How to Set Up and Use ExpressVPN on Synology NAS

You can set up ExpressVPN on your Synology NAS device by configuring the VPN manually. That means you'll need to create an OpenVPN connection to a specific VPN server, allowing your NAS device to encrypt its incoming and outgoing data traffic.

We'll also note that ExpressVPN doesn’t provide a list of supported Synology NAS devices. Still, the following procedure should work on any Synology NAS that supports VPNs and OpenVPN connections. We recommend checking your device’s manual before you proceed. 

How to Set Up ExpressVPN on Synology NAS

Setting up ExpressVPN on your Synology NAS device is simple, as you'll use your device's built-in tools to configure the VPN. Here's what you need to do.

1. Sign up for ExpressVPN using your computer and any Web browser.

2. After subscribing, click "My Account" using the top-placed main menu on ExpressVPN's website. Provide your credentials to access your ExpressVPN dashboard.

3. Go to Set Up Other Devices > Manual Configuration. Check your OpenVPN username and password on the right. Pick a VPN server and download its OVPN file.

4. Access your Synology NAS device and open its Control Panel. Go to Network Interface > LAN > Edit. Pick "IPv6" and set it to "OFF."

5. Click "OK" to apply the changes. Then, restart your Synology.

6. Now, go to Control Panel > Network > Network Interface > Create > Create VPN Profile.

7. A setup screen will now appear. Pick "OpenVPN (.ovpn file)" and click "Next."

8. Next, you’ll see the "General Settings" screen. Check below for more info.

• Profile Name: Use any name that’ll help you recognize your VPN connection. 
• User Name: Copy your OpenVPN username from your ExpressVPN dashboard. 
• Password: Copy your OpenVPN password from your ExpressVPN dashboard. 
• Import OVPN File: Upload the file you downloaded earlier. 
• CA Certificate: Feel free to leave this field blank. 

9. Click "Next," and the "Advanced Settings" screen will appear. Check the box next to "Use default gateway on remote network." Do the same with the "Reconnect when the VPN connection is lost" box. Click "Apply" when done.

10. To connect, go to Control Panel > Network > Network Interface. You should see your newly created VPN connection on the right-hand side. 

11. Select your new VPN profile and click "Connect." Make sure to check for a "Connected" label below the VPN’s name. 

12. To disconnect at any moment, click on the "Disconnect" button. That’s it!

Final Thoughts

Thanks to this VPN's brilliantly designed online dashboard, obtaining the required OVPN files and setting up ExpressVPN on a Synology NAS is a piece of cake. As you now know, it takes only a few minutes to ensure your NAS' incoming and outgoing traffic is kept within a secure tunnel.

That said, you probably have more gadgets that could benefit from this VPN. Don't forget that ExpressVPN works on many other devices, so why not take advantage of that? Check our central guide on how to set up ExpressVPN across all its supported devices.

That would be all on how to set up ExpressVPN on your Synology NAS device. If you have any questions for us, make sure to post your comment below. Lastly, thank you for reading!