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How to Set Up and Use ExpressVPN on DrayTek Router

Last updated July 7, 2023
Written by:
Novak Bozovic
Novak Bozovic
Senior VPN Editor
Important!

ExpressVPN no longer supports L2TP/IPsec through manual configuration, which makes the following instructions obsolete. To configure this VPN on a router, your device must support OpenVPN. That said, learn how to set up ExpressVPN on a router (if you have an OpenVPN-powered one) or set up ExpressVPN through its native software.

You can set up ExpressVPN on DrayTek routers using the L2TP/IPsec protocol. That protocol is weaker than OpenVPN but should still be secure enough for the average home user (in terms of privacy protection and unblocking websites).

As per ExpressVPN's documentation, this VPN has been tested on DrayTek's Vigor 2926 model. Other DrayTek DrayOS routers include: Vigor 2120, 2132, 2133, 2710, 2760, 2762, 2820, 2830, 2850, 2860, 2862, 2920, 2925, 2930, 2926, 2952, 3200, and 3220.

That said, once you verify that you have a compatible DrayTek VPN router model, here's how to get started with ExpressVPN on your DrayTek router.

How to Set Up ExpressVPN on DrayTek Router

Setting up ExpressVPN on DrayTek's DrayOS-powered routers requires you to configure the VPN manually. This is what you need to do:

1. Sign up for ExpressVPN using your computer and any Web browser.

2. Once you subscribe, click "My Account" using the top-placed main menu on ExpressVPN's site. Provide your credentials and access your ExpressVPN account dashboard.

Signing In to ExpressVPN Website

3. Navigate to Set Up Other Devices > Manual Configuration > L2TP/IPSec.

L2TP IPSec Configuration Window on ExpressVPN Website

4. Make a note of your L2TP username and password by scrolling down. Then, scroll down a bit more, pick a VPN server and note its L2TP server address.

L2TP Setup for ExpressVPN

5. Log in to your DrayTek router using the 192.168.1.1 IP (input it in the address bar). Input your router’s username and password (both should be "admin" by default). 

6. Navigate to VPN & Remote Access > LAN to LAN. 

LAN to LAN Settings DrayTek Router

7. In the 'Index' column, select a number to create a new VPN profile. Then, access the newly created VPN profile. You'll need to edit its parameters. 

8. Fill out the 'Common Settings' fields by following the instructions below. 

Common Settings DrayOS Router Admin Panel

9. Fill out the "Dial-Out Settings" segment, as per the instructions below. 

Dial Out Settings on DrayTek Router

10. You also need to fill out the "TCP/IP Settings" fields, as instructed below. 

TCP IP Settings on DrayTek Router

11. Then, you can configure split tunneling on a DrayTek router.  Using the left-placed sidebar, navigate to Routing > Load-Balance/Route Policy. 

Route Policy Menu Item DrayTek

12. In the 'Index' column, select a number to create a new route. Now, you’ll need to fill out a number of fields, as explained just below, and then select "OK" at the bottom.

Setting Up Split Tunneling on DrayTek Router

13. To check if everything is correct, navigate to VPN > Connection Management. Your VPN connection should be displayed in the "VPN Connection Status" segment. 

VPN Connection Status on DrayTek Router

14. If you’d like to disconnect, navigate to VPN and Remote Access > LAN to LAN. Under "Common Settings," uncheck the "Enable This Profile" option. Press "OK" to confirm your decision. That’s it!

Final Thoughts

Even though setting up ExpressVPN on a DrayTek router isn't the easiest procedure, it's well worth your time and effort. You'll get to protect your entire household, ensuring your privacy is protected on all your Web-connected devices. That's why ExpressVPN is our #1 recommendation for DrayTek users.

FAQ

Does ExpressVPN Work on DrayTek Routers?

Yes, ExpressVPN works on a range of DrayTek Vigor routers. As long as your DrayTek router supports L2TP/IPsec connections, you'll get to set up ExpressVPN with no issues.

Do All DrayTek Routers Have a Built-In VPN?

No, not all DrayTek routers have a built-in VPN. You need a model from DrayTek's Vigor lineup that's designed for home use and supports VPN connections.

What Protocol ExpressVPN Supports on DrayTek's DrayOS?

As per ExpressVPN's documentation, this VPN supports L2TP/IPsec on DrayOS. In theory, you can also use the OpenVPN protocol on some DrayTek Vigor Routers that have a Smart VPN Client, but ExpressVPN doesn't officially support OpenVPN for DrayTek.

That would be all on how to set up ExpressVPN on a DrayTek router. In case you have any questions, make sure to post your comment below. And lastly, thank you for reading!



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