This guide will show you how to resolve issues that prevent you from accessing certain apps, websites, or online services when connected to ExpressVPN.
You may be unable to access content for several reasons:
- Some apps, websites, online services, or internet service providers block connections from known VPN IP addresses.
- Connectivity issues between the VPN server and the app, website, or online service you are trying to access.
- The app, website, or online service may verify your location using your device’s location services (such as GPS, Wi-Fi positioning, or cellular location) in addition to your IP address. If these location signals don’t match, you may not be able to access the service.
- Advanced Protection (Threat Manager) may be blocking tracking scripts that some websites need to load correctly, causing pages to fail to load or appear blank.
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Apps and websites not restricted by region
Apps and websites that verify your location
Apps, websites, or online services not restricted by regions
If you are unable to access an app, website, or online service that is not restricted by geolocation, follow the troubleshooting steps below. After each step, check whether the issue is resolved. If it is, you can skip the remaining steps.
1. Connect to a different VPN server location
The VPN server you’re connected to may be experiencing temporary connectivity issues with the app, website, or online service. Try connecting to a different VPN server location, then access the app or website again.
Connect to a different server location for the…
- ExpressVPN Windows app
- ExpressVPN Mac app
- ExpressVPN iOS app
- ExpressVPN Android app
- ExpressVPN Linux app
- ExpressVPN for routers
2. Turn off Advanced Protection
Some legitimate websites rely on tracking scripts to load correctly, and Advanced Protection can block these by default. As a result, a website may fail to load completely, display a blank page, or some features may not work as expected.
To check if this is the issue, disable Advanced Protection in your ExpressVPN settings and try accessing the website again. If it loads, Advanced Protection may have been preventing required resources from loading.
If turning off Advanced Protection resolves the issue but you would prefer to keep it enabled, proceed to step 3.
3. Use split tunneling
On supported devices, you can use split tunneling to exclude your browser or the affected app or site from the VPN connection. This allows you to access the website or service without disabling the VPN or Advanced Protection for your other internet traffic.
Learn how to use split tunneling on the:
If the issue persists, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.
Apps, websites, or online services that verify your location
Some apps, websites, and online services verify your location for security, fraud prevention, regulatory compliance, or licensing purposes. If your VPN server location doesn’t match your device’s location or the region where you’re authorized to use the service, you may not be able to access it.
Follow the troubleshooting steps below to resolve your issue. After each step, check if the issue is fixed. If the issue is fixed, you can skip the rest of the steps.
- Turn off your mobile’s location settings or services
- Use the ExpressVPN browser extension on your desktop
- Connect to a matching VPN server location
- Access the website or service again
1. Turn off your mobile’s location settings or services
Some mobile apps use your device’s location services instead of your IP address. If you are connected to ExpressVPN using a mobile device, turn off your location settings, then connect to the VPN again.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Location.
- At the top, turn off Use Location.
Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Privacy & Security > Location Services.
- Toggle Location Services off.
- Tap Turn Off.
Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.
2. Use the ExpressVPN browser extension on your computer
If you are connected to ExpressVPN on your computer, install the ExpressVPN browser extension, then connect to the VPN again.
Without the extension, websites may be able to determine your approximate location through HTML5 geolocation if your browser has permission to share it (even when the VPN is active). The ExpressVPN browser extension has a feature called Spoof your location, which replaces your real location with your VPN server location when websites request it. It’s enabled by default.
Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.
3. Connect to a matching VPN server location
If you’re accessing a service in your home country or another region where you’re authorized to use it, connect to a VPN server in that same region. For example, if you normally access your bank or government services in the U.S., connect to a nearby U.S. VPN server before trying again.
Follow the guides below to connect to a different server location on your device:
- ExpressVPN Windows app
- ExpressVPN Mac app
- ExpressVPN iOS app
- ExpressVPN Android app
- ExpressVPN Linux app
- ExpressVPN for routers
If you are unsure which server location best matches your needs, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team.
4. Access the app, website, or online service again
Try accessing the app, website, or online service again. If you still have access issues, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.