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How to troubleshoot connectivity issues with ExpressVPN on Mac
Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
ExpressVPNMacTroubleshootingConnectivityNetworkInternetSecurityPrivacySupportFix
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Using a VPN like ExpressVPN can help enhance your security and privacy online. However, sometimes it can be challenging if you face connectivity issues on your Mac. In this article, we will discuss the detailed steps to troubleshoot such problems in simple terms.
Understanding the basics
Before we dive into troubleshooting, it's important to understand the basics of how VPNs work. When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through strategically located servers in different regions. This not only secures your connection but also provides you with a temporary IP address from the chosen location, hiding your real IP address.
General connectivity issues
Some common connectivity issues are as follows:
- Your Mac may fail to connect to the VPN server.
- After some time the VPN connection gets lost.
- You experience slow internet speed.
- The VPN app may not start properly.
These can be due to various reasons like network settings, server issues or app updates.
Step-by-step troubleshooting guide
1. Check your internet connection
Before troubleshooting VPNs, make sure your Internet connection is working properly.
Try the following:
- Open the browser and visit any website. This helps to verify if the internet is working without VPN.
- Restart your router and modem by unplugging them, waiting a few seconds, and plugging them back in. This can sometimes solve network-related problems.
If your Internet is working fine without a VPN connection, check your VPN setup.
2. Verify your ExpressVPN account
Make sure your ExpressVPN subscription is active and that you’re using the correct login credentials.
Verify:
- Log in to your ExpressVPN account dashboard from a web browser.
- Check if your subscription is active and updated.
If your account details are incorrect, update them accordingly.
3. Update the ExpressVPN app
Having the latest version of the ExpressVPN app can fix compatibility issues and known bugs.
To update on a Mac:
- Open the ExpressVPN application.
- Go to the app menu and click on the “Check for Updates” option.
- If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.
Updating the app ensures you have the latest features and stability improvements.
4. Change VPN server location
Sometimes, the problem may be with a specific server. Changing the server location may resolve it.
Try the following:
- Open the ExpressVPN application.
- Disconnect from the current server if you are connected.
- Click "Choose Location" and select a different server from the list.
Testing with multiple servers can help determine if the problem is server-specific.
5. Test different VPN protocols
Protocols determine how your data will be routed. Sometimes, changing the protocol can help improve your connection.
To change the protocol:
- Open ExpressVPN on your Mac.
- Go to “Preferences” from the menu.
- Select the “Protocol” tab, then try different options like OpenVPN, IKEv2, or L2TP.
Connecting using a different protocol can increase the reliability and speed of the connection.
6. Restart ExpressVPN
A simple restart of the app may resolve temporary glitches.
Follow these steps:
- Close the ExpressVPN application completely.
- Reopen it and try connecting to the server again.
Sometimes the app needs a fresh start to work correctly.
7. Allow VPN in Mac's firewall settings
Firewalls on Mac can sometimes block VPN connections. Make sure ExpressVPN is allowed through the firewall.
To check the firewall settings:
- Go to “System Preferences” on your Mac.
- Click “Security & Privacy,” then select the “Firewall” tab.
- Click “Firewall Options” or “Advanced,” then make sure ExpressVPN is allowed.
This prevents firewalls from blocking ExpressVPN.
8. Disable other VPN or proxy services
Make sure you’re not running another VPN or any proxy service alongside ExpressVPN, which could cause conflicts.
To check:
- Go to “System Preferences,” then “Network.”
- Look for any active VPN or proxy settings.
- Disable them and try connecting to ExpressVPN again.
Running multiple VPN services can cause connectivity issues.
9. Clear DNS settings
DNS issues can affect ExpressVPN connectivity. To resolve this you can reset your DNS settings to default.
To clear DNS settings:
- Go to “System Preferences” on your Mac.
- Select "Network," then choose the active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
- Click on “Advanced” and go to the “DNS” tab.
- Delete any custom DNS addresses and click “OK” to save.
Make sure your Mac is set to get DNS automatically.
10. Reinstall ExpressVPN
If none of the above steps work, consider reinstalling the ExpressVPN app.
To reinstall:
- Go to “Applications” and drag ExpressVPN to the trash.
- Download the latest version from the ExpressVPN website.
- Reinstall the app and try connecting.
Reinstalling can help fix faulty files or corrupted installations.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting connectivity issues with ExpressVPN on your Mac may seem complicated, but following these systematic steps can help resolve most problems.
It is first necessary to check your internet connection, verify account details and ensure the app is up-to-date. Changing server locations, testing other protocols and ensuring the correct settings can lead to a stable VPN connection.
In cases where these steps do not resolve the issue, it is recommended to contact ExpressVPN support for professional assistance.
By resolving common connectivity issues as described, you can enjoy a smooth and secure experience when using ExpressVPN on your Mac.
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