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what you need to know

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ExpressVPN is a solid virtual private network and we have chosen it as the best VPN overall. One of the reasons we like it is because it is very easy for beginners to handle. Still, in case you’re feeling a little nervous for the first time, we’ll show you how to get to grips with this great VPN service.

Sign up for ExpressVPN

To get started with ExpressVPN, you must first sign up. On the ExpressVPN website, click the button in the center that says “get ExpressVPN” and you’ll be taken to a page where you can choose between the three plans for the service.

ExpressVPN Pricing Plans

As much as we like ExpressVPN, there’s no getting around the fact that it’s quite expensive, so your only real option is the one-year plan, as it makes the most of the sting. Still, $100 is a lot of money for a VPN. Read our ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN Comparison to see how it stacks up against another industry leader.

Below the plan selection, you must enter your email address and choose a payment method. Unfortunately, there is no way to sign up anonymously with ExpressVPN. Once everything is taken care of, all you need to do is choose a client to download. ExpressVPN seems to have a client for every operating system imaginable, from Windows and Mac to iPhone and Android to Fire TV and Android TV.

Many ExpressVPN clients

Download the one you need and let the installation wizard do its thing. For this guide, we use the Windows 10 version, although ExpressVPN works the same regardless of operating system, even the interface is the same on mobile and desktop. The only exception is the Linux version, which is based on the command line.

How to use ExpressVPN

Assuming you don’t run into any issues during setup, the client should start. You will be prompted to enter your activation code each time you open ExpressVPN on a new system; the code can be found in the control panel section of your account on the ExpressVPN website. Look under “connect your devices” and you should find it (for obvious reasons, we deleted part of the screenshot).

How to find the ExpressVPN activation code

Below, you’ll see the main interface of ExpressVPN, which we like because it’s so simple. Essentially, it’s just two buttons: the big one in the center that turns the VPN on and off, and another button below that lets you choose the location of the server.

ExpressVPN main screen

Turn on the VPN

To turn on the VPN, just press the big button and the VPN will connect in a few seconds. The button will change color and the word “connected” will appear. To turn it off, just click the button again.

ExpressVPN Connected Screen

The default setting connects to what’s called the “smart location,” the server that ExpressVPN thinks is the best option for you at the time. You can also use the left of the two smaller buttons below the main ones to always find the smart location, for us it’s now Barcelona. ExpressVPN also remembers your next to last location, the right click, which is pretty nifty.

ExpressVPN Quick Button for Smart Location

However, if you want to connect to a specific location, because you want to stream that country’s Netflix library, or because you want to visit a website based there, you’ll need to choose a new location. For that, press the “selected location” button and a menu will appear.

ExpressVPN Recommended Locations

On this new screen, you can choose between the “recommended” or “all locations” tab. Recommended is best used for finding alternatives to your smart location, while the other is great for seeing all of your options. The list is subdivided into three global regions, with Asia subdivided into regular Asia and the Middle East, which also has Africa added to it. Weird way to mix things up, but there you have it.

All ExpressVPN locations

You can also use the search bar to find a server in a specific country or city, saving you the hassle of scrolling.

ExpressVPN Location Lookup

Whichever location you choose, simply clicking on it will connect to it. All ExpressVPN servers are good for whatever you’re doing, so just browse safely or torrent files. However, if you want to crack Netflix, it may take a few tries as not all servers will work. To reconnect to a new server, all you need to do is choose a new one and it will automatically disconnect from the current one and connect to the new one.

ExpressVPN Settings

The basics of ExpressVPN are pretty solid, and we also like how easy it is to tweak its settings. To do so, simply click on the three lines at the top left of the interface (also called the hamburger menu) and choose “options”. The “help” menu is also interesting here, which you can use whenever you have problems with ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN Settings Menu

The options menu is subdivided into six sections. “Account” helps you manage, well, your account, while “Shortcuts” lets you choose apps you can launch from the ExpressVPN app; honestly, we’re not sure how useful it is. The “browsers” tab allows you to install browser extensions, which may be useful.

ExpressVPN Browser Extension

Interesting settings start at “general”. This is where you can decide whether or not to use a kill switch (the first heading under “network lock”, do not turn it off) and whether or not you want ExpressVPN to turn on when you start the device. This is a personal choice, but do it if it makes you feel more confident.

ExpressVPN General Settings

This is also the screen where you configure split tunneling, the ability to allow some apps to run under the VPN and not others. If you’re not sure if you need it, it’s best not to play with it.

The next two screens that are of interest are “advanced” and “protocol”. Generally speaking, we recommend that you don’t mess with any of these, especially the options in the “advanced” tab, as disabling them could be a bit risky.

ExpressVPN Advanced Options

This also applies to protocols – ExpressVPN uses the best VPN protocols by default, so there is no need to change this. However, if you have any problems, you can try switching to OpenVPN-UDP as it is safe and will always work pretty well. Whatever you do, don’t use IKEv2!

Available VPN protocols for ExpressVPN

Using ExpressVPN

Hopefully this is enough to get you started with ExpressVPN, if you run into trouble you can always use the app’s built-in help feature. Have fun and take care!

The post What you need to know appeared first on Diario Informe.

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