How to manually set up ExpressVPN on iOS devices (L2TP)

Use this tutorial to manually set up an L2TP VPN connection on your iPhone or iPad.

Note: L2TP/IPsec provides weak security benefits and should only be used for anonymization or for changing locations.

Prefer app setup? See the instructions for app setup for iOS 10 and above.

Jump to…

Get your ExpressVPN account credentials
Set up your VPN configuration
How to connect and disconnect the VPN
How to uninstall the VPN configuration

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Get your ExpressVPN account credentials

To set up ExpressVPN manually, you will first need to obtain your ExpressVPN credentials for the manual configuration. Open the Welcome Email you received when you signed up for ExpressVPN. Tap on the link in the email.

If you can’t find the link, you can also sign in to your ExpressVPN account here.

After signing in, tap on Set Up ExpressVPN.

Under Show other devices, tap on Manual Config.

Select PPTP & L2TP/IPsec. This will show you your username, password, and a list of server addresses around the world.

Keep this screen open! You will need to copy and paste these details later for the setup.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Set up your VPN configuration

Note: users who already have ExpressVPN manual configs on their device and try to download the config files again will get an error. To resolve the problem, uninstall any existing iOS manual configs before installing the new config files.

On your iOS device, tap Settings > General > VPN (scroll down) > Add VPN configuration > Setup VPN configuration

Select L2TP on the top, then enter the following settings:

Description: Enter any description (for example: My VPN).
Server: Type the desired ExpressVPN server address.
Account: Type your username.
RSA SecurID: Make sure this is toggled off.
Password: Type your password.
Secret: Type 12345678.
Send All Traffic: Make sure this is toggled on.

Tap Save in the top-right corner.

You’re ready to connect to the VPN now! Tap the VPN button at the top right.

Congratulations! You can now begin surfing with freedom and security! Open your web browser or any app, and all traffic will automatically be protected by ExpressVPN.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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How to connect and disconnect the VPN

Your VPN is now set up and easy to turn on and off whenever you need it. Go to Settings and tap the VPN button.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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How to uninstall the VPN configuration

If you ever need to uninstall the VPN, go to the VPN configuration page, scroll down to the bottom, and tap Delete VPN

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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