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How to enable advanced protection settings on ExpressVPN

intermediate 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18
Quick Answer

Enable ExpressVPN's advanced protection settings by accessing the app's Options or Preferences menu and configuring features like Network Lock, DNS protection, and threat blocking. These settings provide enhanced security against IP leaks, malicious websites, and trackers.

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Prerequisites

  • Active ExpressVPN subscription
  • ExpressVPN app installed on your device
  • Valid ExpressVPN account credentials
  • Administrator access on your device

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Open ExpressVPN and access settings

Launch the ExpressVPN application on your device. Click the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner, then select Options (Windows) or Preferences (Mac/Linux). On mobile devices, tap the Settings icon in the bottom navigation bar.
Make sure you're signed into your ExpressVPN account before accessing advanced settings.
2

Enable Network Lock (Kill Switch)

In the settings menu, locate the General or Advanced tab. Find the Network Lock option and toggle it ON. This kill switch feature blocks all internet traffic if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, preventing IP address leaks.

For desktop apps, you may see options for:
  • Block all network traffic
  • Block network traffic only for selected apps
Choose your preferred protection level.
Network Lock may briefly interrupt your internet connection when first enabled - this is normal behavior.
3

Configure DNS protection settings

Navigate to the DNS or Privacy & Security section in settings. Enable DNS leak protection by toggling the option ON. This ensures all DNS queries go through ExpressVPN's secure servers instead of your ISP's DNS.

If available, also enable:
  • IPv6 leak protection
  • WebRTC leak protection
These prevent various types of IP address leaks.
DNS protection is crucial for maintaining privacy, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
4

Enable Threat Manager

Look for the Threat Manager or Advanced Protection section in settings. Toggle Threat Manager to ON. This feature blocks malicious websites, trackers, and ads before they reach your device.

You may see additional options like:
  • Block trackers and ads
  • Block malicious sites
  • Block adult content (optional)
Threat Manager may occasionally block legitimate websites - you can temporarily disable it if needed.
5

Configure auto-connect settings

In the General settings, find the Auto-connect section. Enable Launch ExpressVPN on startup and Connect automatically on app launch. For enhanced security, also enable:
  • Auto-connect on untrusted Wi-Fi networks
  • Auto-connect when joining new networks
This ensures you're always protected when connecting to potentially unsafe networks.
Auto-connect features provide seamless protection but may slightly increase battery usage on mobile devices.
6

Set up protocol and encryption preferences

Navigate to the Protocol or Connection settings. Select Automatic to let ExpressVPN choose the best protocol, or manually select Lightway UDP for optimal security and speed. Ensure encryption is set to the highest available level (typically AES-256).

Advanced users can configure:
  • Port selection
  • Obfuscation settings
  • Split tunneling (if needed)
The Automatic protocol setting usually provides the best balance of security and performance.
7

Configure location and server preferences

In the Location or Server settings, enable Smart Location to automatically connect to the fastest secure server. For enhanced anonymity, consider enabling Random server selection if available.

Set preferences for:
  • Preferred server locations
  • Avoid servers in certain countries
  • Always connect to specific regions
Smart Location optimizes both speed and security by selecting the best available server automatically.
8

Test and verify protection settings

After configuring all settings, test your setup by visiting expressvpn.com/what-is-my-ip or similar IP leak test websites. Verify that:
  • Your real IP address is hidden
  • DNS queries show ExpressVPN servers
  • No WebRTC or IPv6 leaks are detected
Save your settings and restart the application to ensure all protections are active.
Regularly test your VPN protection, especially after app updates or system changes.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Network Lock blocks internet when VPN is disconnected

This is normal behavior. To access the internet without VPN, temporarily disable Network Lock in settings, or connect to a VPN server first. Re-enable Network Lock for continued protection.

Threat Manager blocks legitimate websites

Temporarily disable Threat Manager to access blocked sites, or contact ExpressVPN support to report false positives. You can also try connecting to a different server location.

Advanced settings are grayed out or unavailable

Ensure you have the latest version of ExpressVPN installed. Some advanced features require administrator privileges or may not be available on all device types. Restart the app and try again.

Auto-connect fails on untrusted networks

Check that auto-connect permissions are enabled in your device's system settings. On mobile devices, ensure ExpressVPN has permission to access network information and run in the background.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official ExpressVPN website before purchasing.
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