# ExpressVPN Problems & Issues 2026 - Renewal Prices & Netflix Errors

Source: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/expressvpn
Last analyzed: 2026-10-21
Try or Bye score: 66/100

## Verdict: Try with caution

ExpressVPN works for some teams, but users report recurring problems (score 66/100). Most reported issues: Why is ExpressVPN so expensive after the first term? Renewal jumps to $99.95-$199.95/year; ExpressVPN unable to connect or stuck on connecting; ExpressVPN price increase 2026 - 2-year plans up about 25%. Not a good fit for: Budget-conscious users. Users most often switch to NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN.

## What it is

ExpressVPN is a paid VPN service with apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, smart TVs, browsers and routers, built around its own Lightway protocol. Since 2025 it is sold in three tiers (Basic, Advanced, Pro) that bundle extras like ExpressKeys password manager, ExpressMailGuard email aliases, a dedicated IP and ExpressAI. It targets people who want a simple, fast VPN for privacy, travel and streaming and are willing to pay more than budget rivals.

## Common errors & fixes

### ExpressVPN Keeps Disconnecting

Drops are usually caused by phone battery optimisation, Wi-Fi/mobile-data switching, a weak server or security software. Set ExpressVPN's battery usage to Unrestricted, turn off Wi-Fi Assist or auto-switch to mobile data, and try another server or protocol.

1. **Disable battery optimisation for ExpressVPN (Android)** — Samsung: Settings > Apps > ExpressVPN > Battery, change Optimized to Unrestricted OnePlus: Settings > Battery > Power Saver Settings > App Battery Management > ExpressVPN > Allow background activity Other phones: Settings > Apps > ExpressVPN > Battery and choose Don't optimize or Unrestricted
2. **Stop automatic network switching** — iPhone: Settings > Cellular (Mobile Data) and turn off Wi-Fi Assist Samsung: Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi > Intelligent Wi-Fi and turn off Switch to mobile data Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > Adaptive connectivity and turn off Auto-switch to mobile network
3. **Connect to another server location** — Choose a different location from the Recommended list If the drops stop, the previous location had a temporary problem; report it to support
4. **Change protocol** — Desktop: Profile tab > VPN Protocol; mobile: VPN tab > Protocol Try Lightway – UDP, then Lightway – TCP, WireGuard and OpenVPN On routers: VPN Options > VPN Preferences, pick a protocol and Save
5. **Add ExpressVPN as an antivirus exception** — Temporarily disable your security app to test If drops stop, add ExpressVPN to its trusted apps and re-enable protection

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/expressvpn/issues/keeps-disconnecting

### ExpressVPN Unable to Connect / Stuck on Connecting

Usually a server under maintenance, security software blocking the tunnel, an outdated app or a network blocking the protocol. Update the app, switch to another recommended location, change protocol and whitelist ExpressVPN in your antivirus.

1. **Check your internet without the VPN** — Disconnect ExpressVPN Open any website in your browser If nothing loads, fix your internet connection first; if it loads, continue below
2. **Update the ExpressVPN app** — On desktop, install the update when the in-app banner appears or download the latest version from expressvpn.com On mobile, update from the App Store or Google Play On smart TVs, check the TV's app store for an Update button
3. **Connect to a different server location** — On desktop, click > next to Selected Location Pick another location from the Recommended list On iOS/Android, tap Change under the power button and choose another location
4. **Change the VPN protocol** — On desktop, click the VPN Protocol widget on the VPN tab; on mobile tap Protocol Try in order: Lightway – UDP, Lightway – TCP, WireGuard, OpenVPN – TCP, OpenVPN – UDP (IKEv2 on iOS) Confirm with Change Anyway if prompted If you use a dedicated IP, stay on a Lightway protocol
5. **Whitelist ExpressVPN in your antivirus** — Temporarily disable the antivirus/security app and try connecting If it connects, add ExpressVPN as an exception or trusted app If needed, lower the security level from High to Medium or allow UDP ports 1194-1204 Restart ExpressVPN and connect again
6. **Send diagnostics to support** — Open Help > Contact Us in the app Choose Issues with the VPN service and describe the problem Submit with diagnostic information included; support replies by email

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/expressvpn/issues/unable-to-connect

### ExpressVPN Connected But No Internet

The tunnel is up but traffic isn't flowing, usually because of a bad server, a blocked protocol, antivirus filtering or proxy settings. Switch to Smart/Fastest Location, change protocol, whitelist ExpressVPN and turn off any system or browser proxy.

1. **Update the app** — Download and install the latest ExpressVPN version for your device Restart the app and reconnect
2. **Use Smart Location or Fastest Location** — Desktop: connect to Smart Location iOS/Android: connect to Fastest Location If browsing returns, the previous server had a temporary issue
3. **Change protocol** — Open the protocol setting Work through Lightway – UDP, Lightway – TCP, WireGuard, OpenVPN – TCP, OpenVPN – UDP
4. **Whitelist ExpressVPN in your antivirus** — Disable the antivirus briefly to test If browsing works, add ExpressVPN as an exception
5. **Disable proxy settings** — Turn off any manual proxy in your OS network settings In Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Opera, set the browser to use no proxy Reconnect ExpressVPN

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/expressvpn/issues/connected-but-no-internet

### Why Is ExpressVPN So Slow?

A VPN adds some overhead, but big slowdowns usually come from a distant server, the wrong protocol or poor ISP routing. Connect to a nearby recommended location, use Automatic/Lightway UDP (with Lightway Turbo on Windows), and refresh the connection.

1. **Update the app** — Install the latest ExpressVPN version; Lightway Turbo and OpenVPN data-channel offload arrived in 2025 updates
2. **Refresh the connection (iOS/Android)** — While connected, tap the refresh button (two circular arrows) on the map The app reconnects without exposing your traffic
3. **Connect to a closer server** — Open the location list Pick a location near you from the Recommended tab Test speed again
4. **Use Automatic or Lightway – UDP** — Open the protocol setting Select Automatic (usually picks Lightway) or Lightway – UDP On Windows, keep Lightway Turbo enabled for the highest throughput
5. **Report the slow connection** — Help > Contact Us > Issues with the VPN service > VPN connection is slow Submit the form with diagnostics

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/expressvpn/issues/slow-speeds

### ExpressVPN Not Working With Netflix

Netflix blocks VPN IPs it detects, so some ExpressVPN servers trigger the proxy error (M7111-5059) or a limited catalog. Switch to another recommended location, force-close Netflix after each change, sign out and back in, or try a browser with the ExpressVPN extension.

1. **Switch to a recommended server location** — US users: try USA – Washington DC, San Francisco, New York, New Jersey – 3, Los Angeles – 3, Denver in that order Elsewhere: try other locations in your own country
2. **Force-close Netflix after every server change** — Fire TV: Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications > Netflix > Force Stop Android TV: Settings > Apps > Netflix > Force Stop iOS/Android/Apple TV: swipe the app away in the app switcher Reopen Netflix
3. **Sign out of Netflix and back in** — Sign out in the Netflix app Restart the device Sign back in while connected to ExpressVPN
4. **Watch in a browser with the extension** — Install the ExpressVPN browser extension (Windows, Mac, Linux) Open netflix.com in Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Brave Try a different browser if it still fails
5. **Use the app, not a manual config** — Manual configurations aren't optimised for streaming Install the ExpressVPN app or set up MediaStreamer on devices that can't run it
6. **Ask live chat which servers work** — Open the chat box on the ExpressVPN support site Ask which locations currently work with Netflix in your country

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/expressvpn/issues/not-working-with-netflix

### How to Cancel ExpressVPN, Turn Off Auto-Renew and Get a Refund

Cancel on the website (My subscription > Cancel subscription) if you paid on expressvpn.com, or in the App Store/Google Play if you subscribed there; you can't cancel in the app. For a refund within 30 days of a first purchase, ask support via live chat.

1. **Cancel a subscription bought on expressvpn.com** — Open any browser and go to My subscription in your ExpressVPN account Sign in if prompted Click Cancel subscription below Automatic renewal and follow the prompts You keep access until the last day of the current term
2. **Cancel an App Store subscription (iPhone/iPad)** — Open the App Store and tap your profile icon Tap Subscriptions > ExpressVPN Tap Cancel Subscription at least 24 hours before the renewal date Request any refund from Apple, not ExpressVPN
3. **Cancel a Google Play subscription** — Open Google Play and tap your profile icon Tap Payment & subscriptions > Subscriptions > ExpressVPN Tap Cancel Subscription Contact ExpressVPN support for a refund
4. **If there's no Cancel button** — This can happen after a failed renewal payment Remove the saved payment method from your account to stop further renewal attempts
5. **Request a refund within 30 days** — Open live chat on the ExpressVPN website Say clearly that you want to cancel and get a refund under the 30-day guarantee Have your account email, purchase date and payment method ready Bitcoin and Paymentwall purchases don't auto-renew, so no cancellation is needed

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/expressvpn/issues/cancel-auto-renew-refund

### ExpressVPN 'Engine Unavailable' / 'Service Unreachable' Error on Windows

The ExpressVPN background service isn't running. Update the app and Windows, then start the services manually from an admin Command Prompt; reinstall if it still fails.

1. **Update and relaunch** — Download the latest ExpressVPN Windows app Quit and relaunch the app Install any pending Windows updates
2. **Start the services manually** — Press Windows key + X and open Command Prompt (Admin) or Terminal (Admin) For app v12 run, one at a time: net start "ExpressVPN System Service", net start "ExpressVPN VPN Service", net start "ExpressVPN App Service" For app v10 run: net start ExpressVpnservice Wait for 'started successfully', close the prompt and relaunch the app
3. **Enable Wireless LAN Service (Windows Server)** — Quit ExpressVPN Open Server Manager > Features > Add Feature Select Wireless LAN Service, click Install, then Close Launch ExpressVPN
4. **Restart or reinstall** — Restart the computer If the error remains, uninstall ExpressVPN, restart, and install the latest version

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/expressvpn/issues/engine-unavailable-service-unreachable

### ExpressVPN Stuck on 'Just a Moment' Screen (Windows)

The Windows app hangs on its loading screen, usually because of pending Windows updates or a damaged install. Install all Windows updates and restart, then repair or reinstall the app.

1. **Install all pending Windows updates** — Open Settings > Windows Update and install everything Restart the PC Relaunch ExpressVPN
2. **Repair or reinstall the app** — Download the latest installer from expressvpn.com and run it If you see 'Repair or uninstall ExpressVPN', click Repair Otherwise complete the fresh install and sign in again

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/expressvpn/issues/stuck-on-just-a-moment

### ExpressVPN 'VPN Configuration Failed' on Android

Another saved VPN profile on the phone is stopping ExpressVPN from creating its connection. Disconnect other VPNs, delete saved VPN configurations in Android settings, restart, and reconnect.

1. **Remove other saved VPN configurations** — Disconnect any active VPN, including other VPN apps Open Settings > Connections > More connection settings > VPN (or search Settings for 'VPN') Note and then remove any VPN profiles listed Restart the phone and connect with ExpressVPN
2. **Reinstall ExpressVPN** — Uninstall ExpressVPN Restart the phone Reinstall from Google Play and sign in

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/expressvpn/issues/android-vpn-configuration-failed

### ExpressVPN Activation Code Incorrect / Unable to Sign In

Most often the email verification code is being entered in the activation-code field. Copy the real activation code from your ExpressVPN account dashboard, or sign in with your password or an email sign-in link instead.

1. **Copy the correct activation code** — Sign in to your ExpressVPN account dashboard on the website In the left sidebar choose ExpressVPN > VPN Click the copy icon next to Activation code Paste it into the app
2. **Use another sign-in method** — Desktop: choose Sign in with Your Password, or Sign in with Email Sign-In Link iOS/Android: use Sign In with an email code, login token/QR code or passkey Mobile app-store subscribers: use Legacy Sign In > Restore your Play Store/App Store subscription
3. **Check the subscription hasn't expired** — Sign in on the website and check your subscription If expired, add a subscription, then sign out of the app and sign back in

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/expressvpn/issues/activation-code-incorrect

### ExpressVPN Not Working on Fire Stick

On Fire TV the usual culprits are a blocked or mismatched server, a streaming app that cached the old location, an expired subscription or a protocol that doesn't suit your network. Change server, force-stop the streaming app, change protocol and sign out and back in.

1. **Change server location** — In the ExpressVPN Fire TV app, select the server location widget on the VPN tab Pick another location from the Recommended tab and pick a city if prompted
2. **Force-stop the streaming app** — Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications Select the streaming app and choose Force Stop Reopen it while connected
3. **Change protocol** — In the top menu choose Options > Settings > VPN protocol Pick another protocol and confirm Change Anyway if asked
4. **Sign out and back in** — Go to the Options tab and select Sign Out Sign back in using the QR code or email If you see an expiry screen, renew on the website first
5. **Restart the Fire Stick** — Settings > My Fire TV > Restart Reconnect ExpressVPN after it boots

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/expressvpn/issues/fire-stick-not-working

### ExpressVPN Router 'Looks Like You're Not Connected'

You can't reach the dashboard of a router running ExpressVPN. Make sure you're on that router's Wi-Fi or LAN, turn off other VPNs, iCloud Private Relay and browser Secure DNS, or open the router by IP address.

1. **Connect to the right network** — Wi-Fi: join the router running ExpressVPN and unplug Ethernet LAN: connect by Ethernet and turn Wi-Fi off
2. **Turn off conflicting services** — Disconnect any VPN app or manual VPN on the device On iPhone/Mac, turn off iCloud Private Relay In your browser settings, turn off Secure DNS / DNS over HTTPS
3. **Open the dashboard by IP** — Try 192.168.132.1, 192.168.142.1, 192.168.1.1, 192.168.21.1 or 192.168.42.1 If none load, restart the router and try again

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/expressvpn/issues/router-not-connected

### Google Shows Wrong Country With ExpressVPN

Google sometimes places you in a different country from your VPN server because IP databases disagree. The VPN is still working; set Google's results region manually in Search settings.

1. **Set Google's results region** — Open Google Search settings Click Other Settings > Language and region Under Results region choose your country and click Confirm Repeat after clearing cookies, in Incognito or on another device
2. **Block browser location sharing** — In browser site settings, deny location access for google.com Reload the page while connected to ExpressVPN

Full guide: https://www.tryorbye.com/products/expressvpn/issues/google-wrong-country

## Common problems

- **Why is ExpressVPN so expensive after the first term? Renewal jumps to $99.95-$199.95/year** (pricing): The headline price is a 28-month introductory deal. After it ends, plans auto-renew annually at the standard rate: about $99.95/year for Basic, $119.95/year for Advanced and $199.95/year for Pro (EUR 79.95 / 109.95 / 179.95 in Europe). That is two to three times the effective monthly cost of the intro term, and reviewers consistently list ExpressVPN as one of the priciest mainstream VPNs.
- **ExpressVPN unable to connect or stuck on connecting** (reliability): ExpressVPN's support center lists 'Unable to Connect' and endless 'connecting' as common issues, caused by server maintenance, antivirus or firewall software blocking the tunnel, outdated app versions, restrictive networks and dedicated IPs used without Lightway. Fixes are usually a server or protocol change; in censored countries it often takes support's help.
- **ExpressVPN price increase 2026 - 2-year plans up about 25%** (pricing): Between late December 2025 and spring 2026 ExpressVPN raised its 2-year (28-month) promo prices by roughly 25%: Basic from $2.79 to $3.49/month, Advanced from $3.59 to $4.49/month and Pro from $5.99 to $7.49/month, while advertised discounts shrank. Aircove router discount coupons that came with Advanced (50% off) and Pro (75% off) were dropped. Promo prices have kept moving since, with short sales dipping Advanced to $3.99 and Pro to $5.99 in September 2026 before returning.
- **Charged again after cancelling ExpressVPN auto-renewal** (support): Play Store reviewers and r/Express_VPN posts describe renewal charges after they believed auto-renew was off, and TechRadar's analysis of Play Store billing complaints put ExpressVPN among the VPNs with the most negative billing sentiment. Common causes are subscriptions bought through Google Play or the App Store (which must be cancelled there, not on expressvpn.com) and failed PayPal payments that hide the cancel button.
- **ExpressVPN not working with Netflix - proxy error M7111-5059** (reliability): Netflix and other streamers block known VPN IP ranges, so specific ExpressVPN locations stop working from time to time and users see the M7111-5059 proxy error or a limited catalog. ExpressVPN's own fix is to rotate through a list of recommended server locations and force-close the streaming app after each change. ExpressVPN's terms now say you should connect to a server in the country you are actually in.
- **ExpressVPN keeps disconnecting on Android and iPhone** (mobile): Dropped connections and 'The VPN connection has unexpectedly dropped' errors are often caused by aggressive Android battery optimisation (Samsung, OnePlus), iOS Wi-Fi Assist or Android auto-switch to mobile data, ISP interference and antivirus apps. ExpressVPN documents device-specific settings to change, which suggests the problem is common.
- **ExpressVPN auto-renewal class action lawsuit (2025)** (pricing): In June 2025 a California customer filed a class action (Millar v. Express Technologies Ltd., C.D. Cal.) claiming a one-month plan bought in 2022 was silently turned into a recurring monthly subscription, in breach of California's Automatic Renewal Law. ExpressVPN said it would defend the case; it was listed as pending. The suit mirrors a broader pattern of users surprised by renewal charges.
- **ExpressVPN refund denied - 30-day guarantee has limits** (support): The 30-day money-back guarantee applies to first-time customers who request it from support; renewals are generally not covered, and App Store purchases must be refunded through Apple. Some users report refusals, for example after entering a promotion, and guides note that you need to ask explicitly for the refund in the cancellation chat.
- **Why is ExpressVPN so slow? Speeds vary a lot by test and server** (performance): Reviews disagree on speed: some testers rate ExpressVPN among the fastest, while RTINGS scored its speed 7.3 and lists slow speeds and mediocre latency as a con, and Cybernews found upload speeds slow and unstable, giving NordVPN the edge. Distance to the server, protocol choice and ISP routing explain most real-world slowdowns.
- **Is ExpressVPN safe after the Kape takeover? Ownership trust concerns** (security): Kape Technologies bought ExpressVPN in 2021. Kape's past as Crossrider, an adware company, and its ownership of other VPNs (CyberGhost, PIA) and VPN review sites led many Reddit users to say they would leave. ExpressVPN says it runs independently and keeps its audited no-logs policy, and no logging breach has been shown, but the ownership question still comes up in 'is ExpressVPN trustworthy' threads.
- **ExpressVPN Basic vs Advanced vs Pro - extras locked behind higher tiers** (pricing): The three-tier lineup pushes you upward: Basic only has 'Lite' blocking (ads, malicious and adult sites) and no tracker blocking or password manager, the dedicated IP is a paid add-on except on Pro, and ExpressAI, unlimited email aliases and the longer eSIM are Pro-only. People who just want a VPN pay for bundled extras they may never use, and those who want one extra feature are pushed to a pricier plan.
- **ExpressVPN device limit 10-14 vs unlimited devices on Surfshark** (usability): Basic allows 10 simultaneous devices, Advanced 12 and Pro 14. That is plenty for most people but less than Surfshark, which allows unlimited connections at a lower price, so large households often compare the two on value.
- **ExpressVPN Lightway Turbo hides the VPN adapter on Windows - torrent binding breaks** (integrations): With Lightway Turbo on Lightway UDP, the Windows app uses a packet-filter driver instead of a visible network adapter. Apps that bind to a VPN interface, such as torrent clients, can't find it, and leak-test sites like ipleak.net may show ISP details. ExpressVPN's fix is to turn off Lightway Turbo when you need interface binding.

## What users like

- **Simple, consistent apps on every device**: Reviewers repeatedly call ExpressVPN the easiest VPN for beginners: minimal apps that look and behave the same on desktop, mobile, TV and routers, with a one-tap connect and smart location picker.
- **Lightway protocol connects fast and handles network changes**: ExpressVPN's own Lightway protocol connects in seconds and is the default. Redditors praise its quick connections, and Lightway Turbo (2025) adds multiple tunnels for more bandwidth on Windows.
- **Audited no-logs policy and leak protection**: Independent audits of the no-logs policy, DNS and IP leak protection, a kill switch (Network Lock) and private encrypted DNS are standard on all plans.
- **Large server network in 100+ countries**: ExpressVPN lists servers in 113 countries, more locations than most competitors, which matters for travellers and for finding a working server when one is blocked.
- **24/7 live chat and detailed troubleshooting guides**: Live chat is available around the clock, and the support center has step-by-step guides for nearly every error and device, including in-app diagnostic submission.
- **Router support and smart TV apps**: Native apps for Apple TV, Fire TV and Android TV plus router firmware for Asus, Linksys and Netgear (and its own Aircove/Fortify routers) cover devices that can't run a VPN app.

## Pricing

- **Basic**: $99.95 (yearly) — hidden costs: $99.95/year is the renewal price after the 28-month intro term; auto-renews annually. Monthly billing is about $12.99/month. Sales tax added at checkout.
- **Advanced**: $119.95 (yearly) — hidden costs: $119.95/year renewal after the intro term; auto-renews annually. Dedicated IP is still a paid add-on.
- **Pro**: $199.95 (yearly) — hidden costs: $199.95/year renewal after the intro term; auto-renews annually.

## Who should and shouldn't use it

- **VPN beginners** — Good fit: Simplest apps in the category; one-tap connect and smart location work without any setup.
- **Frequent travellers** — Good fit: Servers in 113 countries and a protocol that copes well with changing hotel and mobile networks.
- **Streamers** — Depends: Usually works with major services, but specific servers get blocked and you may need to rotate locations; the terms now say to use a server in your own country.
- **Budget-conscious users** — Avoid: Renewals at $99.95-$199.95/year are far higher than Surfshark or Proton VPN; you have to re-shop deals every term to avoid overpaying.
- **Large households** — Depends: 10-14 devices covers most families, but Surfshark offers unlimited devices for less.
- **Torrent users** — Depends: Works well for P2P, but on Windows you must disable Lightway Turbo to bind your torrent client to the VPN adapter.
- **Privacy purists** — Depends: Audited no-logs policy, but some distrust Kape's ownership and prefer Mullvad or Proton VPN.
- **Router/whole-home VPN users** — Good fit: One of the few VPNs with a polished router app and its own routers.

## Alternatives

- **NordVPN** (https://www.tryorbye.com/products/nordvpn): Usually faster in 2026 speed tests with a bigger feature set (threat protection, Meshnet) and cheaper intro prices; the trade-off is a busier app and its own steep renewals.
- **Surfshark** (https://www.tryorbye.com/products/surfshark): Much cheaper, with unlimited simultaneous devices and good streaming support; the trade-off is a smaller presence in some countries and less consistent speeds.
- **Proton VPN**: Swiss, open-source apps and a usable free plan; renewal is cheaper than ExpressVPN Basic. The trade-off is fewer server countries on lower tiers.
- **Mullvad**: Flat €5/month with no account email and no renewal tricks, popular with privacy purists; the trade-off is weaker streaming unblocking and fewer extras.
- **Private Internet Access**: Cheap, highly configurable and good for torrenting; owned by the same parent company (Kape) as ExpressVPN.

## FAQ

### Is ExpressVPN worth it in 2026?

If you value simple apps, wide server coverage and reliable connections, yes, as long as you buy on a promotion and set a reminder before renewal. At the full renewal price ($99.95-$199.95/year) it is hard to justify against NordVPN, Surfshark or Proton VPN, which offer similar features for less.

### Why is ExpressVPN so expensive?

The advertised price is a 28-month intro deal. Afterwards the plan renews yearly at the standard rate: about $99.95 for Basic, $119.95 for Advanced and $199.95 for Pro. The 2026 lineup also bundles extras like a password manager, email aliases, eSIM data and ExpressAI that raise the price of the higher tiers.

### Did ExpressVPN raise its prices in 2026?

Yes. In early 2026 the 2-year intro prices rose about 25% (Basic $2.79 to $3.49/mo, Advanced $3.59 to $4.49/mo, Pro $5.99 to $7.49/mo) and Aircove router coupons were removed. Prices have kept fluctuating with short-term sales since.

### What is the difference between ExpressVPN Basic, Advanced and Pro?

All three include the full VPN. Basic covers 10 devices with ad and malware blocking. Advanced adds tracker blocking, the ExpressKeys password manager, more email aliases, eSIM data and 12 devices. Pro adds a dedicated IP, ExpressAI, unlimited email aliases and 14 devices.

### How do I cancel ExpressVPN and turn off auto-renew?

If you paid on expressvpn.com, open My subscription in your account on the website and click Cancel subscription below Automatic renewal; you can't cancel inside the app. If you subscribed through the App Store or Google Play, cancel in that store's Subscriptions screen at least 24 hours before renewal. You keep access until the end of the paid period.

### Can I get a refund from ExpressVPN?

First-time customers can get a refund within 30 days by asking support (live chat is fastest); cancelling auto-renew alone does not trigger a refund. Renewals are generally not covered, and App Store purchases have to be refunded by Apple.

### Why is ExpressVPN not working with Netflix?

Netflix blocks IP addresses it identifies as VPN servers, so individual ExpressVPN locations get flagged and show the proxy error. Switch to another recommended server location, force-close and reopen the Netflix app, sign out and back in, or try Netflix in a browser with the ExpressVPN extension.

### Why won't ExpressVPN connect?

The most common causes are a server under maintenance, an antivirus or firewall blocking the tunnel, an outdated app, or a network that blocks the current protocol. Update the app, pick another location, switch protocol (Lightway UDP, then Lightway TCP, WireGuard, OpenVPN) and whitelist ExpressVPN in your security software.

### Why is ExpressVPN so slow?

Usually because the server is far away, the protocol isn't ideal for your network, or your ISP routes poorly to that server. Connect to a nearby recommended location, use Automatic or Lightway UDP, and use the refresh button on mobile to reconnect.

### Is ExpressVPN safe after being bought by Kape?

Kape Technologies, formerly the adware company Crossrider, bought ExpressVPN in 2021, which worries some users. ExpressVPN says it operates independently, and its no-logs policy has been independently audited. If ownership matters most to you, Mullvad or Proton VPN are common alternatives.

### How many devices can I use with ExpressVPN?

10 simultaneous devices on Basic, 12 on Advanced and 14 on Pro. A router running ExpressVPN counts as one device and covers everything connected to it.

### Does ExpressVPN have a free trial or free plan?

There is no free plan. New customers get a 30-day money-back guarantee, and app-store purchases may offer a free trial that must be cancelled at least 24 hours before it ends to avoid being charged.

### ExpressVPN vs NordVPN: which is better?

NordVPN tends to win 2026 speed tests and costs less up front; ExpressVPN has simpler apps and more server countries. Both renew at much higher prices, so compare renewal costs, not just the intro deal.

### ExpressVPN vs Surfshark: which should I choose?

Surfshark is cheaper and allows unlimited devices, making it the better value for big households. ExpressVPN is more polished and consistent, especially when travelling, but costs more.

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Try or Bye aggregates problem patterns from user reviews, forums, and app stores. Methodology: https://www.tryorbye.com/methodology