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Important: If you are located in a country with a high level of internet censorship and cannot find a working solution via the below troubleshooting steps, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance. If you are using ExpressVPN manual configurations, we recommend switching to use the ExpressVPN app for optimized performance.

This guide will show you how to resolve slow internet issues when connected to the ExpressVPN app.

Why is my internet speed slow when connected to ExpressVPN?

A VPN adds encryption and routes your traffic through a VPN server before it reaches the internet. This can reduce your connection speed slightly, but the impact should usually be small.

If the slowdown is significant, it may be caused by:

  • The VPN server location being far from your physical location.
  • The VPN protocol you are currently using.
  • Temporary routing or connectivity issues between your internet service provider (ISP) and the VPN server.

Troubleshooting steps

Follow the troubleshooting steps below to resolve your speed issue. After each step, check if the issue is fixed. If the issue is fixed, you can skip the rest of the steps.

  1. Download the latest version of ExpressVPN
  2. Tap the refresh button (iOS and Android)
  3. Connect to a different VPN server location
  4. Change your VPN protocol
  5. Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team

1. Download the latest version of ExpressVPN

Check whether you are using the latest version of the ExpressVPN app. If not, download the latest app version.

Set up your ExpressVPN app:

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2. Tap the refresh button (iOS and Android)

If you are using ExpressVPN on iOS or Android, you can try refreshing your VPN connection using the Refresh button, which has two arrows forming a circle and is found on the map on the VPN app home screen when you are connected to the VPN. Tapping it allows you to quickly disconnect and reconnect while keeping your device protected from data leaks.

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3. Connect to a different VPN server location

Connect to a different VPN server location on the Recommended server location list.

How to connect to a different server location on each of our apps:

  1. Click > next to Selected Location to access the list of VPN locations.ExpressVPN Windows app interface, showing the VPN tab. The server location widget is highlighted.
  2. Scroll through the Recommended or All Locations server lists to find a specific location, or use the search bar to find the location you want to connect to.ExpressVPN Windows app interface, showing a list of server locations. The "Recommended" tab is highlighted.
  3. Click on your desired server location, and ExpressVPN will automatically connect to it and return you to the VPN tab.ExpressVPN Windows app interface, showing a list of server locations. Several servers are highlighted.

  1. In the VPN tab, tap Change in the server location widget below the power button.ExpressVPN Android app interface, showing the VPN tab. The server location widget is highlighted.
  2. A list of Recommended server locations will be displayed. Scroll through it to find a specific server. Alternatively, tap All Locations to view all available options, or tap the search icon and type the location you’re looking for to find the server you want.ExpressVPN Android app interface, showing a list of server locations. The "Recommended" tab is highlighted.
  3. Tap the desired location and ExpressVPN will automatically connect you to the server and return you to the VPN tab.ExpressVPN Android app interface, showing a list of server locations. Several servers are highlighted.

  1. In the VPN tab, tap Change in the server location widget below the power button.ExpressVPN iOS app interface, showing the VPN tab. The server location widget is highlighted.
  2. A list of Recommended server locations will be displayed. Scroll through it to find a specific server. Alternatively, tap All Locations to view all available options, or tap the search icon and type the location you’re looking for to find the server you want.ExpressVPN iOS app interface, showing a list of server locations. The "Recommended" tab is highlighted.
  3. Tap a VPN server location and ExpressVPN will automatically connect to the server and return you to the VPN tab.ExpressVPN iOS app interface, showing a list of server locations. Several servers are highlighted.

  1. On the connection screen, select the server location widget for the device group you want to change server locations for.ExpressVPN Aircove router interface, showing two device groups on the main screen. The server location widgets are highlighted.
  2. A window displaying VPN server locations will pop up. Select your desired VPN server from the Recommended tab, and ExpressVPN will automatically connect to it.ExpressVPN AIrcove app interface, showing a list of VPN server locations. The "Recommended" tab is highlighted.

  1. On the VPN tab, select the server location widget.ExpressVPN Android TV app interface, showing the VPN tab and a highlighted server location widget.
  2. A list of servers will open. Scrolls through the servers in the Recommended tab to find a specific location.ExpressVPN Android TV app interface, showing a list of servers. The "Recommended" tab is highlighted.
  3. Select your desired server location, and pick a city if prompted. ExpressVPN will automatically connect you to it and return you to the VPN tab.ExpressVPN Android TV app interface, showing a list of server locations. Several servers are highlighted.

  1. Select the server location widget on the VPN tab.ExpressVPN app showing the main screen, with the Selected Location field highlighted in a green box.
  2. You will now see a list of server locations. Scroll through the servers in the Recommended tab to find a specific location.ExpressVPN Apple TV app interface, showing a list of servers. The "Recommended" tab is highlighted.
  3. Select your desired location, and choose a city if prompted. ExpressVPN will automatically connect you and return you to the VPN tab.ExpressVPN Apple TV app interface, showing a list of server locations. Several servers are highlighted.

If you notice your internet speed is faster after connecting to a different VPN server location, there may be a temporary issue with the server location you were previously trying to connect to. Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team about the issue and use other VPN server locations in the meantime.

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4. Change your VPN protocol

VPN protocols are the methods by which your device connects to a VPN server.

For the best experience, ExpressVPN recommends using the Automatic protocol option, which is selected by default. With the protocol set to Automatic, ExpressVPN will choose the best option for your network, which is usually Lightway.

If you are unable to connect with the Automatic protocol, try the other protocols in the following order (if available):

  1. Lightway – UDP
  2. Lightway – TCP
  3. WireGuard
  4. OpenVPN – TCP
  5. OpenVPN – UDP
  6. IKEv2 (iOS only)

Note: If you are using a dedicated IP address, it will only work when using the Lightway protocol.

How to change the protocol on each of our apps:

  1. On the VPN tab, click the VPN Protocol widget.ExpressVPN Windows app interface, showing the VPN tab and a highlighted VPN protocol widget.
  2. A list of available protocols will be displayed. Click the protocol you want to use.ExpressVPN Windows app interface, showing the VPN protocol tab. Several VPN protocols are highlighted.
  3. When switching from Automatic to other protocol options, you will see a pop-up asking if you are sure. Click Change Anyway to continue.ExpressVPN Windows app interface, showing the VPN protocol tab and a popup message. The "Change Anyway" button is highlighted.

  1. On the VPN tab, tap Protocol.ExpressVPN Android app interface, showing the VPN protocol tab.
  2. Tap your desired VPN protocol.
    ExpressVPN Android app interface, showing the VPN protocol tab and a popup message. The "Change Anyway" button is highlighted.
  3. If switching from Automatic to protocol options other than Lightway – UDP, a pop-up message asking if you are sure will be displayed. Tap Change Anyway to proceed.ExpressVPN Android app interface, showing the VPN protocol tab and a popup message. The "Change Anyway" button is highlighted.

  1. On the main screen, use the sidebar icon in the top left corner to expand and view the sidebar menu.ExpressVPN Aircove app interface, showing two device groups on the main screen and a highlighted sidebar menu icon.
  2. From the opened sidebar, select VPN Options to open the dropdown menu, then select VPN Protocol.ExpressVPN Aircove app interface, showing an expanded sidebar. The "VPN Options" tab is highlighted.
  3. Select your desired protocol. If you are unsure which to pick, select the Automatic option.VPN protocol list on ExpressVPN's Aircove router.

When done, disconnect and reconnect to apply the changes.

  1. In the top menu bar, select Options.
    ExpressVPN app interface showing the VPN tab on Android TV. The Options tab is highlighted.
  2. Next, select Settings.
    ExpressVPN app interface showing the Options tab on Android TV. The Settings option is highlighted.
  3. Select VPN protocol.
    ExpressVPN app interface showing the Settings tab on Android TV. The VPN protocol option is highlighted.
  4. Select your desired VPN protocol.ExpressVPN app interface showing the protocol selection page on Android TV.
  5. When switching from Automatic to OpenVPN or WireGuard, ExpressVPN will ask you to confirm the choice. Select Change Anyway to proceed.ExpressVPN app interface showing a confirmation window for switching protocols. The Change Anyway button is highlighted.

  1. Select Options from the top navigation bar.ExpressVPN app showing the navigation tabs, with the "Options" tab highlighted in a green box.
  2. Select VPN Protocol.ExpressVPN Options menu, with the "VPN Protocol" setting highlighted in a green box.
  3. Select the VPN protocol you want to use.ExpressVPN VPN protocol page showing Lightway VPN protocol option highlighted.

The app will save your changes automatically.

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5. Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team

If you have tried all the steps above but your internet speed is still slow, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

You can also submit your diagnostic information, which may reveal the cause of your connection issue, through the ExpressVPN app. The ExpressVPN Support Team will contact you after receiving your information.

  1. Click the Help tab.
  2. Click Contact Us.
  3. Click Issues with the VPN service.
  4. Click VPN connection is slow.
  5. Complete the form, then click Submit.
  6. Wait for a response from the ExpressVPN Support Team via email.

  1. Tap Help > Contact us.
  2. Tap Issues with the VPN service > VPN connection is slow.
  3. Fill in the form and tap Submit.
  4. Wait for a response from the ExpressVPN Support Team via email.

  1. Sign in to your router running ExpressVPN.
  2. Select Help & Support > Diagnostic Information.
  3. Select Download All Logs.
  4. Send the diagnostic information in the ExpressVPN Support Chat.

  1. Go to the Help tab.
  2. Select Contact Support.
  3. Explain your issue in the empty field.
  4. Toggle the switch on or off for Include diagnostic information.
  5. Select Send.

  1. Go to the Help tab.
  2. Select Contact Support.
  3. In the Message field, describe your issue.
  4. In the Attach diagnostic information field, select Yes or No.
  5. Select a topic for the issue.
  6. Select Send.

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

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