ExpressVPN Stuck on Connecting, Now What? (Solutions)

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You can fix the ExpressVPN stuck-on connecting problem by restarting your device, updating the ExpressVPN app, disabling it momentarily, or resetting network settings if you’re using a mobile device.

But those aren’t the only things you can do. 

I’ll explore all the possible fixes to get it working again so you can stream your favorite shows or unblock restricted websites. So read this to the very end to find out more.

Solution 1: Check Your Internet Connection

You can check your internet to troubleshoot the ExpressVPN connection issue.

An unstable or slow internet connection is one of the leading causes of this problem.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to check the state of your internet connection:

  1. On your device, open the Settings app and tap on WiFi.
  2. Make sure that WiFi is turned on and that you’re connected to a network. If you’re not connected to a network, try another wireless connection.
wifi connected screenshot
  1. Once you’re connected to a network, check to see if the connection is stable. Do this by opening up a web browser and trying to load a website. The website shouldn’t take a long time to load. If it takes too long or doesn’t load at all, that’s a sign that your internet connection is unstable.
  2. Try moving closer to the router or restarting your device. You can also try restarting the router itself.
  3. Once your internet connection is stable, open the ExpressVPN app. Try connecting to a server again.

Solution 2: Restart Your Device

If that didn’t work, the next step is restarting your device. 

This can fix minor glitches and get things back up and running.

To restart your device, find the appropriate button/command and follow the prompts. Once your device has restarted, try reconnecting to ExpressVPN.

Solution 3: Update ExpressVPN

Updating ExpressVPN is another possible solution if the app is unable to connect. Sometimes you may be using an outdated version of the app, which could interfere with how it works.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get the latest version of ExpressVPN for macOS and Windows:

macOS

  1. Go to the ExpressVPN Download page and click the download button.
ExpressVPN Main
  1. This will download the latest version straight to your device. Install the normal way as a new update.
  2. Once the update is done installing, try reconnecting to a server location.
ExpressVPN Installation

Windows

  1. Go to the ExpressVPN Download page and download the latest ExpressVPN app.
ExpressVPN Main Page
  1. Install the new software. You can then connect to any new server without connection issues.
Download Start

Solution 4: Change Your Server and Protocol

Another solution you can try to counter any recent connection errors is changing your server and VPN protocol. Trying a different VPN server location can improve your connection speed and stability.

To change to a new server on Express VPN,

  1. Open the ExpressVPN app and click on the “Selected Location” button.
  1. Scroll through the list of available ExpressVPN server locations and select a new one. Now click the “Connect” button.

If you’re still having trouble after switching to a different server location, another thing you can try is changing your VPN protocol

Here’s a quick guide on how to do that:

  1. Open the ExpressVPN app and click the “Preferences” button.
  1. Select the “Protocol” option from the top tab and choose a new protocol from the list. The default is usually set in the Automatic protocol.
Automatic protocol option
  1. Click the “Connect” button after selecting any of the other protocols.

Solution 5: Turn Off Your VPN Temporarily

Another troubleshooting step you can try is turning off your VPN temporarily.

This can help you determine whether the issue is with your VPN or your internet connection.

Here are the steps to turn off ExpressVPN temporarily:

  1. Open ExpressVPN and click the menu icon in the top-left corner.
  2. Select “Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
  1. Scroll down to the “General” section and toggle the “Connect to last used location when ExpressVPN is launched” setting to “Off.
preferences general section highlighted
  1. Quit ExpressVPN and restart your computer.

Once your computer has restarted, you’ll no longer be connected to ExpressVPN.

To turn ExpressVPN back on, follow the steps above but toggle the “Connect to last used location when ExpressVPN is launched” setting to “On.

Solution 6: Check for Viruses or Malware

A virus on your computer could be causing connection issues with ExpressVPN. Checking for and removing viruses or malware can help get your VPN connection back up.

To do a virus check and remove any malware:

  1. Start by updating your antivirus software.
  2. Run a full scan of your computer using your updated antivirus software. This may take some time, but it’s crucial to scan your system for any threats thoroughly.
malware removal smart scan
  1. If any threats are found, remove them immediately.
  2. Finally, restart your computer and try connecting to ExpressVPN again.

Solution 7: Run ExpressVPN as Admin (Windows)

Running ExpressVPN as administrator on Windows is another fix worth trying.

This can help end some common issues that can cause ExpressVPN to get stuck on the “connecting” screen.

Here’s a quick guide on how to do this:

  1. Right-click the ExpressVPN icon on your desktop and select “Run as administrator.
Run as administrator
  1. If User Account Control prompts you, click “Yes” to allow ExpressVPN to make changes to your PC.
  2. Try connecting to a VPN server again.

Solution 8: Turn off Location Services (Android and iOS)

ExpressVPN stuck on the “connecting” screen could be due to Location Services. Mobile Location Services uses GPS and other information to track where you are. Unfortunately, this can interfere with VPN connections. 

Luckily, it’s easy to turn off Location Services on Android and iOS devices.

Android

  1. Open the Settings app and tap on “Location.
  1. You’ll see a blue icon on top. Tap it once to deactivate location access.

iOS

  1. Open the Settings app and tap on “Privacy.
  1. Tap on “Location Services” and toggle the switch to “Off.

After following these steps, try connecting to a VPN server again.

Solution 9: Reset Your Network Settings (iOS and Android)

You can also try resetting your network settings. 

This will delete all of your stored WiFi passwords and other network-related information. Therefore, ensure you have that information handy before proceeding.

Android

  1. Go to Settings and tap “Connection & Sharing.
  1. Scroll down and tap “Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Networks, and Bluetooth.
  1. At the bottom, you’ll see an option to Reset Settings. Tap on that.
  1. You’ll be prompted to enter your passcode or PIN and then hit Reset Settings again.

iOS

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap on General.
  3. Select Reset and tap Reset Network Settings.
  4. You’ll be prompted to enter your passcode or PIN. Once you do that, hit Reset Network Settings again to confirm.

After resetting your network settings, try connecting to ExpressVPN again.

Solution 10: Perform a Factory Reset (Android and iOS)

A factory reset is usually a last resort for fixing many problems on your mobile device. It can help resolve issues like crashes, freezes, and performance problems.

If you’re having trouble with ExpressVPN, performing a factory reset may work.

Android

To perform a factory reset on your Android device, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app and tap About Phone.
  1. Scroll down to Factory Reset.
  1. Tap “Erase all data” near the bottom.
  1. If prompted, enter your password or PIN to continue.
  2. Tap Factory reset if you have already backed up your data.

iOS

To perform a factory reset on your iOS device, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app and go to iCloud.
  2. Tap the Delete Account button at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Enter your password when prompted, and tap Turn Off & Delete to confirm.
  4. Go back to the main Settings screen and select General.
  5. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and select Reset.
  6. Select Erase All Content and Settings from the menu that appears.
  7. Enter your passcode when prompted, then tap Erase iPhone to confirm.

After performing a factory reset, you’ll need to set up your device from scratch.

This includes re-installing any apps that you had installed previously.

Keep in mind that performing a factory reset will delete all data from your device, so make sure to back up your data.

Solution 11: Clear Your Cache and Cookies

Another great fix you can try is clearing your cache and cookies

This can help solve connectivity issues. Here’s a step-by-step guide on doing it in the four most popular browsers.

Google Chrome

  1. Open Chrome and click the three dots in the top right corner of the screen. Choose Settings.
google chrome settings
  1. Tap on Privacy and security from the left tab and select “Cookies and other site data.
privacy and security
  1. Go to “See all cookies and site data” and tap on it.
all cookies and site data button
  1. This will open a list of all the saved cookies and data cache. Click on “Remove All.”
cookies and data cache remove
  1. A pop-up window will appear. Click on “Clear All.
google chrome clear site data
  1. Close the pop-up window and try reconnecting to ExpressVPN.

Mozilla Firefox

  1. Open Firefox and click the three lines in the top right corner of the screen and choose Settings.
firefox settings 2
  1. Tap on “Privacy & Security” from the left tab and select “Cookies and Site Data. Then click on “Clear Data.
privacy settings clear data
  1. Make sure the “Cookies and Site Data” and “Cached Web Content” boxes are checked in the pop-up window. Tap “Clear.
clear data
  1. Close the pop-up window and try reconnecting to ExpressVPN.

Safari Browser

  1. Open Safari and click on Safari in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Choose “Preferences.
safari preferences button
  1. In the Preferences window, click the “Privacy” tab. Then click “Manage Website Data” in the Cookies and website data section.
privacy tab
  1. In the pop-up window that opens up, select “Remove All.
stored data on safari
  1. Click “Remove Now” to confirm.
  1. Close the Preferences window and try reconnecting to ExpressVPN.

Microsoft Edge

  1. Open Microsoft Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner of the screen and select “Settings.
microsoft edge settings button
  1. Under “Clear browsing data” on the left tab, click “Manage and delete cookies and site data.”
cookies and data
  1. Tap on “See all cookies and site data.
Microsoft edge see all cookies and site data
  1. Tap on the “Remove all” button near the top right corner.
remove all button
  1. This will bring up a pop-up window. Tap on Clear.
clear data microsoft edge
  1. Close the pop-up window and try reconnecting to ExpressVPN.

Solution 12: Add an Exception for ExpressVPN to Your Firewall or Antivirus

You can also add an exception for ExpressVPN to your firewall or security software to deal with the ExpressVPN app stuck on connecting. 

The firewall in your device could be treating ExpressVPN as a threat.

This may block its normal functioning.

Adding an exception for the VPN can be done in a few simple steps, which we’ll outline below.

For macOS

  1. Open System Preferences and select Security & Privacy.
mac settings system preferences
  1. Tap on the Firewall tab near the top and click on Firewall Options.
security and privacy firewall option
  1. This will open up a new window with ExpressVPN connections displayed. Ensure all are allowed. Click OK.
ExpressVPN connections
  1. Save your changes and try connecting to ExpressVPN again.

For Windows

  1. Open Privacy and Security in the Windows Firewall setting.
windows security screen
  1. Tap on Virus and Threat Protection.
  2. Choose Exclusions, then select Add/Remove Exclusions.
  3. Select ExpressVPN from the list and click OK.

Solution 13: Update Your Operating System

When you update your operating system, you’re fixing any minor bugs that may have developed since the last version. This can help solve many common problems, including ExpressVPN stuck on connecting.

So, if you’ve been having trouble with your VPN, make sure to check and see if an update is available for your system. Chances are good that it will solve the problem quickly and easily.

Solution 14: Contact ExpressVPN’s Support Team

If you’re like most people, contacting a support team can be daunting.

But support teams are there to help and in most cases, are happy to do it. 

In fact, fixing an issue with your ExpressVPN connection is often simpler than you might think.

Here’s how contacting the ExpressVPN support team can help you fix your stuck connection:

  • They can help identify the problem. One of the first things a support team member will do is try to identify the problem you’re experiencing. This is important because it can help them determine what steps need to be taken to fix it.
  • They can provide instructions on how to fix the problem. A support team member first identifies the problem. Then they provide you with specific instructions on how to fix it. This can be helpful if you’re not sure what to do next.
  • They can help troubleshoot any issues you’re having. The support team can help troubleshoot the issue. This may involve trying different things until the problem is resolved.

Conclusion

Some of these solutions may work, and others may not. 

This is why we covered all the bases. Either way, I’m confident you’ll find a resolution that fixes the problem for you, no matter the device you’re using.

Incase ExpressVPN still doesn’t work, you can try other alternatives. 

Surfshark, NordVPN and PrivateVPN are options you can turn to and see how things turn out.

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