How to Set Up a VPN on Android 11 and All Android OS

Last updated: September 22, 2020

Need a VPN for Android?

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This tutorial will show you how to download, set up, and use the ExpressVPN Android app.

These instructions are for ExpressVPN for Android Version 7.0, which is compatible with Android 5.0 and up: Lollipop (5.x), Marshmallow (6.x), Nougat (7.x), Oreo (8.x), Pie (9.x), Android 10, and Android 11.

Note: If you’re using Android 4.4 or older, use the L2TP manual configuration.

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Jump to section

Sign in to your account
Download the VPN app
Set up the VPN app
Connect to a VPN server location
Disconnect from a VPN server location
Choose a different VPN server location
Add shortcuts to the ExpressVPN app
Switch to a different VPN protocol
Use split tunneling
Change languages in the ExpressVPN Android app
Access in-app support articles
Add the ExpressVPN app widget
Set up ExpressVPN on other devices
Uninstall the app

On your Android device, open the Welcome Email you received when you signed up for ExpressVPN. Tap “Set Up ExpressVPN.” You will be taken to the downloads page.

If you cannot find the email, sign in to your account. Enter your verification code, which you will receive in your email.

Under Set up your devices, tap Android.

You will be taken to the downloads page.

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

Download the VPN app

There are two ways to download the app, depending on whether you have access to the Google Play Store.

If you can access the Google Play Store, tap Get it on Google Play.

In the Google Play Store, tap Install. Then tap Open.

If you cannot access Google Play, tap Download APK to download the APK directly to your Android device.

Note: ExpressVPN does not recommend downloading our APK from third-party sources. Learn more about downloading APKs.

By default, your device does not allow apps from unknown sources. Tap Settings, then toggle Allow from this source on.

After the APK is downloaded to your device, tap OPEN. Then tap Install.

Tap OPEN to launch the app.

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

Set up the VPN app

Open the app, then tap Sign In.

Enter your email address and password, then tap Sign In.

You will be asked whether you want to share anonymous diagnostics with ExpressVPN. Select your preference to continue.

You will be prompted to set up your VPN and approve connection requests by ExpressVPN. Tap OK and OK to continue.

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

Connect to a VPN server location

To connect to a VPN server location, tap the On Button. By default, ExpressVPN will suggest the location that provides the optimal experience for you, called Smart Location.

Once you see the Connected message on the app screen, you can start using the internet with added privacy and security.

Note: With an ExpressVPN subscription, you can connect up to five devices to the VPN at the same time. If you try to connect more than five devices simultaneously, you will see this screen:

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

Disconnect from a VPN server location

To disconnect from the VPN server location, tap the On Button.

You will know you are disconnected when the screen says, “Not connected.”

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

Choose a different VPN server location

To choose a different server location, tap the ellipsis (…) to browse more VPN locations.

Note: The first time you try to change locations while connected to VPN, you will get a warning stating your internet traffic may be unsecure during reconnection. Tap Continue to proceed.

By default, the list of VPN locations features two tabs: RECOMMENDED and ALL LOCATIONS.

The RECOMMENDED tab shows you ExpressVPN’s top picks for you.

The ALL LOCATIONS tab lists VPN server locations by region. You can expand and collapse the lists by tapping the triangular arrowheads.

To add a location to your favorites, swipe right on it.

You can access your favorite locations in the Favorites tab.

To remove a location from your favorites, swipe right on it again.

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

Add shortcuts to the ExpressVPN app

The shortcuts feature appears on the ExpressVPN home screen after you connect to the VPN. It will not appear the first time you connect, but it will appear from your second connection onward.

Shortcuts allow you to conveniently and quickly launch apps and websites straight from the ExpressVPN app anytime you are connected. If you find yourself regularly visiting a handful of favorite destinations after connecting to VPN, adding them as shortcuts saves you from having to switch back to your device’s home screen or browser to find it each time.

To launch an app or website, tap its icon.

If you have fewer than five shortcuts selected, you can add one by tapping the gray plus icon.

To add or remove shortcuts, tap the hamburger menu (≡) > Settings > App and Website Shortcuts.

Under INCLUDE, you can add up to five shortcuts.

To add a shortcut to the list, tap the green add (+) icon. To remove a shortcut, tap the red remove (-) icon.

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

Switch to a different VPN protocol

VPN protocols are the methods by which your device connects to a VPN server. Switching to a different protocol can give you faster connection speeds.

To switch VPN protocols, tap the hamburger menu (≡) > Settings > VPN Protocol. You will need to be disconnected from the VPN to switch protocols.

Select the protocol you want to use.

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

Use split tunneling

The Split Tunneling feature lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which apps don’t when you are connected to ExpressVPN.

To access your split-tunneling settings, tap the hamburger menu (≡) > Settings > Split Tunneling.

To decide which of your apps will use the VPN, select Only allow selected apps to use the VPN. Under ADD APPS, select the apps you want to apply VPN protection to.

Note: If you enabled “Block non-VPN traffic” in your Android system settings, only the apps you select through this menu will be able to use the internet. All other apps will be permanently blocked unless you add them to this list.