How to set up ExpressVPN for your iPad or iPhone with express manual setup (all iOS versions)

This tutorial will show you how to manually set up a VPN configuration (using L2TP) on your iPhone or iPad. The iOS Express Manual Setup works for all versions of iOS.

Prefer to use the app? See the instructions to set up the ExpressVPN app for iOS 10 and above.

1. Download the VPN configuration

Note: You must use Safari to download the VPN configuration file.

On your iOS device, open Safari and go to the ExpressVPN setup page. If prompted, enter your ExpressVPN credentials and tap Sign In.

Enter the verification code that is sent to your email.

Under Setup, tap complete the ExpressVPN manual setup for iOS.

A new page will open in Safari telling you that the ExpressVPN settings are being loaded onto your device.

If prompted, tap Allow.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

2. Install the VPN configuration

Note: The following steps were tested on an iPhone running iOS 13.3.1.

You will see a message saying “Profile Downloaded.” Tap Close.

Go to your device’s Settings. Select General > Profile > ExpressVPN.

Tap Install. Enter your device’s passcode when prompted.

A warning will pop up. Tap Install and Install.

When the installation is complete, tap Done.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

3. Connect to a VPN server

To connect to a VPN server, go to Settings > General > VPN.

In the VPN menu, you will see a list of ExpressVPN servers. Tap the server location you wish to connect to, then toggle the Status switch on.

Congratulations! You’re now connected to one of our VPN servers.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

Disconnect from the VPN server

To disconnect from the VPN server, go to Settings > General > VPN and toggle the Status switch off.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

Remove the VPN manual configuration from the device

To remove the ExpressVPN manual configuration from your iOS device:

1. Tap Settings > General > Profile.
2. Select ExpressVPN. Tap Remove Profile.
3. Enter your device’s passcode. Tap Remove.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

Troubleshoot your VPN connection

If you have issues connecting to the VPN, you may be using an outdated VPN profile. Follow the steps above to download the latest VPN profile before setting up the VPN.

If the connection issue persists, try manually configuring the VPN using a different L2TP connection method.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top