This guide shows you what to do if you are unable to use L2TP or PPTP manual configuration on your router.

ExpressVPN manual configurations are designed for devices that can’t run the ExpressVPN apps. For manual configurations, ExpressVPN supports OpenVPN.


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Recommended solution: Use the OpenVPN configuration
Recommended solution: Use ExpressVPN for routers
Alternate solution: Use a router that supports OpenVPN configurations


Recommended solution: Use the OpenVPN configuration

If your router supports OpenVPN, you can perform a manual configuration. This involves downloading ExpressVPN’s manual configuration files and applying them to your router.

You can find instructions for your specific router or contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for assistance if your specific router model is not listed. Before contacting Support, please check your router documentation to ensure it supports manually configured OpenVPN connections.


Recommended solution: Use ExpressVPN for routers

ExpressVPN for routers encrypts your router’s internet connection and will apply the same protection to every device connected to it. To use ExpressVPN for routers, you will need to download and “flash” the ExpressVPN router firmware on a supported router model.

ExpressVPN for routers is currently available for select Asus, Linksys, Netgear routers. If your specific router model is not listed, you can file a request to the ExpressVPN Support Team.


Alternate solution: Use a router that supports OpenVPN configurations

If your current router does not support OpenVPN configurations, you are encouraged to switch to a router that does.

OpenVPN is open-sourced and utilizes SSL/TLS for key exchange, making it a widely trusted protocol that provides an ideal combination of speed and security. A large variety of modern routers, at various price points, support OpenVPN.

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

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