ExpressVPN Revises “Free Forever” Promise for Its Password Manager
Published
Key Takeaways
- Policy Shift: ExpressVPN password manager policy change limits use after subscription ends, removing ability to add passwords
- Restricted Features: Existing users retain access to credentials but cannot save new logins without active subscription plan
- Access Limitation: Users who never activated ExpressKeys during subscription lose access entirely once their VPN plan expires
ExpressVPN has made a notable change to how its password manager, ExpressKeys, works for users who are no longer paying subscribers. The update comes through a revision of the company’s terms of service, introducing new limits that were not part of its original promise.
When ExpressKeys was first introduced, the company positioned it as a long-term benefit that users could continue to use for free - even after canceling their VPN subscription. However, that commitment has now been scaled back.
Limited Functionality for Non-Subscribers
Under the updated policy, users who cancel their VPN plan will still be able to access any passwords they had previously stored in ExpressKeys. But there is an important restriction: they may no longer be able to add new login details.
This change significantly reduces the practicality of the tool for everyday use. Password managers are typically relied upon not just for storing credentials, but also for generating and saving new, secure passwords when users sign up for services or update compromised accounts.
With this limitation in place, former subscribers may find it difficult to continue using ExpressKeys as their primary password manager. For example, creating a new account on a streaming platform or updating login credentials after a security incident may no longer be supported within the app.
The updated terms also highlight another restriction. If a user never activated the standalone version of ExpressKeys while their VPN subscription was still active, they will lose access to the feature entirely once their plan expires.
Policy Change Introduced Quietly
The exact timing of this update is unclear. Archived versions of the company’s terms suggest that this restrictive language was not present as recently as September, indicating the change was introduced sometime after that.
So far, ExpressVPN has not publicly detailed when the revision took effect or what prompted the shift in policy.
This development follows a series of adjustments to the company’s broader product strategy. In earlier updates, ExpressKeys had already been made exclusive to certain higher-tier subscription plans. At the time, the password manager was seen as a valuable addition bundled with the VPN service.
With the latest change, the company appears to be tightening access further. The move could be aimed at encouraging users to maintain an active subscription if they want full access to all features, including the password manager.
As of now, users who rely on ExpressKeys may need to reconsider how they manage new credentials going forward, especially if they plan to discontinue their VPN subscription.
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