ExpressVPN Reviews| How to use ExpressVPN on any device in 2026
ExpressVPN Reviews| How to use ExpressVPN on any device in 2026, When you search for a VPN, ExpressVPN always comes up as one of the first suggestions, and it’s no wonder why. With over 4 million users impressed by its simplicity and effectiveness. So, today we’re going to see if this provider really lives up to its reputation. Welcome to the ExpressVPN tutorial.
Getting Started with ExpressVPN
Okay, to get started, follow the link in the description, and that’s going to take you right to the ExpressVPN website and our best discount will automatically be applied at checkout. Next, simply navigate to the devices tab and then click the download button at the bottom.
Once you’ve completed the checkout process, you’ll be invited to download the app to the device you’re using. After the installation file is downloaded, simply open it and follow all the prompts until the installation is complete.
Though I’m currently doing an ExpressVPN Windows tutorial, it’s a very similar process for Mac OS as well. The same goes for mobile devices. Android users can download the app right from the Google Play Store, while iOS users can find it in the App Store.
Connecting to a Server
All right, the next step in this ExpressVPN tutorial for beginners is to launch the app and connect to a server. As you can see, the app has a clean, minimalist design with an easy to use connect button in the middle, and the features are accessible by clicking the three lines on the upper left side.
To connect to a specific server, press the three dots here and a server list will pop up with all the 105 locations ExpressVPN offers, which is plenty of variety and falls right in line with other marketleading fleets.
You can scroll through the list or directly type in a country and even browse through the available cities and states. After you found your location, simply click on it and the app will immediately start connecting you. Now, your network connection is now totally encrypted and protected. This means that it’s now impossible for any ISPs, websites, or online services to track, record, or identify user activity. And you can switch the server anytime, or press the big button to disconnect.
Smart Location Feature
Now, while custom selecting your server location is super handy, there’s also the smart location feature. After clicking this large power button in the center of the dashboard, the app will automatically pick the server with the closest location, as well as having an optimal download speed and latency.
I tend to use this connection option if I’m looking for basic protection and fast speeds, but I prefer selecting my own location when it comes to online activities such as accessing worldwide streaming content or protecting while torrenting. Keep in mind whether you’re using the ExpressVPN Mac, Windows, Android, or iOS versions, the smart location feature consistently functions the same and looks essentially identical.
Exploring ExpressVPN Features
Okay, so we’re all done installing ExpressVPN. We’ve figured out how the different server options function. Now, it’s time to explore the ExpressVPN features. Remember, you can use this app on up to eight devices simultaneously with a single subscription. So, you’ll get these protective features on everything from your tablet and laptop to PC and phone.
Network Lock (Kill Switch)
First up is network lock, also known as a kill switch in the cyber security world. This protects against data leaks by disconnecting you from your network if any VPN instability is detected. To enable this protection, click on the three lines in the left corner. Click options. Then under general, just make sure both network lock boxes are checked.
Protocol Selection
And in the same ExpressVPN options window, you will also find the protocol tab. Out of all the options available, I advise using their proprietary lightweight protocol since it’s the fastest and most secure of the bunch.
Shortcuts for Easy Access
All right, moving over to the shortcuts tab. This feature actually lets users add a list of their favorite and most frequently used websites to the ExpressVPN app itself. To add a shortcut to your favorite sites, simply press the plus sign button and type in the name. And similarly, if you’d like to remove any, just click the minus sign. This one-click option has been really handy for me when it comes to quickly opening my most go-to sites such as news outlets, my work email, or when I’m traveling to a specific location.
Split Tunneling
Okay, if I navigate back to the general tab, you’ll see another really useful ExpressVPN feature, split tunneling. This allows you to decide which apps and websites are and aren’t routed through the VPN. To customize your own list, click on the settings button, then select do not allow selected apps to use the VPN. From here, you can add whichever apps you’d like to your list and the VPN will no longer function through those.
Read More: The Best VPNs for Android Reviews 2025
Threat Manager
Until now, all the features in this ExpressVPN guide are designed to add convenience to your online experience. However, the next feature, the threat manager, also adds a boost of convenience and security. This blocks trackers and malicious sites when browsing or using apps, enhancing your online privacy and anonymity. Under the advanced protection tab, just make sure all the boxes are checked, and this feature is good to go.
Smart DNS Media Streamer
And while ExpressVPN is already able to access streaming content, the smart DNS media streamer feature is even able to do this without the VPN being on at all.
Browser Extension
There’s also a browser extension available for Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi. This is a convenient way to easily connect to servers without opening the app. Plus, it protects you against web RTC leaks and spoofs your geol location. You can even set it up so it will connect you each time you open a browser.
ExpressVPN Keys: Password Manager
And a feature that really boosts this provider’s price per value is ExpressVPN Keys. This secure password manager provides users with a secure place to store an unlimited amount of passwords, generate super strong new ones, and even has a password health feature to inform you when it’s time for a password update.
ExpressVPN Router Hardware
And for those of you looking to protect every device in your home, from your smart fridge to your gaming console and everything in between, then the ExpressVPN router hardware is perfect. These custom routers are preconfigured with ExpressVPN for networkwide protection, meaning that every device connected to your router’s connection will automatically get VPN coverage.
Conclusion
So, to sum up this ExpressVPN tutorial, this app is very easy to use, even for beginners, its strong security features and reliable performance make it one of the best VPN options currently on the market. And though I wasn’t able to mention everything this provider has to offer in today’s article, the best way to learn is to just get it for yourself. To access my exclusive ExpressVPN coupon.
