Last updated:

Get ExpressVPN on Android.
Need a VPN for Android?
Get ExpressVPN Now
Refer a friend to use ExpressVPN.
Love ExpressVPN? Want a free month?
Refer a Friend Now

This tutorial will show you how to manually configure a VPN connection on your Android device using the L2TP/IPsec protocol.

Not all ExpressVPN locations may be available for manually configured connections. To use the full list of VPN locations, use the app setup.

Important: L2TP/IPsec provides weak security benefits and should only be used for anonymization or for changing locations. 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.
Using Android 5.0 and above? Follow this setup guide to use the ExpressVPN app for Android. 

Jump to…

1. Find your ExpressVPN account credentials
2. Set up the VPN configuration
Uninstall the VPN configuration

1. Find your ExpressVPN account credentials

On your Android device, go to the ExpressVPN setup page. If prompted, enter your ExpressVPN credentials and tap Sign In.

Tap "Sign In."

Enter the verification code that is sent to your email.

Select L2TP/IPsec.

Select "L2TP/IPsec."

This will show you your username, password, and a list of server addresses around the world.

This will show you your username, password, and a list of server addresses around the world.

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

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

Back to top

2. Set up the VPN Configuration

Note: Different Android devices have different user interfaces, depending on the manufacturer. If your device interface looks drastically different from the one shown in our steps below, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

On your Android device, tap Settings > Connections > More connection settings. (For other versions of Android, this might be Settings > More… > Wireless & Networks.)

Tap “More connection settings.”

Tap VPN. Then tap Vertical ellipsis. and Add VPN Profile. (For other versions of Android, tap Add icon.)

Tap the vertical ellipsis.

On the Edit VPN profile screen, enter the following:

  • Name: Enter any name that will help you recognize your VPN connection. It might be helpful to enter the location name (e.g., ExpressVPN LA).
  • Type: Select L2TP/IPSec PSK.
  • Server address: Enter one of the server addresses provided (e.g., la-abc-abcd.abcde.com).
  • L2TP Secret: Leave this field blank.
  • IPSec identifier: Leave this field blank.
  • IPSec pre-shared key: Enter 12345678.
  • DNS search domains: Leave this field blank.
  • DNS servers (e.g. 8.8.8.8): Leave this field blank.

Then tap Save.

Tap “Save.”

Tap the VPN profile you just created.

Tap the VPN profile you just created.

Enter the username and password you found earlier. Make sure Save account information is ticked. Then tap Connect.

Tap “Connect.”

Congratulations! You should now be connected to the VPN.

To check if you have successfully connected to ExpressVPN, tap the VPN profile. If it says, “VPN is connected,” your connection is working.

A screen that shows that you have connected to ExpressVPN successfully.

To disconnect, tap Disconnect.

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

Back to top

Uninstall the VPN configuration

To uninstall the VPN configuration from your Android device, go to your VPN profile page. Tap and hold your existing VPN profile.

Tap and hold your existing VPN profile.

Tap Delete Profile.

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.

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