How to Download, Install & Use ExpressVPN on a Router

ExpressVPN works on an incredibly wide range of routers, protecting the source of your Web connection. So, if you have a compatible VPN router (or if you're looking to buy one, here's how to choose a VPN router), there's nothing stopping you from utilizing this VPN. With that said, let's talk about how to set up ExpressVPN on a router.

Note

There are two ways to install ExpressVPN on a router – using ExpressVPN's firmware or via manual configuration. You need to decide on how to proceed, so here's a bit more info:

Using ExpressVPN’s Firmware: Some routers made by Linksys, ASUS, and Netgear work with ExpressVPN’s custom firmware. That means your router’s firmware and software will be replaced by ExpressVPN's, which is perhaps the easiest way to get started with this VPN on a router.
Using Custom Configuration: If you can't install ExpressVPN's firmware, you can configure the VPN manually. This requires setting up a connection to an individual VPN server by accessing your router’s dashboard. In other words, you’ll continue using your router's stock firmware.

Set Up ExpressVPN on a Router via ExpressVPN’s Firmware

Brands such as Linksys, ASUS, and Netgear offer individual routers that work with ExpressVPN's custom firmware. For this method to work, you need one of the following models:

Router Brand	Supported Models
Linksys	EA6200 WRT1200AC WRT1900AC 13J1 WRT1900AC 13J2 WRT1900ACS WRT1900ACS V2 WRT3200 ACM WRT32X
ASUS	RT-AC68U (up to v3) RT-AC87U RT-AC56R RT-AC56S RT-AC56U
Netgear	R6300v2 R6400v2 R6700 v3 Nighthawk R7000 Nighthawk R7000P

And now, here's how to set up ExpressVPN on routers made by Linksys, ASUS, and Netgear – if you plan to use ExpressVPN's firmware:

1. Begin the procedure by signing up for ExpressVPN.

2. Finalize signing up on ExpressVPN's site. You'll get a confirmation mail once done.

3. Make sure you're on the home page of ExpressVPN's site. Click on 'My Account.'

4. Access your ExpressVPN account using your email address and password.

5. Select 'Set Up Other Devices.' A new window should open at this moment.

6. Select 'Router' on the left, among the list of supported devices.

7. On the right, select the model name/number of your router.

Downloading ExpressVPN Firmware for Netgear

8. Click on 'Download Firmware.' The file will now download to your computer.

9. Use your Web browser to access your router's admin panel.

To access your router's admin panel, you need to know three things: its IP address, username, and password. If you don't know that information, you can check our list of default router IP addresses. And also, here's our list of default router usernames and passwords.

10. Find a prompt that lets you install custom firmware. On ASUS routers, go to Administration > Firmware Upgrade. On Linksys routers, go to Connectivity > Basic > Choose File. And, on Netgear routers, go to Advanced > Administration > Router Update.

11. Upload and then install ExpressVPN's firmware on your router.

Uploading ExpressVPN Firmware on Netgear Router

12. When your router restarts, make sure to connect via Wi-Fi or LAN cable.

13. As soon as you connect, ExpressVPN's setup screen should appear.

14. You can also go to expressvpnrouter.com to complete the setup.

Once done, make sure to keep a note of your Wi-Fi name and password, as well as your router password. All of that is essential information that you'll need in the future. And, of course, don't forget to tinker with ExpressVPN's firmware and see what you can fine-tune.

If you need much more detailed instructions, we offer individual guides with helpful images. With that said, here's how to set up ExpressVPN on Linksys, ASUS, and Netgear routers.

Set Up ExpressVPN on Routers via Manual Configuration

Most routers aren't compatible with ExpressVPN's firmware. With that said, most of you will need to configure ExpressVPN on your router manually. That involves picking an individual server and then creating a connection to that server from your router.

Later on, we'll provide additional resources based on different router brands. But for now, let's focus on giving you a general guide on setting up ExpressVPN on routers. With that said, you need to do the following:

1. Make sure to begin by subscribing to ExpressVPN.

2. Finish signing up on ExpressVPN's site. You'll get a confirmation mail once done.

3. Return to ExpressVPN's home page. Click on 'My Account.'

4. Provide your email address and password. You'll access your account's dashboard.

5. Select 'Set Up Other Devices.' A new page should open.

6. On the left-hand side, pick 'Manual Configuration.'

7. On the right, pick 'OpenVPN' or 'L2TP/IPSec' (based on which protocol you need).

8. You'll now see extra information about your chosen VPN protocol.

9. Launch new Web browser tab. Access your router's admin dashboard.

To access your router's admin dashboard, you need to know your router's IP address. Aside from that, you need its username and password (admin/admin in most cases). For more information, you can turn to Google based on your router's exact model name/number.

10. Once you access your router's dashboard, find VPN- or Internet-related options. For example, on D-Link routers, go to Settings > Internet. On TP-Link routers, go to Network > Internet. And on Huawei routers, go to Settings > VPN.

Accessing Internet Settings on TP-Link Router

11. Now, input the required information by checking your ExpressVPN dashboard.

12. Once done, click on 'Apply.' Check if you need to enable your VPN connection manually.

13. You can test your connection using IPleak.net.

The instructions found above should be used as general guidelines, applicable to practically any router that supports VPN connections. However, if you need more detailed information based on your router's brand or model, we got you covered.

With that said, here's how to install ExpressVPN on routers that come from Xiaomi, Huawei, TP-Link, D-Link, Google WiFi, Sabai, Netduma R1, Netduma R2, DrayTek, Freebox, and pfSense. We also offer guides on setting up ExpressVPN on DD-WRT and Tomato.

That would be all on how to set up ExpressVPN on a router. If you have any questions, let us know via the comments section below. Thank you for reading!