ExpressVPN iOS app: Latest updates and software upgrades

ExpressVPN for iOS.

To see the full release notes for our iOS app, click here.

Stronger, faster, smarter: ExpressVPN for iOS is crammed full of new features that we can’t wait for you to use, with even more to come in the weeks ahead.

Here are highlights of new app features and enhancements we’ve recently released.

1. Block app trackers in one tap

Ever notice that you start seeing lots of related ads after using an app or a website? That’s because various online services—especially apps—record and share your activity with third-party companies. This collected information is then used to serve you more targeted ads and content, usually without your knowledge or consent.

Many popular web browsers now include features that limit the third-party companies that websites can communicate with. However, this doesn’t cover all browsers and often doesn’t apply to apps.

That’s where Threat Manager comes in—to prevent all apps and websites on your device from communicating with third parties on our blocklist. All you’ll have to do is switch Threat Manager on in the app settings, and you’re set to browse with greater privacy!

The Threat Manager feature in ExpressVPN for iOS.

Read more: Threat Manager: Block app trackers in one tap

2. Faster VPN connection times

Our goal is to make it easy to keep ExpressVPN always on, and that means connecting to the VPN quickly (around one second).

We wanted to make connecting and reconnecting to the VPN quicker for you even under less-than-ideal network conditions, especially on networks that apply some traffic restrictions, as is common at schools, workplaces, and also in places with heavy censorship.

Previously, ExpressVPN’s app would iteratively try various different ways of connecting to the VPN until finally finding one that worked. When a network is permissive, the first attempt would work and thus the connection is set up quickly, but on restricted networks this might need many attempts.

We realized that one fast way to find the winning combination was to simply try all methods at the same time, then just pick the one that gets connected first. We refer to this method as parallel connections, which is now used in the ExpressVPN app for iOS.

Read more: Parallel connections: Our new feature to speed up VPN connection times

3. A faster, more reliable, and more secure connection with Lightway

We’ve upgraded your ExpressVPN experience with Lightway, a brand new, next-generation VPN protocol that will make your connection faster, more reliable, and more secure.

Unlike the off-the-shelf protocols that most other VPN providers use, Lightway was built by ExpressVPN from the ground up to meet your needs, making it easier than ever to protect yourself online.

Want to give Lightway a shot? The good news is it’s likely that you’re already using it when connected to the VPN. In fact, when you’re on the default protocol option, which is Automatic, ExpressVPN picks the best protocol for your network, which in most cases is Lightway.

Read more: Lightway: A modern VPN protocol by ExpressVPN

4. Improved app navigation

Your security and privacy are our top priority—so is your experience with every touch point of the app.

We’ve introduced a new bottom navigation bar which makes exploring and switching between different activities easier in a single tap. Replacing the conventional hamburger menu, the new navigation bar features three buttons:

  • VPN: The interface that carries out the core VPN functionality.
  • Help: Instant access to support articles embedded within the app.
  • Options: A list of settings and features to use.

The navigation bar in ExpressVPN for iOS.

Tell us what you think

How do you like the new app? Love it or don’t love it quite as much, we’d love to hear your thoughts. ExpressVPN is continually improving to ensure our app is the best out there.

Are there any features you’d like to see in the next update? Let us know in the comments below!

Previous iOS app updates

ExpressVPN 7.0 for iOS

1. Brand new app design

A screen shot from ExpressVPN's iOS connection screen.

The slick new interface was designed from the ground up to make it easier to navigate. Whether you’re a VPN novice or a seasoned protocol pro, the new app does exactly what you need, with fewer taps.

2. Faster than ever

Connecting to your chosen VPN location is now lightning quick, so you’re protected and ready to surf the web, or stream videos, in practically no time at all. The app also launches in record time.

3. Improved connection reliability

The ExpressVPN connection is now more robust than ever before. The app works hard in the background to make sure you stay connected to the VPN, whatever you’re doing, and wherever you are.

4. One-tap location swap

A screen shot of the location swap screen on the ExpressVPN for iOS app.

The latest app features direct access to your most recent locations, making it easy to switch VPN locations with one tap.

If you use one VPN location for streaming videos at home, and another for privacy at work, you can now effortlessly switch between them all without leaving the app home screen.

5. It’s easy to find new VPN locations

The intuitive new design means you can find and connect to your preferred VPN location in seconds.

6. Quick access to tools and diagnostic information

A screen shot of the Help & Support screen on ExpressVPN's app for iOS.

If you need diagnostic information in a pinch, it’s now just a couple of taps away. Same goes for the IP Address Checker, DNS Leak Test, and WebRTC Leak Test tools.

ExpressVPN 6.6 for iOS

ExpressVPN 6.6 for iOS is available to download now!

Good news, everyone! The latest ExpressVPN iOS release is here! ExpressVPN for iOS 6.6.7 now allows a location change while you’re connected! We think it’s our best release yet, and we can’t wait for you to give it a try!

Here’s what’s under the hood:

New Feature: Change location while connected

You can now change to any of ExpressVPN’s 100+ locations without having to close your existing connection first. It’s now super quick and easy to connect to any location you need.

Switch VPN connection while connected

IKEv2 protocol support

You can now use IKEv2 protocol. Use this if you have connection issues with “Automatic” protocol.

Share ExpressVPN with your friends!

Share with your friends!

You can now share ExpressVPN with your friends from in the app. It’s now a doddle for you and your friends to claim 30 days of free ExpressVPN!

Get 30 days of free VPN.

Easy-to-use User Interface (UI)

Connect and disconnect quickly with just the click of a button. The beautiful new layout lets you browse securely and privately with one tap.

Easy-to-use VPN for your iPhone.

Smart Location

Save time and browse faster with the improved Smart Location feature. Smart Location automatically chooses the most reliable VPN connections for you. That way you can stream without having to worry about less-than-stellar speeds.

ExpressVPN smart location for iPhone.

Browse with better connection reliability

ExpressVPN 6.6.7 for iOS works hard to make sure you always get the best possible connection. And, as always, different VPN protocol settings let you customize your iPhone app the way you want it.

ExpressVPN for iOS has a better connection.

Download ExpressVPN 6.6.7 Today!

Now you know what’s new, what are you waiting for?

Head over to the App Store and download ExpressVPN 6.6.7 today. If you’re unsure how to download, or if you’re having trouble accessing the App Store, then check out this step-by-step tutorial for help.

After you’ve taken it for a test drive, let us know what you think! Hit us with your questions, comments, concerns, and praise below!

ExpressVPN 6.6.3 for iOS
Good news, everyone! The latest ExpressVPN iOS release is here, and it’s compatible with iOS11. We’ve also added support for IKEv2 protocol and made it even easier to share with your friends for that sweet 30-day referral bonus!

What’s more ExpressVPN for iOS 6.6.3 is now localized in Russian, Swedish, French, Spanish, Dutch, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, and Turkish.

ExpressVPN 6.6.3 is here, and we can’t wait for you to give it a try!

Here’s what you get with ExpressVPN 6.6.3 for iOS:

New IKEv2 protocol support

You can now use IKEv2 protocol. Use this if you have connection issues with “Automatic” protocol.

Screenshot: Click the automatic VPN protocol option.

Share with your friends!

You can now share ExpressVPN with your friends from in the app. It’s now a doddle for you and your friends to claim 30 days of free ExpressVPN!

Get 30 days of free VPN.

Easy-to-use Interface (UI)

Connect and disconnect quickly with just the click of a button. The beautiful new layout lets you browse securely and privately with one tap.

Easy-to-use VPN for your iPhone.

Smart Location

Save time and browse faster with the improved Smart Location feature. Smart Location automatically chooses the most reliable VPN connections for you. That way you can stream without having to worry about less-than-stellar speeds.

ExpressVPN smart location for iPhone.

Browse with better connection reliability

ExpressVPN 6.6.3 for iOS works hard to make sure you always get the best possible connection. And, as always, different VPN protocol settings let you customize your iPhone app the way you want it.

ExpressVPN for iOS has a better connection.

Simple option screen design

It’s now easier than ever to set up ExpressVPN for iOS. The new and streamlined options menu lets you set up your VPN just the way you like it.

Customize your VPN on iPhone

Download ExpressVPN 6.6.3 Today!

Now you know what’s new, what are you waiting for?

Head over to the App Store and download ExpressVPN 6.6.3 today. If you’re unsure how to download, or if you’re having trouble accessing the App Store, then check out this step-by-step tutorial for help.

After you’ve taken it for a test drive, let us know what you think! Hit us with your questions, comments, concerns, and praise below!

ExpressVPN 6.5.9 for iOS
Good news, everyone! The latest ExpressVPN iOS release is here! We’ve improved security and added a lot of great new features, including a brand new interface.
What’s more ExpressVPN for iOS 6.5 is localized in French, Spanish, Dutch, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, and Turkish.

ExpressVPN 6.5.9 is here, and we can’t wait for you to give it a try!

Here’s what’s new:

New User Interface (UI)

Connect and disconnect easily with just the click of a button. The beautiful new layout lets you browse securely and privately with one tap.

Easy-to-use VPN for your iPhone.

New Smart Location

Save time and browse faster with the improved Smart Location feature. Smart Location automatically chooses the most reliable VPN connections for you. That way you can stream without having to worry about less-than-stellar speeds.

ExpressVPN smart location for iPhone.

Browse with better connection reliability

ExpressVPN 6.5.9 for iOS works hard to make sure you always get the best possible connection. And, as always, different VPN protocol settings let you customize your iPhone app the way you want it.

ExpressVPN for iOS has a better connection.

New Option screen design

It’s now easier than ever to set up ExpressVPN for iOS. The new and streamlined options menu lets you setup your VPN just the way you like it.

Customize your VPN on iPhone

Download ExpressVPN 6.5.9 Today!

Now you know what’s new, what are you waiting for?

Head over to the App Store and download ExpressVPN today. If you’re unsure how to download, or if you’re having trouble accessing the App Store, then check out this step-by-step tutorial for help.

After you’ve taken it for a test drive, let us know what you think! Hit us with your questions, comments, concerns, and praise below!

ExpressVPN 5.0.1 for iOS

ExpressVPN 5.0.1 Is Now Available and it’s Awesome!

Great news, everyone! The latest ExpressVPN iOS release is here! We’ve added a lot of great new features, as well as fixed the pesky battery issue that plagued the last app release. You can now enjoy improved connection reliability without having to worry about it taking up too much juice!

ExpressVPN 5.0.1 is here, and we can’t wait for you to give it a try!

Here’s what’s new:

  1. Enjoy a much smoother installation process: You can now enjoy a much more streamlined installation by following our beautiful (and simplified) step-by-step commands.

5.0.1-setup-screen2. Use the new Welcome Wizard to get even more out of your app: Follow the guide to learn how the app works and choose the best locations and get the most out of your app experience!

5.0.1 connect screen

3. Browse with better connection reliability: New options help improve your connection reliability and speeds!

ios-browse-now

Download ExpressVPN 5.0.1 Today!

Now you know what’s new, what are you waiting for?

If you haven’t already, head over to the App Store and download your copy today. If you’re unsure how to download, or if you’re having trouble accessing the App Store, then check out this step-by-step tutorial for help!

After you’ve taken it for a test drive, let us know what you think! Hit us with your questions, comments, concerns, and praise below!

ExpressVPN 4.8 for iOS

ExpressVPN 4.8 for iOS Is Now Available!

Save Time, Do More With Our New iOS Release

ExpressVPN is pleased to announce our latest 4.8 iOS release. We’ve made a few adjustments, added some really great features, and ironed out a few kinks.

Here’s what’s new:

Update 1:  New Search Feature

Use the new search function to find, connect to, and browse any one of our 100+ server locations with ease.

Don’t waste time scrolling through the alphabet. Just type in the location of your choice and connect quickly and easily.

  • For iPhone users, just tap the search icon on the top-left corner and type in the location of your choice.
  • iPad users can also take advantage of this new feature by tapping on the search field.

4.8 location search in action

Update 2: New iPad Split View Multitasking Feature

On iPad only: now you can run  ExpressVPN beside another app of your choice. Change your server locations without ever having to return to the main screen!

This feature only works with apps that have Split View enabled. Some third-party apps still don’t have this technology.

If you’re having trouble setting up Split View, check out this step-by-step tutorial by Apple.

Take a look at how it works below with Twitter on the right and the ExpressVPN app on the left.

4.8 ios app split view feature

(Note: The Split View is  available on the iPad Air 2, iPad Pro, and iPad mini 4.)

Download ExpressVPN 4.8 for iOS Today!

What are you waiting for? Head over to the App Store and download today. After you’ve had a chance to break it in, let us know what you think!

We’re committed to bringing you the best possible apps, so hit us with your questions, comments, concerns, and praise below.

ExpressVPN 4.7 for iOS

ExpressVPN 4.7 for iOS Is Now Available!

Great news, guys! Our newest iOS App update is ready for you to download! Now it’s easier than ever to browse, search for, and connect to your favorite server locations.

Download ExpressVPN 4.7 for iOS from the App Store today!

What’s New in ExpressVPN 4.7?

  1. Tailor-made recommendations: Connect to the most reliable server locations via our new “Recommended” list, custom generated just for you.
  2. Intuitive navigation: Browse our 100+ server locations quickly and easily with our new navigation menu, which sorts locations by region and country.
  3. Updated design: Enjoy the brand-new ExpressVPN logo and sleek design.
  4. More compact than ever: We’ve reduced the app’s file size by 90 percent!
  5. Convenient access: Bookmark and connect to your favorite server locations in your new Favorites list.

The Favorites list also shows the last locations you connected to for your convenience. Check it out below!

ios 4.7 favorite feature

Download ExpressVPN 4.7 for iOS

Download ExpressVPN 4.7 from the App Store today! After you’ve taken it for a spin, let us know what you think in the comments.

We’re constantly working to make our apps the best they can be, so let us know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns

ExpressVPN 4.6 for iOS

Download ExpressVPN v4.6 from the App Store

We’ve fixed the auto-reconnect bug and everything should be working fine now! ??

download expressvpn 4.6.1 from the app store

Once again, we are sorry for the problems you may have experienced since updating to iOS 9. We know how frustrating it is to have limited access to the Internet, and we realise many of you count on ExpressVPN to stay connected. So thank you very much for your patience. You guys are the best! ! ?✌

UPDATE Sep 25, 2015

Hi, everybody. Unfortunately, our app is still a bit buggy. We are very sorry about this. Please know that we are working to get the fix into the App Store ASAP! We will keep you posted.

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding.

Attention iPhone and iPad users! You can now get ExpressVPN v4.6 from the App Store.

download expressvpn 4.6 from the app store

What’s new in ExpressVPN v4.6?

  1. Compatible with iOS 8 and iOS 9.
  2. Option to share anonymous diagnostic data with us to help improve your connection reliability.

We apologize sincerely for the bugs you may have experienced earlier. Thank you so much for your patience, everyone!

no more bugs!

— Your friends at ExpressVPN

Featured image: Jack Sparrow / Public Domain Pictures.net (image has been modified)

ExpressVPN 4.0 for iOS

ExpressVPN 4.0 for iOS is now available in the App Store!

Hey everyone! We’re excited to announce the release of ExpressVPN v4 for iOS! Customers with devices running on iOS8 can nowdownload it in the app store.

What’s new in ExpressVPN 4.0?

This is a HUGE update. The biggest changes are:

1. Our full set of VPN locations is now available on iOS.

Now our iOS users have access to our full list of VPN locations!

If you have a favorite, just hit the star next to it and it will float to the top of your list for easy access.

There's loads of VPN locations!

2. You can now connect with one click!

No more going through your system settings to connect to our servers. With ExpressVPN 4.0, you can connect and disconnect directly through the app.

Use the ExpressVPN app to connect in one click.It's easy to connect with ExpressVPN.

As with the old app, when you’re connected to the VPN, you’ll see a small VPN icon inside a rectangle at the top of your screen.

At this time, we are aware of the following known problems:

#1: Dialogue pops up saying “VPN Connection – Enter your user authentication,” prompts you for a username and password

#2: Dialogue pops up saying “VPN Connection – An unexpected error occurred.”

For a fix to these issues, please read our blog post about known problems for iOS users. 

If you have any other issues with the upgrade, please contact us via Live Chat support and we’ll help you from there! Or you can email us at support [at] expressvpn.com.

Happy VPNing 🙂

Team ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN 3.0 for iOS

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve released v3.0 of the official ExpressVPN iOS app, optimized for iOS 7 users. The ExpressVPN iOS app helps first-time ExpressVPN users download and install the VPN configurations in one click. This means that if you are already using ExpressVPN on iOS, you don’t need to download this app! With the ExpressVPN for iOS app, new users can easily:

  • Download and install the ExpressVPN configurations in one click
  • Make sure your connection is secure using our visualization tool
  • Refer friends and get a free month of service for each successful paid signup
  • Contact the support team from within the app if you have any problems

So what’s new in v3.0?

  • Now optimized for iOS7 and iPad (previous version was optimized for iPhone only)
  • Improved user experience
  • Bug fixes and performance improvements

Please note that the app does not connect to the VPN for you. If you want to connect to the VPN, you need to connect to it yourself by going to Settings > VPN and choosing your server.

Download ExpressVPN for iOS in the app store!

Watch this space for more news—this is just the beginning of the exciting plans we have for mobile this year. Here are some screenshots of Express VPN for iOS v3.0

Download ExpressVPN for iOS in the app store

Johnny 5 is the founding editor of the blog and writes about pressing technology issues. From important cat privacy stories to governments and corporations that overstep their boundaries, Johnny covers it all.