Last updated:

Important: If you are located in a country with a high level of internet censorship and cannot find a working solution via the below troubleshooting steps, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance. If you are using ExpressVPN manual configurations, we recommend switching to use the ExpressVPN app for optimized performance.

This guide will show you how to resolve slow internet issues when connected to the ExpressVPN app.

Why is my internet speed slow when connected to ExpressVPN?

A VPN adds encryption and routes your traffic through a VPN server before it reaches the internet. This can reduce your connection speed slightly, but the impact should usually be small.

If the slowdown is significant, it may be caused by:

  • The VPN server location being far from your physical location.
  • The VPN protocol you are currently using.
  • Temporary routing or connectivity issues between your internet service provider (ISP) and the VPN server.

Troubleshooting steps

Follow the troubleshooting steps below to resolve your speed issue. After each step, check if the issue is fixed. If the issue is fixed, you can skip the rest of the steps.

  1. Download the latest version of ExpressVPN
  2. Tap the refresh button (iOS and Android)
  3. Connect to a different VPN server location
  4. Change your VPN protocol
  5. Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team

1. Download the latest version of ExpressVPN

Check whether you are using the latest version of the ExpressVPN app. If not, download the latest app version.

Set up your ExpressVPN app:

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

Back to top

2. Tap the refresh button (iOS and Android)

If you are using ExpressVPN on iOS or Android, you can try refreshing your VPN connection using the Refresh button, which has two arrows forming a circle and is found on the map on the VPN app home screen when you are connected to the VPN. Tapping it allows you to quickly disconnect and reconnect while keeping your device protected from data leaks.

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

Back to top

3. Connect to a different VPN server location

Connect to a different VPN server location on the Recommended server location list.

Connect to a different server location for the…

If you notice your internet speed is faster after connecting to a different VPN server location, there may be a temporary issue with the server location you were previously trying to connect to. Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team about the issue and use other VPN server locations in the meantime.

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

Back to top

4. Change your VPN protocol

VPN protocols are the methods by which your device connects to a VPN server.

For the best experience, ExpressVPN recommends using the Automatic protocol option, which is selected by default.

If you are unable to connect to ExpressVPN with the Automatic protocol, try the other protocols in the following order (if available):

  1. Lightway – TCP
  2. Lightway – UDP
  3. WireGuard
  4. OpenVPN – TCP
  5. OpenVPN – UDP
  6. IKEv2 (iOS only)

How to change the protocol for the…

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

Back to top

5. Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team

If you have tried all the steps above but your internet speed is still slow, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

You can also submit your diagnostic information, which may reveal the cause of your connection issue, through the ExpressVPN app. The ExpressVPN Support Team will contact you after receiving your information.

  1. Click the Help tab.
  2. Click Contact Us.
  3. Click Issues with the VPN service.
  4. Click VPN connection is slow.
  5. Complete the form, then click Submit.
  6. Wait for a response from the ExpressVPN Support Team via email.

  1. Tap Help > Contact us.
  2. Tap Issues with the VPN service > VPN connection is slow.
  3. Fill in the form and tap Submit.
  4. Wait for a response from the ExpressVPN Support Team via email.

  1. Tap Help > Contact us.
  2. Tap Issues with the VPN service > VPN connection is slow.
  3. Fill in the form and tap Submit.
  4. Wait for a response from the ExpressVPN Support Team via email.

  1. Click the Help tab.
  2. Click Contact Us.
  3. Click Issues with the VPN service.
  4. Click VPN connection is slow.
  5. Complete the form, then click Submit.
  6. Wait for a response from the ExpressVPN Support Team via email.

  1. Sign in to your router running ExpressVPN.
  2. Select Help & Support > Diagnostic Information.
  3. Select Download All Logs.
  4. Send the diagnostic information in the ExpressVPN Support Chat.

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.