ExpressVPN is known for its fast and secure servers, but like any VPN service, you may occasionally experience slow speeds. If you’ve noticed lag, buffering, or unusually slow downloads while using ExpressVPN, don’t worry—this guide will help you troubleshoot and improve your VPN performance.
1. Check Your Base Internet Speed
Before blaming the VPN, disconnect from ExpressVPN and test your regular internet speed using services like Speedtest.net. If your ISP connection is slow, the VPN will only inherit that slowness. Make sure your base connection is performing well.
2. Change VPN Server Location
The further away a server is from your actual location, the slower the connection might be. Try switching to a server that is geographically closer to you. ExpressVPN provides a “Smart Location” feature which recommends the fastest server for your location—try using that.
3. Switch Protocols
ExpressVPN supports multiple VPN protocols like Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Lightway is optimized for speed and stability. Go into the ExpressVPN settings and switch to a different protocol to see if it improves performance.
4. Close Background Apps
Bandwidth-hungry apps running in the background—like cloud sync (Google Drive, OneDrive), torrents, or system updates—can slow down your connection. Close unnecessary apps or pause background downloads when using ExpressVPN.
5. Reboot Your Router & Device
Sometimes, all you need is a fresh start. Restart your Wi-Fi router and the device you're using. This clears up temporary network glitches and improves performance.
6. Use Wired Connection
Wi-Fi signals are subject to interference and range limitations. For more stable and faster VPN performance, use an Ethernet (wired) connection instead of Wi-Fi if possible.
7. Disable Security Apps Temporarily
Firewalls, antivirus software, or even ad blockers may interfere with VPN traffic and slow things down. Try temporarily disabling them and see if speed improves. If so, consider whitelisting ExpressVPN in those apps.
8. Avoid High-Traffic Times
VPN performance can suffer during peak usage hours—usually in the evenings when everyone is online. Try accessing heavy content (like video streaming or large downloads) during off-peak hours.
9. Contact ExpressVPN Support
If you’ve tried all of the above and still face slow speeds, reach out to ExpressVPN support. They can recommend the best servers and provide specific troubleshooting based on your location and device. Click the "Helpline" button at the top of this page to get live help.
10. Try Different Devices or Networks
Sometimes the problem is specific to one device or network. Try connecting with a different device (like your smartphone) or on a different network (such as mobile data) to isolate the issue.
Conclusion: Slow VPN speed can be frustrating, but it's usually fixable. By choosing the right server, switching protocols, and optimizing your network, you can restore your VPN speed and enjoy secure browsing once again. If needed, don’t hesitate to use the live support option provided above for personalized help.