list of apps doesn’t end there. ExpressVPN has applications for multiple devices, but sometimes you will face some device-specific issues:

• Uninstall and reinstall the app: If an application just keeps crashing sometimes, the best solution would be to uninstall the app and then reinstall it.
• Compatibility of your device check: You want to ensure that your device is compatible with the version you are using for ExpressVPN. For instance, your older versions of Android or iOS may not be compatible with the latest updates available for the applications.
• Clear cache: Next in debugging performance issues on smartphones is to clear the cache of the app. Look for the ExpressVPN app in your settings and then clear your cache.

VPN Not Working with Certain Websites

If you start to find that you’re being denied access to the site, like maybe Netflix or Hulu, here’s what you do:

• Switch servers: Services such as known VPN servers will normally block these servers, so switching to another server location could be very helpful in bypassing these blocks.
• Using the Smart Location feature: Smart Location is one of the coolest features of ExpressVPN. It selects the best server for you based on speed versus unblocking capabilities.
• Enable obfuscation: Some sites use VPN detection. At this stage, ExpressVPN’s obfuscation feature can be employed to mask VPN traffic and prevent any VPN blocks.

Multiple Device Limitations

It allows simultaneous connections of up to 8 concurrent accesses on multiple devices. Perhaps, you reached its eight-simultaneous access limit or you encountered a connectivity glitch. Check if any of the following apply in your case:

• Log out of one device: You might be logged in to ExpressVPN on more than five devices. You could log out from one to allow a new device to connect.
• Set up ExpressVPN on your router: If you have reached the five-device limit, you can set up ExpressVPN on your router. That way, every device connected to your network will have a protective function and still will not be included in that device limit.

Router-Specific Issues

You have installed ExpressVPN on your router, but the function doesn’t match your expectations.

• Reinstall it: Make sure to install the router properly. For more information about how to install the router, refer to ExpressVPN’s router setup guide.
• Server change location: As with the app, changing the server location on your router often fixes the connection issue
• Call or email live support: If the above fails, their 24/7 live chat is super speedy, and you can walk them through router-specific steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, you can install ExpressVPN on multiple devices. The process is completely easy. From computers and mobile phones to routers and gaming consoles, it will be able to keep all your online activities hidden, no matter what device you use. Setup is user-friendly and seamless across platforms, but with its compatibility range, it is just so full-protective.

This means whether you are surfing on your work laptop or streaming your favorite series to your smart TV, ExpressVPN has everything covered for you. Take just a few minutes sorting through the installation options for your security and you will never have to worry again about such an insecure or buggy online experience.