How to Set Up ExpressVPN Account and Subscription on Windows and Mac

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

ExpressVPNWindowsMacAccountSubscriptionSetupRegistrationSoftwarePrivacySecurityInternet

You can greatly enhance your online security and privacy by using a Virtual Private Network or VPN. VPN encrypts your internet connection, making your online activities more anonymous and secure. Among the many VPN providers, ExpressVPN is widely acclaimed for its speed, security, and ease of use. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the step-by-step process of setting up an ExpressVPN account and subscription on Windows and Mac systems.

1. Understanding ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a VPN service that allows users to connect to the internet securely and anonymously. Its primary functions include hiding your IP address, encrypting your online traffic, and allowing you to access geo-restricted content by connecting to various server locations around the world. It is beneficial not only for privacy enthusiasts but also for anyone looking to bypass internet censorship and access content that is restricted in their region.

2. Create an ExpressVPN account

Before you can start using ExpressVPN on your Windows or Mac device, you’ll need to create an account. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the ExpressVPN website: Open your favorite web browser and visit the official ExpressVPN website. You can do this by entering the URL https://www.expressvpn.com/ into your browser's address bar.
2. Sign up for an account: Once you reach the homepage, click the "Get Express VPN" or "Sign up" button. This will take you to the signup page, where you will be asked to choose a subscription plan.
3. Choose a subscription plan: ExpressVPN offers a variety of plans, such as monthly, semi-annual, and annual subscriptions. Prices may vary depending on promotional offers. Choose the plan that suits your needs and click "Continue" or "Sign up."
4. Create your account: You will need to enter your email address and create a strong password. Make sure the password is unique and secure by using a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
5. Complete the payment process: Proceed to the payment section, where you can choose from a number of payment methods including credit/debit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, and more. Enter your payment details, and click on "Complete Order" or a similar button.
6. Verify your account: After you complete your purchase, you will receive an email confirmation. Follow the instructions in the email to verify your account.

3. Downloading and installing ExpressVPN on Windows

Once you have successfully set up your ExpressVPN account, you can proceed to download and install the application on your Windows device. Here's how:

1. Log into your ExpressVPN account: Visit the ExpressVPN website and log in using your newly created credentials. This will take you to your account dashboard.
2. Download the Windows app: In your account dashboard, find the “My Subscriptions” or “Set up ExpressVPN” section, and click the link to download the ExpressVPN Windows application.
3. Run the installer: Once the download is complete, open the installation file (usually named something like "expressvpn_install.exe"). You may be prompted by Windows User Account Control to allow the app to make changes to your device. Click "Yes" to proceed.
4. Install the app: Follow the on-screen instructions inside the installer. Typically, you'll need to click "Next" or "Install" to continue, then click "Finish" when the installation is complete.
5. Start ExpressVPN: After installation, open the ExpressVPN application. You can find it in the Start menu or via the desktop shortcut you chose during installation.

4. Setting up ExpressVPN on Mac

The process of setting up ExpressVPN on Mac is not much different from Windows, although its nuances relate to the macOS system. Here is a detailed guide:

1. Log into your ExpressVPN account: As with Windows, you'll need to access the ExpressVPN website and log into your account dashboard.
2. Download the Mac app: Go to "My Subscriptions" or a similar section and find the download link for Mac. Click to download the ExpressVPN macOS app.
3. Open the installer: After downloading, find the .dmg file in your Downloads folder and double-click it to open the installer.
4. Install ExpressVPN: You'll see the ExpressVPN icon and a prompt to drag it to your Applications folder. Drag the icon as instructed. You may need to enter your Mac's administrator password to complete the installation.
5. Launch the application: Go to your Applications folder and double-click ExpressVPN to launch it. You may need to authorize the application by entering your Mac admin password once again.

5. Activating and using ExpressVPN

Now that you have ExpressVPN installed on your Windows or Mac device, let’s activate it and start using it:

1. Activation code: When you open the ExpressVPN application for the first time, you will be asked to enter the activation code. This can be found in your account dashboard on the ExpressVPN website. Copy the code and paste it into the application.
2. Connect to a VPN server: After activation, you will be taken to ExpressVPN's main interface. To connect to a server, click the "Connect" button. By default, ExpressVPN connects to the location that provides the best speed for you, known as a "smart location."
3. Choose a different location: If you want to connect to a server in a specific location, click the “Choose Location” menu, and browse the available server locations. Click on your preferred location to connect. Once connected, the interface will prompt a successful connection.
4. Settings and features: Check out “Options” or “Preferences” in the app to customize your VPN experience. You can configure different protocols, enable the kill switch feature, set up split tunneling, and more.

6. Managing your ExpressVPN subscription

Knowing how to effectively manage your subscription ensures that you can update your plan, renew it when necessary, or cancel it if you want to stop using the service.

1. Accessing account information: Log into your account on the ExpressVPN website and go to Account Settings. Here you will manage billing details, change your password and update your subscription.
2. Changing your subscription plan: In your account settings, you have the option to upgrade or downgrade your subscription plan. Choose the plan that matches your current needs and follow the on-screen instructions to finalize any changes.
3. Renew your subscription: Most plans renew automatically. However, if you've set your account to manual renewal, you can renew your subscription through the account dashboard before your current subscription expires.
4. Canceling your subscription: If you decide to cancel, go to Subscription Settings. Follow the prompts to complete the cancellation. Note that if you are within the money-back guarantee period, you may want to contact customer support to ensure you receive any eligible refund.

7. Troubleshooting common problems

While ExpressVPN is generally known for its reliability, you may occasionally encounter some problems. Here's how to troubleshoot common issues:

• Connection problems: Make sure you have a stable internet connection. Try connecting to a different server. You can also check if the software needs to be updated or, as a last resort, uninstall and reinstall it.
• Slow speeds: Distance from the VPN server can cause slow VPN speeds. Try connecting to a server closer to your location. Alternatively, adjust the VPN protocol settings within the app.
• VPN not working with some websites: Some websites block known VPN servers. If you find this, try changing servers or contact ExpressVPN support for server recommendations that work with specific services.
• Application errors: If you receive an error message from the application, restart your device. Check for updates for both your operating system and the ExpressVPN application.

8. Security features and tips

Using the full spectrum of ExpressVPN's security measures can greatly improve your online security:

• Enable Network Lock: Also known as a kill switch, this feature ensures that your internet traffic is blocked if the VPN connection breaks, protecting your real IP address from being exposed.
• Use high-encryption protocols: Use automatic protocol selection for balanced performance and security, or manually choose protocols like OpenVPN or IKEv2 for specific use cases.
• Stay updated: Check for updates regularly to ensure the latest security patches have been applied.
• Take care of cybersecurity: Along with using a VPN, maintain strong, unique passwords and be wary of phishing attempts. Regularly review privacy settings on your accounts and devices.

Conclusion

Setting up ExpressVPN on Windows and Mac is a straightforward process that can substantially increase your level of online security and privacy. By following the steps and recommendations outlined in this guide, you should be well-equipped to effectively set up, activate, and manage your ExpressVPN account and subscription. Remember to take advantage of ExpressVPN's robust features to customize the experience to your specific privacy and security needs. Whether you're on a public network or accessing restricted content from different regions, having VPN protection can lead to a more secure and versatile internet experience.

  Share This Article

If you find anything wrong with the article content, you can request an update