How to choose and switch server locations on ExpressVPN
Quick Answer
To switch server locations on ExpressVPN, open the app, click the location button, browse or search for your desired server location, and click connect. The app will automatically disconnect from your current server and connect to the new location.
Prerequisites
- Active ExpressVPN subscription
- ExpressVPN app installed on your device
- Internet connection
- Valid login credentials
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Open ExpressVPN Application
Launch the ExpressVPN app on your device. If you're not already signed in, enter your email address and password to log into your account. Wait for the app to fully load and display the main interface.
Keep your login credentials saved in a password manager for quick access
2
Locate the Server Selection Button
On the main screen, look for the large button that displays your current server location (or shows "Choose Location" if not connected). This button is typically located in the center of the app interface and shows the current server location with a flag icon.
3
Access Server Location List
Click on the location button to open the server selection menu. You'll see a list of available server locations organized by regions. The interface shows Recommended servers at the top, followed by All Locations listed alphabetically by country.
Recommended servers are optimized for your location and typically offer the best performance
4
Browse or Search for Server Location
You can either scroll through the list of countries or use the search bar at the top to quickly find a specific location. Each country shows available cities underneath when expanded. Popular locations like United States, United Kingdom, and Canada offer multiple city options.
Use the search function to quickly find specific countries or cities
5
Select Your Desired Server Location
Click on the country or specific city you want to connect to. If a country has multiple server locations, you can either select the country name for automatic server selection or choose a specific city for more precise location control.
Choose servers closer to your physical location for better speeds, or farther away for enhanced privacy
6
Confirm Server Switch
After selecting your new location, the app will automatically begin connecting to the new server. You'll see a "Connecting..." status message. If you were previously connected to another server, ExpressVPN will first disconnect from the old server before establishing the new connection.
7
Verify Connection
Once connected, the app will display a green "Connected" status with the new server location shown. The main interface will update to show your new virtual location. You can verify the connection worked by checking your IP address using a service like
whatismyipaddress.com. Always verify your new IP location matches your selected server for security confirmation
8
Optimize Connection if Needed
If you experience slow speeds or connection issues, return to the server list and try a different server in the same country or region. ExpressVPN typically provides multiple servers per location. You can also use the Smart Location feature to let ExpressVPN automatically choose the best server for you.
Smart Location automatically selects the fastest available server based on your location and network conditions
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Server list not loading or appearing empty
Check your internet connection and restart the ExpressVPN app. If the problem persists, try logging out and back in, or reinstall the application.
Connection fails when switching servers
Disconnect from the current server first by clicking the disconnect button, wait 10 seconds, then try connecting to your desired location again.
Specific server location not available
Some servers may be temporarily unavailable due to maintenance. Try selecting a different city in the same country or choose the country name for automatic server assignment.
Slow connection after switching servers
Try connecting to a different server in the same region, or use the Speed Test feature in ExpressVPN to identify the fastest servers for your location.
Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official ExpressVPN website before purchasing.