Last updated:

Contact ExpressVPN Support if you need help.
Too frustrated to read this page?
Talk to a Human

This guide will show you what to do if the ExpressVPN app on your device is:

  • Taking too long to disconnect
  • Stuck on “disconnecting”

After each step, check if the issue is fixed. If the issue is fixed, you can skip the rest of the steps.

Jump to…

1. Change your VPN protocol
2. Restart your device
3. Reinstall the ExpressVPN app

1. Change your VPN protocol

VPN protocols are the methods by which your device connects to a VPN server. If you have issues disconnecting from the VPN, try changing your VPN protocol.

Important: L2TP/IPsec provides weak security benefits and should only be used for anonymization or for changing locations.

  1. Click the hamburger menu (≡) > Settings > VPN protocol.
  2. Change to the other protocols in the following order:
    • Lightway – TCP
    • Lightway – UDP
    • OpenVPN – TCP
    • OpenVPN – UDP
  3. Switch to your previous protocol.

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

Back to top

  1. Click the hamburger menu (≡) > Settings > VPN Protocol.
  2. Change to the other protocols in the following order:
    • IKEv2
    • TCP
    • UDP
  3. Switch to your previous protocol.

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

Back to top

  1. Click the hamburger menu (≡) > Preferences… > Protocol.
  2. Change to the other protocols in the following order:
    • Lightway – TCP
    • Lightway – UDP
    • IKEv2
    • L2TP/IPsec
    • OpenVPN – TCP
    • OpenVPN – UDP
  3. Switch to your previous protocol.

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

Back to top

  1. Click the hamburger menu (≡) > Options > Protocol.
  2. Change to the other protocols in the following order:
    • Lightway – TCP
    • Lightway – UDP
    • IKEv2
    • L2TP/IPsec
    • OpenVPN – TCP
    • OpenVPN – UDP
  3. Switch to your previous protocol.

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

Back to top

2. Restart your device

  1. Restart your device.
  2. Launch the ExpressVPN app.
  3. Try connecting and disconnecting to see if the issue is resolved.

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

Back to top

3. Reinstall the ExpressVPN app

  1. Uninstall your app.
  2. Install and set up your ExpressVPN app:

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

Back to top

Was this article helpful?

We're sorry to hear that. Let us know how we can improve.

What device do you need help with?

Examples: Android, Windows, Linksys router

A member of our Support Team will follow up on your issue.