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This tutorial will show you how to manually set up ExpressVPN on Linux via Ubuntu Network Manager.

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

Important: The OpenVPN manual configuration does not offer the same security and privacy benefits as the ExpressVPN app. 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.
Prefer app setup? See the instructions for setting up the ExpressVPN app for Linux or setup for other Linux distributions.

Jump to…

1. Find your ExpressVPN account credentials
2. Set up the VPN
3. Connect to a VPN server location
Disconnect from a VPN server location

1. Find your ExpressVPN account credentials

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

ExpressVPN dashboard login screen showing the email field.

Enter the verification code that is sent to your email.ExpressVPN dashboard showing the verification code sent via email.

With Manual Configuration already selected for you, you will see your username, password, and a list of OpenVPN configuration files on the right.

ExpressVPN browser dashboard showing the OpenVPN settings.

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.

Next, download this ZIP file which contains the VPN keys and certificates.

After, go to the Downloads folder (or the location you saved the file to). Locate the file, right-click it, and select extract here to unzip it for later. Alternatively, use the extraction method that works reliably for your operating system configuration.

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

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2. Set up the VPN

On your desktop, click ⋮⋮⋮. In the search bar, type Network.

Select Network."Network" app in the Ubuntu settings.

Next to VPN, click Add icon..Network settings in Ubuntu showing the VPN setting.

Click Import from file…VPN settings in Ubuntu showing the "Import from file" option highlighted.

Select the ExpressVPN OpenVPN configuration file you downloaded earlier. Click Open.VPN settings in Ubuntu showing the "Import from file" option highlighted.

In the Identity tab, under Authentication, enter the following details:

  • Type: Select Password with Certificates (TLS).
  • User name: Enter the username you found earlier.
  • Password: Enter the password you found earlier.OpenVPN configuration settings for ExpressVPN in Ubuntu.

3. Connect to a VPN server location

To connect to a VPN server location, go to Network, then toggle the new VPN profile on.

VPN toggle enabled in the Ubuntu network settings.

If prompted, enter the password provided for the OpenVPN configuration.

Once you are connected to ExpressVPN, you will see an icon that says “VPN” at the top right corner of your desktop.

Network icon highlighted in the Ubuntu top panel.

Check your location and IP address to confirm the VPN connection is working.

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

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Disconnect from a VPN server location

To disconnect from a VPN server location, click the VPN icon at the top right corner of your desktop. Select the VPN profile, then click Turn Off.

VPN toggle highlighted in the Ubuntu network settings.

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

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