ExpressVPN Router Setup Guide 2023 [Linksys, TP-Link, & Asus]

ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN having 3,000 servers available in 94 countries. It has the strongest 256-bit encryption, kill switch feature, and much more. Find out how you can install ExpressVPN on your router in USA with this easy guide for beginners.

ExpressVPN-on-Router-in-USA

What is a router? A router is like a traffic director for the internet. It helps different devices, like computers and phones, talk to each other and connect to the web. Routers are important because they make sure all the data gets where it needs to go, making everything work together smoothly.

If you want to protect multiple devices with your VPN subscription without buying another one, you can install a VPN on your router to make it a VPN router.

The ExpressVPN router configuration not only secures all your household devices connected to your Wi-Fi network but also encrypts traffic on devices without VPN support, such as game consoles and smart TVs.

However, not all routers support VPNs, and you cannot install all VPNs on routers. ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs with various pricing plans that offer a dedicated router app to configure the VPN on your router easily.

We tested ExpressVPN on various routers, such as ASUS, Linksys, and TP-Link, assessing the ease of installing its custom firmware, exploring ExpressVPN router manual setup options, the VPN’s speeds, security features, and its ability to unblock streaming platforms.

This ExpressVPN router download setup guide explains how to install ExpressVPN on a router after which you can secure all your devices simultaneously through the best VPN for multiple devices. To read more about ExpressVPN, check out our in-depth ExpressVPN review.

Note: Any third-party firmware, including ExpressVPN, that you install could void the warranty on your router. If this is a problem for you, contact the manufacturer of your router.


ExpressVPN Router – Easy Installation and Custom Firmware

Here is how you can set up your own ExpressVPN router and easily use custom software on it:

Custom Firmware

ExpressVPN simplifies the installation process by offering custom firmware for various router models, making it quick and easy even for beginners. Unlike many other VPNs that require manual setup on routers, ExpressVPN’s custom firmware streamlines the process.

In our testing, we were able to successfully flash custom software on both an ASUS RT-AC87U and a Linksys router in just 10 minutes. The official website provides comprehensive setup guides, and the manual connection is possible on routers supporting OpenVPN, LT2P, DD-WRT, Tomato-compatible devices, and even our TP-Link Archer C7 without any issues.

While ordering a pre-installed ExpressVPN router is an option, it is an expensive choice considering the simplicity of setup with custom firmware, especially since these routers already support the latest WPA3 and WiFi 6 standards with high-performing OpenWRT firmware.

Ease of Use

ExpressVPN provides a user-friendly web app interface, making it incredibly easy to use on routers. Once you flash the firmware, you can customize the VPN and switch between servers effortlessly. You can even use the Smart Location feature to connect to the fastest server nearby.

If you need any assistance, step-by-step tutorials are available, and ExpressVPN’s 24/7 live chat support is ready to help. During our testing, the chat feature proved very effective as a knowledgeable support representative guided us through the router setup process promptly and clearly.

While a single ExpressVPN account allows simultaneous usage on up to 5 devices, setting up the VPN on your router enables you to use it on as many devices as you want within your home network. All devices connected to the network are covered, although some routers may have device limits (usually sufficient for all devices generally used in a household).

Managing multiple device connections becomes effortless with the Device Groups feature, which functions as a split tunneling tool. This convenient feature allows you to assign devices on your network to specific servers or exclude them from the VPN. For example, you can connect your Nvidia Shield TV to a US server for Netflix US while excluding your smartphone to access your banking app with your normal IP address at home.

We found the Device Groups feature to be exceptionally user-friendly, allowing easy switching of locations by simply dragging and dropping devices on the interface. Most importantly, switching locations did not interrupt our VPN connection, ensuring constant protection for device traffic.

ExpressVPN Router List – Supported Routers

Before we begin, here is an ExpressVPN router list, so you can determine which ExpressVPN-compatible router will work best for you:

Router type Custom firmware Manual configuration
Asus RT-AC56(U/R/S) Compatible Yes
Asus RT-AC68U Compatible Yes
Asus RT-AC87U Compatible Yes
Linksys EA6200 Compatible Yes
Linksys WRT1200AC Compatible Yes
Linksys WRT1900AC(S) Compatible Yes
Linksys WRT3200ACM Compatible Yes
Linksys WRT32X Compatible Yes
Netgear R6300v2 Compatible Yes
Netgear R6400v2 Compatible Yes
Netgear Nighthawk R6700v3 Compatible Yes
Netgear Nighthawk R7000 Compatible Yes
Netgear Nighthawk R7000P Compatible Yes

 

How to Set up ExpressVPN App on Linksys Router

If you have or Set Up a VPN on your Linksys Router, adding an ExpressVPN app will help protect your online privacy, hide your original IP address, and keep your data secure.

ExpressVPN is supported on the following Linksys router models

  • Linksys EA6200
  • Linksys WRT1200AC
  • Linksys WRT1900AC 13J1
  • Linksys WRT1900AC 13J2
  • Linksys WRT1900ACS
  • Linksys WRT1900ACS V2
  • Linksys WRT3200ACM
  • Linksys WRT32X

Step 1: Sign up for ExpressVPN or go for the ExpressVPN free trial by taking advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Step 2: Log in to the ExpressVPN router Dashboard setup with your ExpressVPN credentials.

Step 3: Scroll down and select “Router” in the Set up your devices tab.

expressvpn-dashboard-set-up-your-devices-router

Step 4: Note down the Activation Code, we’ll need it later.

Step 5: On the right panel, click on the “install on the router I’ve been using” option.

ExpressVPN-dashboard-install-expressvpn-on-existing-router

Step 6: Click on the drop-down menu to select your router.

choose-router-version-from-dropdown-menu

Step 7: Now click on “Download Firmware.”

download-expressvpn-firmware-for-router

Step 8: Log in to your router admin panel at Linksyssmartwifi > Enter the Username admin and click Sign In.

login-to-linksys-router

Step 9: Once the panel opens, click on “Connectivity.”

connectivity-on-linksys-router

Step 10: Under the option Router Firmware UpdateManual, click on the “Choose File” tab.

choose-firmware-file-on-linksys-router

Step 11: Now upload the ExpressVPN Firmware you downloaded in Step 7 of this ExpressVPN router setup.

Step 12: Click Start and follow the instructions > Your router will restart.

Note: The name of your Wi-Fi network will reset once you install the ExpressVPN firmware on your Linksys router. You’ll see something like “LinksysXYZ” as your router name. For the default password, find it on the sticker under your router.

Step 13: Now, you need to connect to your router’s Wi-Fi and then visit this website.

Step 14: Now click on “Get Started” for the ExpressVPN router login page.

Get-Started-ExpressVPN

Step 15: Paste the ExpressVPN Activation Code/ ExpressVPN router password you received in Step 4.

Step 16: On the same website, choose a server location and press “Connect.”

ExpressVPN-router-server-location

These steps will get the ExpressVPN Asus router working quick. Now, you’ll never have to worry about enabling ExpressVPN before streaming Netflix with ExpressVPN as we have tested ExpressVPN as the best Netflix VPN. But if something goes wrong, you can check out our ExpressVPN not working guide for common troubleshooting steps.

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You can configure this VPN with a TP-Link router by using the Manual Configuration option of ExpressVPN.

TP-Link ExpressVPN is one of the directly compatible routers of ExpressVPN. Hence, you can also use the OpenVPN configuration file for your router to establish a VPN connection. Here’s how to install ExpressVPN on TP-Link router :

1. Log in to http://tplinkwifi.net using your TP-Link ID or the password you specified for the router.

ExpressVPN-dashboard-more-options

Setup Expressvpn on TP link router!

2. Select Advanced > VPN Client.
3. Enable the VPN Client and save your settings.
4. Add VPN servers and activate those you need.
a. Click Add in the Server List section.expressvpn-manual-configuration-server-locations
b. Enter a description for the VPN and choose a VPN type.
c. Enter the VPN credentials offered by your VPN provider.TP-Link interface
OpenVPN: If your VPN provider requires it, provide the VPN username and password; otherwise, leave them blank. Then, import the configuration file your VPN provider gave (less than 20 KB).

Reminder: You can only change one configuration file using the VPN Client function.

PPTP: Enter the VPN server address (for example, 218.18.1.73) as well as your VPN provider’s VPN username and password.

L2TP/IPSec VPN: Enter your VPN provider’s VPN server address (for example, 218.18.1.73), VPN username and password, and IPSec pre-shared key.

Please keep in mind that the L2TP supports the following IKE and ESP over IPSec client feature:

IKE: aes-sha1-modp2048,aes-sha256-modp2048,aes-sha384-modp2048,aes-sha512-modp2048,aes-sha1-modp3072,aes-sha256-modp3072,aes-sha384-modp3072, aes-sha512-modp3072

ESP: aes-sha1, aes-sha256, aes-sha384, aes-sha512, aes-sha1, aes-sha256, aes-sha384, aes-sha512

d. Save the changes.
e. Select the required server from the server list.
5. Configure and manage the VPN-enabled devices.
a. Click Add in the Device List section.
b. Select and add the devices that will connect to the VPN server you’ve set up.
6. Save the changes.

You can simply use the ExpressVPN TP link router to complete your work. Furthermore, Setting up ExpressVPN on your router comes with an added advantage: you can safeguard your network by using its 30-day free trial. This makes it a dependable option as a free VPN for routers in USA, ensuring your online privacy and data are shielded every time you connect.

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How to Setup ExpressVPN on ASUS Routers

ExpressVPN is compatible with various models of Asus routers. You can use Express VPN on TP Link router or normal router using the OpenVPN protocol, which is superior to L2TP in terms of security and reliability.

You’ll need to download the OpenVPN (.ovpn) configuration files from the official website to set up ExpressVPN on Asus Router.

Step 1: Log in to the ExpressVPN Dashboard

Step 2: Scroll down and select “Router” in the Set up your devices section

expressvpn-dashboard-set-up-your-devices-router

Step 3: Note down the Activation Code, we’ll need it later

Step 4: On the right panel, click on “Install on the router I’ve been using”

ExpressVPN-dashboard-install-expressvpn-on-existing-router

Step 5: Click on the drop-down menu and select your router

choose-router-version-from-dropdown-menu

Step 6: Once you select your router, click on “Download Firmware”

download-expressvpn-firmware-for-router

Step 7: Open the Asus router admin panel by entering the appropriate URL in your browser (this is usually 192.168.1.1 unless you have changed it)

Step 8: Enter the username and password for your router

ExpressVPN

Step 9: In the side-bar, click on “VPN” under Advanced Settings

Asus-interface

Step 10: Click on the VPN client tab on the top and click on “Add profile”

Asus-VPN-client

Step 11: Click on the OpenVPN tab and enter the following details:

  • Description: Choose any name for the VPN connection
  • Username: Paste the username that you copied from ExpressVPN’s setup page as before (see step 3 of TP-link)
  • Password: Paste the password in the same way
  • Now upload the .ovpn configuration file which you downloaded in Step 6

Asus-OpenVPN-Configuration

Step 12: Click “OK” to add the VPN profile, then press “Activate.”

Check your IP address and location to ensure the VPN connection is functional for your router. This should complete the ExpressVPN setup on Asus routers. If you follow all the steps covered in this ExpressVPN router setup guide, you should not encounter any issues.

ExpressVPN is supported on the following Asus router models:

  • RT-AC68U (up to v3)
  • RT-AC87U
  • RT-AC56R
  • RT-AC56S
  • RT-AC56U
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Why Should You Use ExpressVPN on Router?

ExpressVPN is one of the best router VPNs because of the ExpressVPN router app. It secures all of your smart devices. If your home network has more than eight devices, your router can secure all of them while only counting as one VPN connection. Bonus: Any visitors connecting to your router will be secured immediately without needing the ExpressVPN software on their devices.

Here are some other reasons why you should use ExpressVPN on your router other than searching for the best router for ExpressVPN:

  • VPN protection 24/7: A router with ExpressVPN installed can save time as you’re always protected with a VPN. You’ll never have to remember to connect because any device that is connected to your Wi-Fi network is protected with a VPN connection.
  • Cover all devices: ExpressVPN on your router covers all the devices connected to your WiFi, including streaming devices, gaming consoles, and smart TVs that typically cannot run VPN software.
  • Unlimited connections: There is no restriction on how many devices can be connected to the VPN router, and it counts as one of the five simultaneous connections that you can connect to ExpressVPN with one subscription.
  • High speed: With the OpenVPN protocol, you get a reliable and secure VPN connection on your router. ExpressVPN router speeds were impressive on various routers, with minimal reduction in performance. It supports Gigabit-ready routers for seamless UHD video streaming, requiring just 25 Mbps for smooth 4K playback.
  • User-friendly: Just use the “Connect” button and forget about complicated setups. Want to block a certain device from the VPN? No issue. You have total control thanks to the Device Groups function.

Discover the unmatched security and speed of ExpressVPN while harnessing the benefits of utilizing a VPN with a Netgear router. Protect your online activities, access global content without limitations, and enjoy uninterrupted browsing across all your devices, ensuring a holistic and safeguarded online journey.

Also, if you want to check whether ExpressVPN can be installed on a router without a VPN Client, you can simply refer to our guide or keep reading for how to connect ExpressVPN to router.


 Streaming services you can access using ExpressVPN

We tested around 50+ servers including US, British, Canadian, Australian.and other regions. As a reulted we unblocked this entire list of streaming platforms with ExpressVPN:

American  British  Canadian        Australian     Other Regions 
Amazon Prime Video Sky TV CBC Gem Tenplay German TV
Showtime BBC iPlayer USA Crave TV 9Now DStv
Disney Plus Channel 5 City TV Foxtel Hotstar
ESPN+ Sky sport Hayu Stan Rai TV
MLB.tv Eurosport Citytv Optus Sports ViuTV
YouTube TV ITV Kayo Sports Telecinco
MTV Channel 4 SonyLIV
Vudu BT Sport
Crackle UK TVPlayer
 beIN Sports
Sling TV
Bravo TV

FAQs – ExpressVPN Router Setup

Having a VPN on your router reduces the need to install a VPN on each device you possess. Connect each device to the router, and they are instantly secured. ExpressVPN is compatible with a variety of common router types.

Here are some of the router which are best for ExpressVPN:

  • Best with Long Range: ASUS RT-AC68U.
  • Best ExpressVPN Router: Aircove AX1800.
  • Best from Netgear: Netgear R7000.
  • Best Open-Source Router: Linksys WRT3200ACM.
  • Best Budget Option: Netgear R6700.

You can connect up to eight devices to ExpressVPN simultaneously with a 6- or 12-month ExpressVPN router price plan, regardless of platform (including virtual machines). Alternatively, you may connect up to eight devices simultaneously with its monthly subscription. ExpressVPN can be installed on an unlimited number of devices.

Experience the unparalleled security and speed of ExpressVPN while unlocking the advantages of Using A VPN With a Linksys Router. Safeguard your online activities, enjoy unrestricted access to global content, and ensure seamless browsing across all connected devices, providing you with a comprehensive and protected online experience.

If your ExpressVPN router keeps disconnecting, the common reasons can include unstable internet connection, outdated VPN software, slow internet speeds, and potential interference from other software such as firewalls or antivirus programs. This issue may arise due to lost or blocked data packets between your device and the VPN server.

To activate ExpressVPN on your router, simply open a web browser on any device connected to the router and visit expressvpnrouter.com. Then, navigate to Network Settings and select Wi-Fi Settings. From there, you can customize various settings including the network name, password, channel, WPA3 security, and visibility.

There are several potential reasons why ExpressVPN may not work on your router. These can include server maintenance for the specific VPN server you’re trying to connect to, antivirus software blocking your VPN connection, using an outdated version of the ExpressVPN app, experiencing high traffic on the VPN server, and other factors.


Final Thoughts

The ExpressVPN router combo allows you to cover all your devices with a single connection. This also lets you use a VPN on devices that have no support for native VPN apps.

It is a fairly straightforward process according to the ExpressVPN router setup guide on routers like Linksys, TP-Link, Asus, and more. Considering the benefit of convenience and overall protection for your devices, running ExpressVPN on your router can significantly add value by guaranteeing your security on the web and keeping your privacy well within the limits of your personal space.

With ExpressVPN properly configured on your router, you’ll be able to download torrents with ExpressVPN and enjoy seamless internet freedom.

We hope you found this ExpressVPN router guide useful. Let us know if we missed anything in the comments. Also, feel free to submit feedback-related articles.