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This guide will show you how to set up ExpressVPN on your Freebox using the OpenVPN manual configuration.

This setup does not protect all the devices connected to the Freebox. Instead, only the integrated “seedbox” and all downloads initiated through the seedbox will be protected by the VPN. If you want full VPN protection on your Freebox, you will need to use your Freebox as a secondary router and connect it to a router running ExpressVPN.
Important: The OpenVPN manual configuration does not offer the same security and privacy benefits as the ExpressVPN app. If your router does not support AES-NI (e.g., Asus RT-AC86U), you may experience occasional speed issues while using the OpenVPN manual configuration. If you are located in a country with a high level of internet censorship, you are recommended to use the ExpressVPN app for a more stable VPN connection.
Important: While running OpenVPN 2.6, you may encounter a warning saying “–keysize is DEPRECATED”. This is due to ExpressVPN having the keysize option in the .ovpn file. This warning message will not affect VPN functionality as OpenVPN 2.6 will simply ignore the line with no further consequence.

If you want to remove this warning, open the .ovpn file with a text editor and either:

  1. delete the line containing keysize
    or
  2. add # in front of the keysize (#keysize 256).

Alternatively, you can ignore the warning without any negative effects.

The steps for this setup were tested on the Freebox Revolution line of devices.

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1. Download the VPN configuration files
2. Edit the configuration files
3. Configure your Freebox

1. Download the VPN configuration files

Go to the ExpressVPN setup page. If prompted, enter your ExpressVPN credentials and click Sign In.

Enter your account credentials, then click "Sign In."

Enter the verification code that is sent to your email.

On the right, with OpenVPN already selected for you, you will see your username, password, and a list of OpenVPN configuration files.

With OpenVPN already selected for you, you will see your username, password, and a list of OpenVPN configuration files.

Click the location(s) you want in order to download the .ovpn file(s).

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

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

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2. Edit the configuration files

By default, the ExpressVPN configuration files are not compatible with Freebox. You will need to manually edit them before proceeding.

In a text editor (e.g., Notepad or TextEdit), open the configuration file you downloaded.

Remove the following lines from the file:

route-method exe
route-delay 2
redirect-gateway

Save the file.

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

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3. Configure your Freebox

Access your Freebox dashboard by accessing: http://mafreebox.freebox.fr

Click on Paramètres de la Freebox.

Under the Mode avancé tab, click on Client VPN.

Select the Configuration VPN tab, then click on Ajouter une connexion.

Fill in the following fields:

  • Description: Enter a name of your choosing
  • Type de serveur VPN: OpenVPN
  • Nom d’utilisateur: the ExpressVPN username you found above
  • Mot de passe: the ExpressVPN password you found above

Click on Parcourir and upload the configuration file you previously edited.

At the bottom of the window, click Sauvegarder.

At the top of the window, make sure the configuration you created is active.

To check your VPN connection is active, go to the État de la connexion VPN tab. Client VPN actif should show “Oui.”

Next, go to the Applications tab. The checkbox next to Gestionnaire de téléchargements should be checked.

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

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