How to Install ExpressVPN On A Router? [Setup Guide for 2022]

Installing ExpressVPN on your router covers every single device connected to that network. Like your Smart TV, gaming console, and even the devices that have no support for VPN apps.

It’s a great hack if you want 24/7 anonymity and don’t want to leak your online identity at any cost.

And the most amazing thing is that ExpressVPN has a dedicated app for routers, which makes setting up ExpressVPN on routers easy and flexible.

In this article, we will tell how you can install ExpressVPN on different routers. ExpressVPN has the compatibility for three routers, namely Asus, Netgear, and Linksys.

While definitely covering these, we’ll also cover other popular routers and make our way to install ExpressVPN on those too using the manual configuration method.

If at this point you don’t know what a VPN is and what it does, a VPN or virtual private network is a powerful tool that creates a secure tunnel between the user and a VPN server.

The traffic of the user travels through this secure tunnel, anonymizing the activities from prying eyes and internet service providers. And in the meanwhile, it changes the location of the user.

Read the full ExpressVPN review: How Does ExpressVPN Work.

How to Install ExpressVPN On Linksys Routers?

ExpressVPN app on your Linksys router will protect all your devices that are connected to the network. It will keep you anonymous on the open web, let you stream different region libraries of streaming platforms, and hide you from your ISP.

Step 1: Get an ExpressVPN subscription by visiting the website.

Step 2: Go to this page and log in with your VPN credentials.

Step 3: Select your Linksys router model from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Click on Download Firmware.

Step 5: Keep this browser open, you’ll need the Activation Code later.

Step 6: Connect your device to your Linksys router.

Step 7: Go to your router’s admin panel by typing 192.168.1.1 in your browser.

Step 8: Enter the password of your Linksys router. If you haven’t changed it before, then the default password is “admin“.

Step 9: Click on Connectivity on the left panel.

Step 10: Click on Choose File under Manual in the Router Firmware Update section.

Step 11: Select and upload the ExpressVPN firmware file which we downloaded in the fourth step.

Step 12: Click on Start > Click on Yes > Click on Yes again.

Step 13: Once the firmware is updated, reboot your router.

Step 14: Connect your device to the router’s network via LAN cable or Wi-Fi.

Step 15: Go to ExpressVPN’s router page.

Step 16: Click on Get Started.

Step 17: Paste the Activation Code from step 5.

Step 18: Click on Sign in to ExpressVPN.

Step 19: Set up a name and password for your Wi-Fi network in the next step and click on Continue.

Step 20: Set up a password for your ExpressVPN router dashboard and click on Continue.

Step 21: Save your settings and connect to a VPN server of your preference.

How to Install ExpressVPN On Asus Routers?

If you have one of these routers, you can easily install ExpressVPN following the steps below.

And if your router doesn’t support ExpressVPN, skip to the next heading which covers installing ExpressVPN’s OpenVPN on non-compatible Asus routers.

Step 1: Get a VPN plan for ExpressVPN.

Step 2: Go to ExpressVPN’s router setup page and sign in with your login credentials.

Step 3: Find the Firmware download section on the bottom right, click on the drop-down menu and choose your router.

Step 4: Click on Download Firmware. The file will be saved on your device.

Step 5: Keep this browser tab open, we will need the Activation Code later.

Step 6: Go to the admin panel of your Asus router. It’s usually accessed by typing 192.168.1.1 in the browser. Type your username and password, which are by default “admin“.

Step 7: On the left panel, under Advanced Settings click on Administration and select Firmware Upgrade.

Step 8: Click on the Upload button present on the right side of your Asus router model number. Select the file which we downloaded in step 4 and upload it.

Step 9: Reboot your router.

Step 10: Connect your device to the internet of your router through a LAN cable or Wi-Fi.

Step 11: Go to ExpressVPN’s router page and paste the Activation Code from step 5. Click on Sign in to ExpressVPN.

Step 12: Set up a name and password for your Wi-Fi network and click on Continue.

Step 13: Set up a password for your ExpressVPN router dashboard and click on Continue.

Step 14: Save your settings and connect to your preferred location server.

How to Manually Install ExpressVPN OpenVPN On Asus Routers?

This method is for those Asus router models that don’t support ExpressVPN. You can use the Manual Configuration method to set up OpenVPN. You’ll need to upload the .ovpn file on your router. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Go to the ExpressVPN website and click on My Account.

Step 2: Sign in with your ExpressVPN account.

Step 3: Under the My Subscriptions tab, click on Set Up ExpressVPN.

Step 4: Click on Manual Config on the left panel.

Step 5: Select the OpenVPN button on the right panel. You’ll see a username and password, we’ll need these later.

Step 6: On the right panel there’s a list of available server locations, click on the (+) sign to expand the option and select the server which you plan to use. Download it on your device and keep this tab open.

Step 7: Open another tab and log in to your router’s admin panel by typing 192.168.1.1 on your browser. Sign in to your router’s admin panel. The default username and password is “admin” unless you’ve changed it.

Step 8: On the left panel, click on VPN and then click on the VPN Client button on top.

Step 9: Add a new VPN Client profile by clicking on Add Profile.

Step 10: A new tab will open. Select OpenVPN at the top of the tab.

Step 11: Enter a description for your VPN server. Enter the username and password by accessing the already opened tab from step 5.

Step 12: Click on the Choose File button against Import.OVPN file. Select the file which we downloaded in step 6 and upload it.

Step 13: Click on OK and then on Activate (the profile that you want to activate).

Step 14: A checkmark will indicate that you are successfully connected to the internet. But if you want to check if your VPN is working or not, go to whatismyipaddress and check if your IP address has changed.

How to Install ExpressVPN On Netgear Routers?

You’ll need to download the suitable firmware for your Netgear router and upload the file in your router’s admin panel to update the firmware.

Step 1: Sign up for an ExpressVPN plan.

Step 2: Go to the router setup page and log in with your ExpressVPN credentials.

Step 3: Select your Netgear router model from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Click on Download Firmware.

Step 5: Keep this browser tab open, we will need the Activation Code later.

Step 6: Connect your device to your Netgear router with a LAN cable or Wi-Fi.

Step 7: Go to your router’s admin panel (type 192.168.1.1 on your browser to access your admin page). Type in the username and password, which are by default “admin” if you haven’t changed yet.

Step 8: Go to the router Settings and click on the Advanced tab. Click on Administration on the left panel and then click on Router Update.

Step 9: Click on Browse and upload the file you downloaded in step 4. Click on Upload and restart your router.

Step 10: Go to ExpressVPN’s router page and click on Get Started.

Step 11: Paste the Activation Code from step 5 and click on Sign in to ExpressVPN.

Step 12: Set up a name and password for your Wi-Fi network and click on Continue.

Step 13: Set up a password for your ExpressVPN router dashboard and click on Continue.

Step 14: Save your settings and connect to your preferred server location.

How to Install ExpressVPN On TP-Link Routers?

ExpressVPN is not compatible with TP-Link routers but you can still install an L2TP/IPsec connection on a TP-Link router through Manual Configuration. Here’s how you can do it.

Step 1: Sign up for ExpressVPN first.

Step 2: Go to the ExpressVPN website and click on My Account.

Step 3: Sign in with your ExpressVPN account.

Step 4: Under the My Subscriptions tab, click on Set Up ExpressVPN.

Step 5: On the left panel, select Manual Config.

Step 6: Select the PPTP & L2TP/IPsec. You’ll see a username and password. Keep this tab open, we’ll need those later.

Step 7: Go to your router’s admin panel by typing 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in the browser. Enter your username and password (default username and password= “admin”).

Step 8: Click on the Advanced tab.

Step 9: On the left panel, go to Network and then head to the Internet.

Step 10: Click on the drop-down menu called Internet Connection and choose L2TP. Enter the username and password from step 6.

Step 11: Tick the Manual option for Connection Mode.

ExpressVPN On Other Major Routers

ExpressVPN states that it’s compatible with three routers, including Netgear, Asus, and Linksys. But you can install ExpressVPN through its Manual Configuration process to other major routers too.

However, some routers can only be configured by the MediaStreamer feature. It’s a DNS proxy tool of ExpressVPN.

This means it will not encrypt your traffic but it can be used to access geo-blocked services. So if you’re just looking to stream content of different regions without encrypting your traffic then this feature can come in handy.

Why You Should Use ExpressVPN On Router?

You can easily install a VPN on your router with an ExpressVPN subscription plan as it has a dedicated setup process for routers. This method lets you enjoy the VPN perks on almost any device. Here are some of the advantages of setting up ExpressVPN on your router.

Covers All Devices

Installing a VPN on your router covers all the devices of your household. Even those devices that have no support for native VPN apps like refrigerators or smartwatches.

With a single ExpressVPN subscription, you can use 5 devices simultaneously. But if you install ExpressVPN on your router, it counts as one. Which means you have four more slots left to consume.

Streaming Support

If you prefer streaming the content of the United States then all you need to do is change your Netflix region to the US by setting up a new profile on your router’s admin panel.

Now every time you use Netflix, you’ll be able to stream a larger catalog of movies and TV shows.

Streaming Devices With No VPN Compatibility

Streaming devices like Roku, Firestick, and Chromecast can’t run native VPN apps. So how can you bypass restrictions and access different region libraries of streaming platforms?

Simple, you install a VPN on your router. Now all your traffic travels through a private tunnel, giving you access to geo-restricted content.

Flexible Setup

ExpressVPN is the only reliable VPN service that offers a VPN app for routers. It’s convenient, flexible, and easy to set up.

You don’t need a computer engineering degree to set up ExpressVPN on your router. Just following some system-specific instructions would do the job.

And if you ever want to switch between different servers, just add two or more profiles on your router’s admin panel with the location server names so you can connect to different regions in a matter of seconds.

24/7 Anonymity

When the traffic of all your devices travels through the secure tunnel of a VPN, there is no chance of your data getting leaked.

Your online identity would always be safe as you are connected to the VPN 24/7. And whether you install ExpressVPN’s L2TP/IPsec or OpenVPN protocol, both will provide you with an anonymous connection.

Just make sure you carry out the setup process carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs