Intermediate
How to change VPN protocol settings on ExpressVPN
Quick Answer
To change VPN protocol settings on ExpressVPN, open the app, access Settings from the hamburger menu, navigate to Protocol options, and select your preferred protocol (Automatic, Lightway, OpenVPN UDP/TCP, or IKEv2). The change takes effect immediately upon selection.
Prerequisites
- Active ExpressVPN subscription
- ExpressVPN app installed on your device
- Administrative privileges on your device
- Basic understanding of VPN protocols
1
Launch ExpressVPN application
Open the ExpressVPN app on your device. If you're not already signed in, enter your credentials to access the main dashboard. Ensure you're disconnected from any VPN server before changing protocol settings.
Tip
Close other VPN applications to avoid conflicts during protocol changes.
2
Access the Settings menu
Click on the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) located in the top-left corner of the app. From the dropdown menu, select Settings or Preferences depending on your operating system.
3
Navigate to Protocol options
In the Settings window, look for the Protocol or Connection section. This is typically found under the Advanced or General tab. Click on Protocol to expand the available options.
Tip
On mobile devices, you may need to scroll down to find the Protocol section.
4
Select your preferred protocol
Choose from the available protocol options:
- Automatic - Recommended for most users, automatically selects the best protocol
- Lightway UDP/TCP - ExpressVPN's proprietary protocol for speed and security
- OpenVPN UDP/TCP - Industry standard with high security
- IKEv2 - Good for mobile devices with frequent network switching
Tip
Lightway is generally the fastest option, while OpenVPN TCP works better on restricted networks.
5
Configure additional protocol settings
If available for your selected protocol, configure additional settings such as:
- Port selection for custom port numbers
- Cipher settings for encryption preferences
- DNS settings for custom DNS servers
Tip
Only modify advanced settings if you understand their implications on security and performance.
6
Save and apply changes
Click Save or Apply to confirm your protocol selection. The app may briefly disconnect if you were connected to a server. Close the Settings window to return to the main interface.
7
Test the new protocol connection
Connect to a VPN server to test your new protocol settings. Choose a server location and click the Connect button. Verify the connection is successful and check your IP address to confirm the VPN is working properly with the new protocol.
Tip
Test connection speed and stability with the new protocol to ensure it meets your needs.
Troubleshooting
Protocol options are grayed out or unavailable
Disconnect from the VPN server first, then try accessing protocol settings. Some protocols may not be available on certain platforms or regions.
Connection fails after changing protocol
Switch back to Automatic protocol selection or try a different server location. Check if your network blocks the selected protocol and consider using OpenVPN TCP for restrictive networks.
Slower speeds after protocol change
Try different protocols to compare performance. Lightway UDP typically offers the best speeds. Clear the app cache and restart the application if performance issues persist.
App crashes when changing protocol settings
Update the ExpressVPN app to the latest version. Restart your device and try again. If the issue persists, contact ExpressVPN support or reinstall the application.
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