ExpressVPN is a market leader and undoubtedly one of the best VPN providers. It is easy to install and use. However, there are times when a user fails to log in to the ExpressVPN app. There might be different reasons behind it, some technical and other simple human errors. But being unable to connect to the VPN service is not something one should experience, especially if there is an urgent need for a VPN connection. The article today addresses the exact issue and tries to delve into why people fail to log in to ExpressVPN and how to remedy this.
Why Can’t I Log in to ExpressVPN?
Before we begin to explain how to troubleshoot the issue of a failed login, it is important to understand the root cause behind the problem. Only by understanding the various factors involved can a user prevent the same issues from cropping in the future.
Incorrect Activation Code
The first cause can be related to the incorrect Activation code. The Activation code allows ExpressVPN users to seamlessly activate the service and log in. However, sometimes, the user comes across an error that states the Activation code is incorrect.
It is not an uncommon problem and can be caused due to several reasons. First, there can be a problem with the ExpressVPN network. Thus, it failed to process the code. Second, the app might be experiencing technical difficulties, hence the error. But the most likely cause is human error, where the user simply copied and entered an incorrect code. As a result, it is also one of the easiest issues to resolve.
Incorrect Username and Password
The next issue is also similar to the previous one, as the user might encounter an error stating the entered username and password to be incorrect. Hence, it is crucial to note down the VPN credentials. It is also possible to reset the username and password, so the issue isn’t that big a deal.
Poor internet connection
VPNs are reliant on the internet. Hence, they can’t function without a proper internet connection. Thus, your internet connection and network can also be a cause for login failure. Then, some network devices do not allow VPNs and block some of the necessary ports. If you want to ensure a stable VPN connection, make sure to check your internet.
Faulty email sign-in link
Finally, the sign-in link you receive in your email can also be at fault. It might be a dead link, or the servers might be experiencing some technical issues. Furthermore, there can also be issues with the subscription itself. It is a problem that you have to reach out to ExpressVPN customer support to resolve.
Troubleshooting ExpressVPN Log In issues
Now that you know what might be causing your login issue, you can work towards solving it. Given below are a few general solutions that can work on such cases and let you connect to ExpressVPN.
Check your Internet Connection or use a different network
The very first solution that we propose is to check your internet connection. Without the internet, the VPN will obviously not work. So it is pertinent that we cross off the most ideal problem before proceeding further.
Then, some internet connections blatantly block some ports which are essential to a VPN connection. The solution is also easy. Change your internet network. When the VPN fails to authenticate the user, it can be due to blocked ports. Hence, change your ISP. However, you should also ensure that the internet is working fine before making any drastic changes.
Copy-Paste the Activation code
The issue with the Authentication code happens when you try to enter it manually. The Activation code is a feature that speeds up the login process of ExpressVPN. Hence, you should pay attention to what you enter in the box. Since human error is the leading cause behind this problem, you can directly copy and paste the code. Here’s how:
- First, go to your email inbox and check for mail from ExpressVPN.
- Remember, the email should be the same as the one used during the subscription.
- Now, open the mail and look for the verification code.
- Here, copy the code and go to the ExpressVPN website and click on My Account.
- Enter your ExpressVPN credentials and paste the code in the box below.
- And finally, log in to your account.
Download the latest version of ExpressVPN
Sometimes older apps can cause issues as the provider stops offering security patches for them. Hence, you can try to update your ExpressVPN app to see if it solves the login problem.
Updating ExpressVPN is very easy, as we have already explained in another article. Here’s the process in short:
- First, uninstall the older Express VPN app. (You can learn how to safely uninstall ExpressVPN from our guide.)
- Then, go to the ExpressVPN website and click on Download VPN.
- Now choose the app for your device and start the download.
- After that, install it on your system and try to sign in.
Use a public DNS server
Even after doing all of the above, if you are unable to connect to ExpressVPN, you might have to change your DNS settings. Maybe your DNS server is causing issues when implementing a VPN connection. So, the next step would be switching to a public DNS. You can try services like Google DNS for this, as it is an open-source initiative.
All you have to do is go to your device settings, then head to the internet and change your DNS IP address. Google DNS servers use 8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4. as the IP.
Turn off Firewall or Antivirus
A firewall or antivirus program can also cause login issues. Why? Because the program might suspect your VPN to be harmful. Don’t worry; it’s not. But first, you have to determine whether they are causing the problem. So, you need to disable your firewall or antivirus and then try to log in to ExpressVPN. If you succeed, then the cause is apparent.
To solve this, you can either delete or disable your firewall or antivirus, or you might try a new antivirus software. However, you can also try to add ExpressVPN to the exception list so that the firewall and antivirus won’t stop it.
Delete other VPN apps
If you are using another VPN on your system and also trying ExpressVPN, chances are some files might be causing your login issues. Such files can interfere with the VPN process. Thus, you need to first uninstall the other VPN app and carefully delete all the leftover files. Then you should reinstall ExpressVPN and try to log in.
Contact the ExpressVPN customer support
Finally, if everything else fails, you don’t have any choice other than to contact the ExpressVPN customer cell and share your problem. The ExpressVPN app also allows users to share the diagnostic files when contacting customer care, so make sure to include those in the complaint.
As for the service, you don’t have to worry. ExpressVPN offers effective 24/7 support. You can reach them using several methods, including live chat, which is undoubtedly the fastest.
What if you Still Can’t log in to ExpressVPN?
Even after trying your best to get into your ExpressVPN account, if you are not able to do so, then you might want to take the next steps. You may ask for a refund from ExpressVPN or delete your ExpressVPN account.