How to Configure and Use ExpressVPN on Linux

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Linux is a powerful and flexible operating system used by millions of people around the world. When it comes to maintaining the security and privacy of your online activities, using a virtual private network (VPN) is often recommended. ExpressVPN is one of the leading VPN services that ensures high speeds and strong encryption. This guide will provide detailed information on how to configure and use ExpressVPN on a Linux machine.

Understanding ExpressVPN and VPNs

Before we dive into the configuration, it's important to understand what a VPN is. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, creates a secure connection to another network over the Internet. It encrypts your data, hides your IP address, and allows you to access region-restricted websites by routing your connection through servers located around the world.

ExpressVPN is widely used because it offers a balance of speed, security, and ease of use. It doesn’t keep logs of your activities and uses 256-bit encryption to protect your data.

Step 1: Sign up for ExpressVPN

The first step to using ExpressVPN is to sign up for the service. You can visit their website and choose a subscription plan that suits your needs. After signing up, you will receive a confirmation email with your login credentials.

Step 2: Download and install ExpressVPN on Linux

ExpressVPN offers a dedicated app for Linux that can be installed using the terminal. Here’s how you can install it depending on your distribution:

For Debian-based distributions like Ubuntu:

1. Open your terminal window.
2. Enter the following command to download the installation package:

   wget https://www.expressvpn.works/clients/linux/latest/expressvpn_x.xx_xx.deb

   Replace "x.xx_xx" with the specific version number.
3. Once the download is complete, install the package by typing the following:

   sudo dpkg -i expressvpn_x.xx_xx.deb

For RPM-based distributions like Fedora or CentOS:

1. Open the terminal.
2. Use the following command to download the package:

   wget https://www.expressvpn.works/clients/linux/latest/expressvpn_x.xx_x.x86_64.rpm

3. Install the package using the following:

   sudo rpm -ivh expressvpn_x.xx_x.x86_64.rpm

Step 3: Activate ExpressVPN

Once installed, you need to activate the app with your account credentials. You can do it like this:

1. Open your terminal.
2. Type:

   expressvpn activate

3. You will be asked to enter your activation code. You can find this code on the setup page after logging into your ExpressVPN account.

Step 4: Connect to an ExpressVPN server

After activation, you can connect to a VPN server. ExpressVPN offers servers in over 90 countries. You can choose a location or let ExpressVPN automatically select the best server.

To connect to a server, use the following command:

expressvpn connect

You can also specify the location:

expressvpn connect <location>

For example, to connect to a server in Canada, use:

expressvpn connect canada

Step 5: Managing VPN connections

ExpressVPN provides several commands to manage your VPN connection. Here are some useful commands:

• To disconnect from a VPN server:

  expressvpn disconnect

• To check your VPN status:

  expressvpn status

• To list all available locations:

  expressvpn list

• To switch to a different server:

  expressvpn connect <new_location>

Step 6: Configuring ExpressVPN options

You can customize VPN behavior through various ExpressVPN options. Here's how:

• Check the current settings:

  expressvpn preferences

• Enable/Disable Auto-connect:

  expressvpn autoconnect true

  Or

  expressvpn autoconnect false

• Enable/Disable Kill Switch (stop all internet traffic when disconnected from VPN):

  expressvpn lock true

  Or

  expressvpn lock false

Step 7: Troubleshoot common problems

Sometimes, users may face problems while using a VPN. Here are solutions to some common problems:

Connection issues

If you can't connect to a server, try these steps:

• Check your internet connection to make sure it’s working without a VPN.
• Switch to a different server location by running the following:

  expressvpn connect <different_location>

• Update the ExpressVPN client by re-downloading and reinstalling the package.

Login or activation issues

If activation fails, make sure:

• You have typed the activation code correctly.
• You can check the validity of the code on your ExpressVPN account settings page.

Conclusion

Setting up and using ExpressVPN on Linux is a straightforward process that ensures your online activities remain private and secure. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively manage your VPN connection, secure your data with encryption, and access the geo-restricted content it offers. ExpressVPN is known for its reliability and ease of use, making it a favorite choice among Linux users who value privacy and performance.

Maintaining an active VPN connection means enhancing digital security for a secure online presence. Experiment with different server locations to find the one that provides the best performance for your internet activities.

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