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ExpressVPN Streaming Guide

ExpressVPN

Streaming is a major activity with the development of avenues offering the latest entertainment content. Hence, a majority of movie and TV buffs have shifted to the internet to get their daily dose of suspense, romance, and drama. However, streaming platforms operate on a regional basis, making the content unique for a specified area. Thus, it is hard to enjoy quality content outside a region. That’s why one turns to a VPN to bypass such restrictions. The following article is basically a VPN streaming guide for one of the most popular VPN services in the market. Therefore, if you are an ExpressVPN user and want to stream content confidently, give this article a good look.

What is ExpressVPN?

Founded in 2009, ExpressVPN is a leading VPN provider that offers premium services at affordable prices. The vendor prioritizes security and privacy as it operates from the British Virgin Islands, a benefactor for the privacy-centric laws. As for the features, the provider is miles ahead of the competition while providing proprietary VPN protocol, obfuscation, and security module. The VPN also offers over 3000 servers across 94 locations, hence catering to more than 4 million active users in 180 countries. Furthermore, with its strict no-logging policy and features such as MediaStreamer and Smart DNS, it makes for a very good streaming VPN. As such, here is a list of all the streaming platforms that a user can access using ExpressVPN:

  • All 4
  • Amazon Prime Video
  • BBC iPlayer
  • Disney+
  • HBO Max
  • Hotstar India
  • Hulu
  • ITV X
  • Netflix US
  • YouTube

How to stream using ExpressVPN?

Streaming is a straightforward affair with ExpressVPN, as long the user has an active subscription and a working VPN Client. However, depending on the device in use, downloading and using ExpressVPN can be a bit challenging. Thus, the article will guide users on how to stream media on different devices. 

Download the ExpressVPN App and Connect to a server

The easiest way to stream content with ExpressVPN is to download and run its VPN client on a device. After establishing a server, you can stream to your heart’s content. However, before that, one has to register for ExpressVPN services. Here are the steps that can aid you into purchasing a valid subscription. 

  1. First, visit the official ExpressVPN website.
  2. Then, click on the Get Started link. It will redirect you to the Order page.
  3. Now, select a plan according to your needs. ExpressVPN offers three different packages
    1. Annual pack @ $8.32 per month
    2. Half annual pack @ $9.99 month
    3. And a monthly subscription @ $12.95 p.m.
  4. After that, provide a working email. This email will be your registered email where you will find your login credentials.
  5. And lastly, make payments. You can also use Bitcoin and other modes of payment.

On Windows and macOS

Those users running Windows or macOS can follow these steps:

  1. Visit the ExpressVPN website.
  2. Click on Download VPN.
  3. Then select either Windows or macOS.
  4. After that, wait for the download to finish.
  5. And then, execute the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the VPN client.
  6. Lastly, run the ExpressVPN app and login using your credentials. 
  7. After connecting to a server, from the list available, click on the Connect button and enjoy streaming.

On Linux

Linux’s users can also enjoy streaming with ExpressVPN by following these steps:

  1. First, visit the ExpressVPN setup page and login using your registered credentials.
  2. Then download the VPN Client for your Linux Distro.
  3. Wait on the download page and note down the activation key.
  4. Then, run the downloaded file to install it directly from GUI.
  5. After that, enter your ExpressVPN password for authentication.
  6. Now activate the app by going to the terminal and entering the command:
    1. $ expressvpn activate
  7. Finally, enter the activation code found earlier. 
  8. And done.

On iOS and Android

For those users who enjoy streaming over a mobile phone can also enjoy ExpressVPN services. Here’s how:

  1. First, go to your respective app stores.
  2. Then, download ExpressVPN.
  3. After that, run the app.
  4. Then login using your registered credentials.
  5. And tap the Connect button to start the VPN.

On your Smart TVs

ExpressVPN also offers client for Smart TVs and Streaming devices. Just go to the app store and download the app, run it and login to use the services on your Smart TV. If unavailable, you can always use the SmartDNS feature which we have discussed later on. 

On a VPN Router

Similarly, ExpressVPN offers pre-installed VPN routers that you can buy and connect with your streaming device to use the VPN service. Or you can also flash the firmware on your router to manually install ExpressVPN. Either way, using a VPN router is far better for streaming as it saves re-installation on different devices. Looking at the best VPN routers for streaming will give you a better idea.

Use the MediaStreamer feature

As we have already covered different devices that can support a VPN client, it’s time to figure out how to stream content on devices that do not support an ExpressVPN client:

  1. First, start by disconnecting your VPN.
  2. Then visit the ExpressVPN site and login to your account.
  3. On the left side of the dashboard, you will see Settings.
  4. Locate the DNS Setting tab and click it.
  5. Then click on the Register my IP address option and enable Automatically register my IP address feature. 
  6. Finally, use the MediaStreamer IP as your device’s DNS and you can then access streaming websites with ease.

Clear your browser cache and cookies

When you visit any website, it stores temporary records of your visit in cookies and caches. Hence, even when using a VPN, it is hard to fool websites if they access the previous cookies. Thus, it is advised to regularly clear caches and cookies so that the VPN can work.

Change to the Lightway Protocol

Another feasible method is to change the ExpressVPN protocol to the proprietary Lightway Protocol. The protocol is better at obfuscation, and it can easily bypass geo-blocks. Hence, changing to the Lightway UDP will not only ensure a faster connection but also circumvent those regional blocks.

Contact the ExpressVPN Support

And if nothing else works, there is always the option of contacting ExpressVPN support. As a self-attested top VPN provider, ExpressVPN promises features to aid your streaming experience. And it charges a hefty sum for such features. Thus, if failed to deliver, you can contact ExpressVPN customer care, who is available 24/7 to resolve any queries.  

The most efficient method will be the live chat feature, as you can get a hold of a representative within minutes and access an updated list of servers that supports streaming.