ExpressVPN Stuck On Connecting: 6 Ways To Fix

ExpressVPN is one of the leaders in the expanding niche of VPN solutions. However, as the case has shown so many times, programs that are dependent on too many various factors, often bump into a problem.

One of the repeating issues that plagued numerous users is the inability to connect to a remote VPN server of your choice. The connection bar just stops in the middle of the process and it gets stuck.

Different online use cases necessitate varying internet speeds and bandwidths. In general, web browsing and email require only 5 to 10 Mbps.

Depending on the type of streaming and the number of devices connected to the same network, streaming, online gaming, and downloads necessitate faster internet speeds.

Why won’t ExpressVPN connect?

Failure to immediately search the internet, thus after some time, you are unable to browse the internet while connected to ExpressVPN is a result of interference with certain VPN protocols by ISP.

If you can browse the internet again after connecting to a different VPN server location, there may have been a temporary problem with the previous VPN server location.

Keep in mind that ExpressVPN works in China but there are a few things to consider before using the Hong Kong route through ExpressVPN.

Insufficient connectivity at the chosen VPN server location results in outgoing packet transmission interference from your antivirus or online security application.

Also, check whether you are using the latest version of the ExpressVPN app, it’s important to have the latest updates with your trusted VPN provider for your designated device.

In order to fix this, we offer a few possible solutions below. So, if ExpressVPN gets stuck with every new try, make sure to check them out.

How can I fix ExpressVPN stuck while connecting?

1. Check the Internet connection

1. Run the Windows Troubleshooter. Right-click on the Wireless or LAN icon in the notification area and click on Troubleshoot problems.
2. If you’re using the Wireless connection, try using the wired connection instead.
3. Restart your PC and router/modem.
4. Reset modem/router settings to default values.
5. Update the router/modem firmware.

First things first. Probably the most obvious thing you’ll need to check in order to unstuck ExpressVPN is the connection.

ExpressVPN cannot detect internet connection because there’s a bridge broken between your device and the network itself.

Make sure that your PC is able to connect to the Internet without ExpressVPN. If you’re unable to do so, follow the above instructions in order to repair the connection.

On the other hand, if you’re able to connect to the Internet but the problem solely applies to ExpressVPN, make sure to continue with the steps below.

2. Switch to another VPN with stable connections

The tool recommended below is not only one of the oldest virtual private network providers on the market but also one of the best choices when it comes to connection stability.

This solution offers client applications for mainstream operating systems. It’s up to you to grab any of these apps since you’ll want to protect as many devices as you’re allowed on a single account.

Being able to connect from 10 different gadgets is quite a major advantage. After all, with most popular VPN clients, you can only connect using five or seven at most.

No less important, this Kape Technologies VPN solution is also remarkably inexpensive when compared to other VPN providers around. It’s only up to you to try it out.

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3. Run application as admin

1. Right-click on the ExpressVPN desktop shortcut and open Properties.
2. Open the Compatibility tab.
3. Check the Run this program as an administrator box and confirm changes.

In order to avoid possible limitations imposed by Windows, you should run the ExpressVPN desktop client with administrative permissions.

This should bypass the blockage and enable you to connect to the dedicated servers you’ve chosen.

This seems to be the case with various third-party programs that are fairly limited or even blocked by Windows due to quite strict UAC (User Account Control) settings.

If you’re not sure how to run ExpressVPN as an admin in Windows 10, make sure to check the instructions above.

4. Change the protocol and server

1. Open ExpressVPN.
2. Click on the 3-line menu and open Options.
3. Select the Protocol tab.
4. Choose one of the 5 protocols and confirm changes.
5. Try to connect again.

There are various protocols ExpressVPN utilizes in order to connect to a VPN server. These protocols are basically different methods and they differ in speed and security traits.

By default, ExpressVPN selects active protocol automatically, but that’s not always the most reliable way. When ExpressVPN still trying to connect automatically and it’s not responding try setting up the connection manually.

So, in order to fix the halt while connecting to a remote VPN server, make sure to switch between protocols manually. One of them might just work.

In addition, you’ll probably want to shift between the available servers until you reach the one that works. Due to heavy load, certain servers might be down or a lot slower than intended.

5. Disable antivirus and firewall temporarily

1. Right-click on the antivirus icon in the notification bar and disable Real-time protection.
2. In the Windows Search bar, type Firewall and open Windows Firewall.
3. Click on the Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
4. Disable Windows Firewall for both Public and Private networks.
5. Confirm changes and run ExpressVPN again.

If there’s one thing that keeps messing up various VPN and proxy solutions, that’s the third-party antivirus. Moreover, besides the antivirus, we can’t overlook the Windows Firewall.

Both security assets are strict towards the VPN solutions and can cause a halt within the program. So, you have two options here:

• To temporarily disable antivirus and firewall.
• To manually add exceptions for ExpressVPN.

Either way, that should eliminate stalls and you should be able to continue with the seamless use. If you decide to disable antivirus and firewall temporarily, follow these steps:

On the other hand, you can create an exception within the antivirus and Windows Firewall, respectively. That way, security software won’t suppress ExpressVPN.

6. Contact the support team

Finally, if none of the aforementioned solutions worked for you, make sure to contact the support team that’s available 24/7 through live chat.

ExpressVPN is marketed and advertised as a great VPN with premium support. So, make sure to use your given right as a customer and find out about the problem resolution firsthand.

When encountering ExpressVPN stuck or not connecting issue there could be more than one reason for it.

The protocol that you currently using, the antivirus, and the Internet connection itself may all affect the way ExpressVPN connects.

Is ExpressVPN legal?

Yes, ExpressVPN is legal. However, do keep in mind that P2P torrenting itself is illegal in a few countries, so make sure you know the laws in your country before employing in these activities.

While ExpressVPN is perfectly legal, using it for illegal activity will only cause problems in the long run.

It’s a valid point that they’re not sending the links or storing anything on a server. Nonetheless, they appear to be constant targets for legal threats and accusations, and many of them are short-lived.

Regardless of how you feel about the software you use and what you do online, it is better to stay legal than to risk anything that could be perceived as illegal.

To make sure the VPN is working as it should, don’t hesitate to connect to ExpressVPN and check your IP address. You have no reason to worry about it if it is secured.

Moreover, take a closer look at some of the most common VPN errors and their solutions for quick tips like the ones above.

That should do it. In case you have an alternative solution or questions regarding the ones we already posted, make sure to tell us in the comments section below.