How to set up the ExpressVPN Router App for Asus RT-AC68U, RT-AC87U, RT-AC56R, RT-AC56S, and RT-AC56U

This tutorial will teach you how to set up the ExpressVPN Router App on the Asus routers.

IMPORTANT: The steps below only work for the Asus RT-AC68U, RT-AC87U, RT-AC56R, RT-AC56S, and RT-AC56U. Make sure you are using the correct firmware for each model or the setup process will not work. For other router models, see the manual router setup instructions here.

Jump to…

Download the ExpressVPN firmware
Set up your Asus router
Flashing your router
Connect your devices
Connect to a different server location
OPTIONAL: Manage Devices

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Download the ExpressVPN firmware

Begin by downloading the ExpressVPN firmware for your router:

Sign in to your ExpressVPN account using your ExpressVPN username and password.

Click Set Up on More Devices.

Click on Router on the left side of the screen. On the right, select your router model name to then click Download Firmware.

You will also see your activation code listed on the screen. Keep this tab open or paste your code into a word processor, you’ll need to refer to it later.

Need help? For any issues, please contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Set up your Asus router

Note: ExpressVPN recommends keeping your existing network and adding the ExpressVPN router as a second router. If you would like to only use the ExpressVPN router, you are recommended to first set up the ExpressVPN router as a secondary router and later remove your primary router.

To set up your Asus router:

• Follow these setup steps if your router does not have internet access.
• Follow these setup steps if your router has internet access.

Setup for routers without internet access

Make sure your router is powered on, with any required antennae attached. Connect your computer to the router by:

1. cable, or
2. the secure wireless network name found on the bottom of the router.

Access the  Asus router dashboard. If you need help finding your router’s gateway, follow the instructions here.

If you are logging in for the first time, enter ‘admin’ and a temporary password. Click Next.

Select a password for the router’s SSIDs. Input the password and then click on Apply and then Complete.

You will now arrive at the router admin dashboard. Proceed to the steps below.

Need help? For any issues, please contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Setup for routers with internet access

You should be connected to the internet and able to browse sites on the internet.

Open a browser and access the Asus router dashboard. If you cannot access the dashboard through the URL, try to find your router’s gateway (e.g. 192.168.1.1). You can follow the instructions here.

You will be prompted to login. Enter your existing router username and password.

You will now arrive at the router admin dashboard. Proceed to the steps below.

Need help? For any issues, please contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Flashing your router

On the left side of your dashboard, click on Administration.
For instructions on how to upload the ExpressVPN firmware, click on the link appropriate to your Asus firmware version number.
For Asus Firmware 3.0.0.4.384.20648 and after

For Asus Firmware before 3.0.0.4.384.20648

When you see the message Router update is completed, you may need to reconnect your Ethernet cable to the router’s Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi name is ASUS_(modelname)_(revision) or (for some hardware: Broadcom_Northstar) and the password is the PIN number printed on the sticker on the back or bottom of the router.

Go to expressvpnrouter.com and log in with admin and admin.

Enter the activation code you found above and click Activate.

You should now be connected to the VPN.

Need help? For any issues, please contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Connect your devices

All devices connected to the Internet via your ExpressVPN router (either through cable or Wi-Fi) will have its traffic tunneled through a secure VPN.

To connect any device to the VPN, plug its network cable into the ExpressVPN router or connect the device to the ExpressVPN router’s Wi-Fi. The network name and password are given at the back or bottom of your router.

You can also change the VPN server location you are connected to or disconnect a device connected to the router by logging into www.expressvpnrouter.com.

Need help? For any issues, please contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Connect to a different server location

To connect to a different server location, make sure you are disconnected from the VPN.

Click on Select another location, then click on the location you want to connect to.

You can also use the search bar to search for a location to connect to.

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

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 OPTIONAL: Manage Devices

On the VPN tab, go to VPN Options. Scroll to Recently connected devices and select which devices you wish to have protected with VPN or not protected by VPN.

Note: You will not be able to toggle VPN protection on/off for devices connected via a static IP.

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

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