This tutorial will show you how to set up ExpressVPN on Asus routers.

ExpressVPN is supported on the following Asus router models:

  • RT-AC68U (up to v3)
  • RT-AC87U
  • RT-AC56R
  • RT-AC56S
  • RT-AC56U

If your Asus router model does not support ExpressVPN, you can use the OpenVPN manual configuration.

Important: Installing any third-party firmware, such as ExpressVPN, could invalidate your router’s warranty. Check with your router’s manufacturer if this is a concern.

Jump to…

1. Download the ExpressVPN firmware
2. Connect your Asus router to the internet
3. Install the ExpressVPN firmware
4. Connect to the router running ExpressVPN
5. Complete the setup on the router


1. Download the ExpressVPN firmware

Download the firmware on the ExpressVPN website. From the dropdown menu, select the model of your Asus router.

Select Download Firmware.

Select your router, then click "Download Firmware."

Keep this browser window open. You will need the activation code for the setup later.

Keep this browser window open. You will need the activation code for the setup later.

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

Back to top


2. Connect your Asus router to the internet

Important: If you are currently connected to a different router, you are recommended to add the Asus router as a secondary router to your existing network. If you want to replace an existing router with the Asus router, you are recommended to set up the Asus router as a secondary router before removing the existing router.

Before you proceed, make sure to:

  • Turn on your Asus router.
  • Connect the Asus router to the internet (via a modem or an existing router).
  • Connect your device to the Asus router (via Wi-Fi or a LAN cable).

If you are installing the ExpressVPN firmware on an existing router that has already completed the initial network setup: Proceed to installing the ExpressVPN firmware.

If you are installing the ExpressVPN firmware on a new router that has not completed the initial network setup:

  1. In your web browser’s address bar, enter 192.168.1.1 or router.asus.com.
  2. Complete the initial network setup by following the on-screen instructions.
  3. Proceed to install the ExpressVPN firmware.

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

Back to top


3. Install the ExpressVPN firmware

Important: Installing the ExpressVPN firmware on your Asus router will replace its current settings, such as your Wi-Fi SSID and password. You can reset your router to the default Asus firmware if needed.

In your web browser’s address bar, enter router.asus.com or 192.168.1.1. (If you have changed your default gateway in the past, you can find it in your device settings.)

If prompted, enter your Asus router’s username and password. Both the default username and password are admin.

Note: If you cannot sign in with admin, you can try signing in with the default credentials printed on the bottom of your Asus router. However, if you changed them in the past but cannot remember them, you will have to hard-reset your router so you can use the default credentials to sign in.

Sign in to the Asus admin with your admin username and password.

Note: Once in the router’s admin settings, you can find your router’s Wi-Fi password under PIN code or WPA-PSK key. Make a note of it as you will be asked to provide it later.

On the sidebar, select Administration > Firmware Upgrade.

Click “Firmware Upgrade.”

Select Upload, then select the ExpressVPN firmware .trx file you downloaded earlier.

Click “Upload” to upload the ExpressVPN firmware.

When you have successfully uploaded the ExpressVPN firmware, you will see, “Firmware upgrade is done. Please reboot (your Asus router model) manually.”

You have now installed the ExpressVPN firmware on your Asus router.

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

Back to top


4. Connect to the router running ExpressVPN

Connect your device to the router running ExpressVPN via Wi-Fi or LAN cable.

For Wi-Fi, the network name will appear as your Asus router’s Wi-Fi name. (If you did not change your Asus router’s Wi-Fi network name before, it is the default Wi-Fi network name printed on the bottom of your Asus router.) It may take a while to appear in your list of networks.

After that, enter your Wi-Fi network password. (You can also find the default Wi-Fi password on the bottom of your router.)

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

Back to top


5. Complete the setup on the router

Once your device is connected to the network, you will see the setup screen for the router running ExpressVPN. If it does not appear, go to expressvpnrouter.com. Select Get Started and follow the instructions.

When the setup is complete, keep a note of your Wi-Fi name and password, and your router password.

You have now set up ExpressVPN on your router.

Note: Once you have set the Router admin password, the router will automatically install any available updates.

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

Back to top

Was this article helpful?

We're sorry to hear that. Let us know how we can improve.

Which router model do you need help with?

Examples: Linksys WRT1200AC, Asus RT-AC56R

A member of our Support Team will follow up on your issue.