ExpressVPN Not Working? Fixes in the Right Order (2026)

If ExpressVPN is not working, first change the server location. Then change the protocol from Automatic to Lightway UDP, then Lightway TCP, then OpenVPN. ExpressVPN’s own troubleshooting guides put these two fixes first.

The rest of this page covers the cases those two do not fix:

• Network Lock cutting your internet after you disconnect
• A split tunneling rule routing the wrong app
• A phone that drops the VPN to save battery
• A MediaStreamer TV that lost its IP registration

Every step comes from ExpressVPN’s support pages as we loaded them on 31 October 2026. The plan, device, protocol and refund facts come from our ExpressVPN record, verified the same day. We have not yet tested ExpressVPN in our lab, so nothing here is a measured result.

Symptom

ExpressVPN’s support center splits “not working” into separate guides. Each guide has its own list of symptoms:

• Cannot connect: an “Unable to Connect” error message, or the app stuck in the “connecting” state or taking too long to connect. ExpressVPN names four likely causes on that page. The server location may be under maintenance. An antivirus or online security app may be blocking the connection. The app may be outdated, or a dedicated IP may be in use without the Lightway protocol.
• Connected but no internet: websites fail to load immediately after connecting, or browsing stops after the VPN has been connected for a while.
• Keeps disconnecting: the app disconnects immediately or some time after connecting, disconnects while the device sleeps, or shows “The VPN connection has unexpectedly dropped”.
• On Windows, no internet after you disconnect on purpose: ExpressVPN’s guide says this is “usually caused by either the Internet Kill Switch or DNS settings”.
• The wrong apps use the VPN: an app you excluded in split tunneling still goes through the tunnel, or one you included does not. On macOS, the system may block the split tunnel extension.
• A TV set up with MediaStreamer reports no internet connection, or MediaStreamer stops working after the router restarts.
• Streaming errors with the VPN connected: for Netflix’s proxy message, see Does ExpressVPN work with Netflix? The general Netflix VPN not working guide covers every provider.

Likely causes, ranked

ExpressVPN publishes no failure statistics. So this list follows the order its own guides use. That order is the best available sign of how often each cause turns up.

1. The server location has a temporary problem. Every ExpressVPN connection guide makes “connect to a different server location” the first real step. It also asks you to report the failing location so it can be checked.
2. The protocol does not suit the network. A protocol is the method the app uses to build the VPN connection. Automatic usually picks Lightway over UDP. Networks that slow down or block UDP need Lightway TCP or OpenVPN TCP. A dedicated IP address works only with Lightway.
3. Security software is blocking the app. ExpressVPN’s test is to turn off the antivirus and connect. If that works, add an exception.
4. The app is outdated. Desktop apps show an update banner. Mobile apps update through the stores, and TV apps through the device’s app store.
5. Network Lock is doing its job. Network Lock is ExpressVPN’s kill switch. A kill switch blocks your internet if the VPN connection drops. Network Lock is on by default on Windows, macOS, Linux and Android, and always on for iOS. We verified this on 31 October 2026. It blocks IPv4, IPv6 and DNS traffic outside the tunnel. In its “Enable at all times” mode, it blocks everything whenever the VPN is off. That includes after you disconnect on purpose.
6. A split tunneling rule routes the wrong traffic. Split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN. The cause can be an app set to “Bypass VPN”, or the “All Other Apps” switch set to bypass. On Android, the system’s “Block connections without VPN” setting turns off split tunneling entirely.
7. DNS or proxy settings were left behind. DNS is the system that looks up the address of each site you visit. On Windows, DNS that was not restored after you disconnect stops pages loading. Browser proxy settings do the same while you are connected.
8. The phone’s power or network settings cut the VPN. Battery optimization on Android breaks the tunnel. So does automatic network switching, such as Wi-Fi Assist on iOS, Samsung’s “Switch to mobile data” and Pixel’s Adaptive connectivity.
9. The ISP or the country interferes. ExpressVPN’s disconnecting guide lists ISP interference first among its causes. It tells users in heavily censored countries to contact support straight away.
10. MediaStreamer lost its registration. Your home IP changed, or the registered IP went unused for 30 days and was removed. Another cause is a DNS address mistyped on the TV.

Fixes in order

ExpressVPN’s guides all start with the same check: disconnect from the VPN and load a website. If nothing loads without ExpressVPN, the problem is your internet connection, not the app.

1. Update the app. Desktop: click the in-app banner when an update is offered. Mobile: the stores update automatically by default, but you can check manually. Smart TVs: look for an Update button in the device’s app store.
2. Change the server location. Windows, macOS and Linux: click the “>” next to “Selected Location” and choose from “Recommended” or “All Locations”, or search. “Smart Location” picks for you. Android and iOS: on the VPN tab, tap “Change” under the power button, or use “Fastest Location”. Android TV, Fire TV and Apple TV: select the server location widget on the VPN tab. Routers: select the widget for the device group. If another location works, ExpressVPN asks you to tell support which one failed.
3. Change the protocol. The default is Automatic, which “usually” selects Lightway. If that fails, ExpressVPN’s order is Lightway UDP, Lightway TCP, WireGuard, OpenVPN TCP, OpenVPN UDP, then IKEv2 on iOS only. Lightway is ExpressVPN’s own protocol, rewritten in Rust. Its post-quantum ML-KEM protection is on by default. Lightway’s page says it keeps an interrupted connection idle rather than closing it. The page says this makes reconnecting after sleep “virtually imperceptible”. Its multi-lane “Lightway Turbo” mode is Windows-only for now. OpenVPN is the fallback for networks that filter unfamiliar traffic. Windows, macOS and Linux: the VPN tab, the “VPN Protocol” widget, choose a protocol, “Change Anyway” if prompted. ExpressVPN’s browsing guide describes the same control under the Profile tab. Android and iOS: VPN tab, “Protocol”, choose, “Change Anyway”. Android TV and Fire TV: “Options”, “Settings”, “VPN protocol”. Apple TV: “Options”, “VPN Protocol”. Routers: the sidebar icon, “VPN Options”, “VPN Protocol”, then disconnect and reconnect. Remember that a dedicated IP connects only over Lightway.
4. Add an exception to your security software. Test by turning off the antivirus and connecting. If that works, add ExpressVPN as an exception. ExpressVPN’s other suggestions are to lower the security level from “High” to “Medium”, allow UDP ports 1194 to 1204, or set the software to “Trust ExpressVPN”. Then restart the app and connect.
5. Check Network Lock. On Windows, macOS and Linux, the setting is at the Profile tab, “Settings”, “Internet Kill Switch”. “Enable when connected” is the default. “Enable at all times” blocks all traffic unless the VPN is connected, including after a deliberate disconnect. ExpressVPN’s Windows guide for “no internet after disconnecting” has you turn “Enable at all times” off there. Local devices stay reachable by default. To change that, disconnect first and use “Internet Kill Switch”, “LAN”, “Allow access to devices on local network”. On iOS, the kill switch cannot be turned off. The Standard level blocks traffic only when the VPN is interrupted. The Advanced level blocks everything when the VPN is off, except essential Apple DNS requests. To step down to Standard, go to Profile, “Internet Kill Switch”, “Standard Kill Switch”. On Android, the optional “Block connections without VPN” setting blocks all traffic, including your local network. If a Network Lock change will not apply, ExpressVPN says to restart the device and the app. Then on Windows, restart “ExpressVpnService” under Task Manager, Services, as administrator. On macOS, force-quit ExpressVPN from Activity Monitor. On Linux, end the process from System Monitor, or run expressvpnctl set networklock true or false. ExpressVPN does not recommend turning the feature off, and the router app cannot turn it off.
6. Check split tunneling. Windows and macOS: Profile tab, “Split Tunneling”, toggle on. Then use “Add App”, “Add IP” and “All Other Apps”. Each app you add gets “Bypass VPN” or “Only VPN”. “Add IP” takes an IPv4 or IPv6 address, or a CIDR subnet, which is a block of addresses. “All Other Apps” is set to “Bypass VPN” or “Use VPN”. If the browser or streaming app you are using is set to bypass, that is why it sees your real location. With WireGuard, ExpressVPN says you must disconnect and reconnect for changes to apply. With other protocols, they apply automatically. If macOS blocks the extension, go to System Settings, “General”, “Login Items & Extensions”, “Network Extensions”, and turn on “ExpressVPN Split Tunnel”. Android: Profile tab, “Split Tunneling”, then “All apps use the VPN”, “Do not allow selected apps to use the VPN” or “Only allow selected apps to use the VPN”. Changes made while connected take effect on the next connection. The feature does not work while Android’s “Block connections without VPN” is on. On iOS, only single IPv4 addresses can be excluded, not domains, URLs or ranges. It needs iOS 15 or later. You cannot turn it on while the Advanced Kill Switch is on. ExpressVPN states that DNS queries should go through its servers regardless of split tunneling. Our ExpressVPN record notes a February 2024 Windows bug in the “Only allow selected apps” mode. It sent some DNS requests to the ISP. ExpressVPN fixed it and had the fix verified by Nettitude.
7. Restore DNS and proxy settings. Windows, when pages fail after you disconnect: Control Panel, “Network and Internet”, “Network and Sharing Center”, “Change adapter settings”, right-click the active connection, “Properties”. Then double-click “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”, “Properties”, and select “Obtain DNS server address automatically”. Repeat for other connections. While you are connected, ExpressVPN’s browsing guide also has you turn off proxy settings in Chrome, Firefox, Opera or Safari.
8. Stop the phone from killing the tunnel. Samsung: Settings, “Apps”, ExpressVPN, “Battery”, change “Optimized” to “Unrestricted”. OnePlus: Settings, “Battery”, “Power Saver Settings”, “App Battery Management”, ExpressVPN, allow background activity. Other Android phones: Settings, “Apps”, ExpressVPN, then the battery entry, the “All apps” view, “Don’t optimize” or “Unrestricted”. iOS: Settings, “Cellular” or “Mobile Data”, turn off “Wi-Fi Assist”. Samsung network switching: Settings, “Connections”, “Wi-Fi”, “Intelligent Wi-Fi”, turn off “Switch to mobile data”. Pixel: Settings, “Network & internet”, “Adaptive connectivity”, turn off “Auto-switch to mobile network”.
9. Fix MediaStreamer on a TV. MediaStreamer is a DNS service, not a VPN. ExpressVPN’s own pages say it gives no encryption or privacy benefit and cannot change your location. It works only while your home IP is registered. Sign in at portal.expressvpn.com/dns-settings and click “Register my IP address” under “IP address registration”. Turn on “Automatically register my IP address”. Then, on the setup page, open “Network & smart home”, select “MediaStreamer”, and copy “MediaStreamer IP #1” and “#2”. ExpressVPN documents the path for a Samsung TV, tested on a Crystal UHD DU8000. The path is Settings, “Wi-Fi”, “Network Status”, “IP Settings”, “DNS setting”, “Enter manually”, enter both addresses, “Done”, “OK”. If the TV reports no internet, the address was mistyped, so repeat the step. If MediaStreamer stops after a router restart, your IP changed. Open the ExpressVPN app or sign in to the site on the same network to trigger re-registration. You can also register a Dynu DDNS hostname. Unused IPs are removed after 30 days. Apple TV, Fire TV and Android TV have native ExpressVPN apps, so use those instead where you can.
10. Switch locations for streaming in ExpressVPN’s order. Its Netflix guide tells US viewers to try these locations in order: Washington DC, San Francisco, New York, “New Jersey – 3”, “Los Angeles – 3” and Denver. Force-close the Netflix app after each change. Android TV: Settings, “Apps”, Netflix, “Force Stop”. Fire TV: Settings, “Applications”, “Manage Installed Applications”, Netflix, “Force Stop”. Next, the guide says to sign out and back in. After that, it says to try the browser with the ExpressVPN extension. The same guide tells you to connect to a server in the country where you are, to comply with Netflix’s and ExpressVPN’s terms.
11. Send diagnostics to support. Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS: “Help”, “Contact Us”, “Issues with the VPN service”, then “Connection Issues”, “Browsing issues” or “VPN always disconnects”, and “Submit”. Support replies by email. Routers: sign in at expressvpnrouter.com, “Help & Support”, “Diagnostic Information”, “Download All Logs”, then send them through the support chat. Android TV and Fire TV: the Help tab, “Contact Support”, describe the issue, turn on “Include diagnostic information”, “Send”. Live chat is 24/7.

To confirm the fix worked, run our is my VPN working check. The country shown should match the location you chose. The IPv6 leak test should show nothing, because ExpressVPN’s apps block IPv6 rather than tunneling it.

When to switch

ExpressVPN’s money-back guarantee runs 30 days “from the moment you buy your subscription”. It covers a dedicated IP add-on bought in the same window. It is for first-time users only: “Users who have previously received a refund are ineligible”. It applies only to purchases made directly from ExpressVPN. Subscriptions billed through Google Play or the Apple App Store are refunded, if at all, “solely at the discretion of” Google or Apple. You ask for the refund in live chat. Support checks eligibility and walks you through the steps. The cancel ExpressVPN guide has the renewal switch and the app-store routes.

On 31 October 2026, the 28-month Basic plan cost $2.99 a month. That is $83.72 billed up front, and it renews at $99.95 a year. The Advanced and Express Pro plans add devices and bundled products. Advanced cost $125.72 and renews at $119.95. Express Pro cost $209.72 and renews at $199.95. Monthly and 12-month plans also exist, with prices shown only at checkout.

If the failure is a network that blocks ExpressVPN, see how the alternatives handle it:

• ExpressVPN vs NordVPN covers NordVPN’s NordWhisper protocol and obfuscated server category.
• ExpressVPN vs Surfshark covers Surfshark’s NoBorders mode, lower price and unlimited devices.
• ExpressVPN vs Proton VPN covers the open-source alternative with a free tier.

Each offers a 30-day refund, so you can test each one inside ExpressVPN’s own window. Our ExpressVPN review and the score shown there weigh the whole service, not just connectivity.

Related

• ExpressVPN review and ExpressVPN pricing and price history
• Does ExpressVPN work with Netflix?
• Netflix VPN not working: the provider-neutral fix order
• NordVPN not connecting and Surfshark not connecting
• All VPN troubleshooting guides and the is my VPN working check