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ExpressVPN Unable to Sign In? Error Message Says: “Please Check Your Connection?” – Here’s What to Do!

Published on July 26, 2021
Written by:
Novak Bozovic
Novak Bozovic
Tech & VPN Content Specialist

If you check our guide on how to download and install ExpressVPN, you’ll see that we’re talking about a very easy process. However, problems may happen along the way. And when it comes to those, ExpressVPN’s "Unable to Sign In" and "Please Check Your Connection" are the most annoying errors. Luckily for you, we’re here to show you what exactly can be done. 

With that said, we offer you 4 solutions for when ExpressVPN is unable to sign you in, helping you reach the VPN’s home screen. Here’s what you need to do. 

1. Copy & Paste Your Activation Code or Password

When trying to log in to ExpressVPN on a computer, you can use your ExpressVPN activation code to speed up that process. However, as much as that feature is helpful, it can be frustrating at times, especially if you try to input your activation code manually. 

With that said, we recommend copying and pasting your activation code directly from ExpressVPN's website. Here's how that is done. 

  1. Visit ExpressVPN’s website and pick 'My Account.'
  2. Then, provide your email address and password
  3. You’ll also need to provide a verification code. So, check your inbox. 
  4. As soon as you reach your online dashboard, you’ll see your code
  5. Copy it from there, and then paste it directly to ExpressVPN’s interface. 

Using the method described above, you'll visit ExpressVPN's site to log in. This is always a good thing to try, as it can help you identify an issue with your credentials. In case you can't log in to your account on the VPN's website, you can use an email link or resort to using a system to retrieve your password. 

2. Switch to Another Internet Connection Type

Some types of Internet connections can block the required ports that VPNs use to authenticate their users. So, if you see ExpressVPN’s "Unable to Sign In" error, your ISP could be to blame. For example, we’ve seen this happen with Google Fiber in the past, even though many other ISPs around the world have the same problem. 

You can bypass this obstacle by switching to another Internet connection type. The easiest would be to join your smartphone's hotspot. However, make sure to turn off Wi-Fi on your phone and connect to LTE or another mobile data connection type. Then, check how to set up a personal hotspot on iPhone or learn how to share a mobile connection on Android

3. Change your DNS Server to OpenDNS

If the issue persists and ExpressVPN is still saying "Unable to Log In" or "Please Check Your Connection," your next step should be to change your device's DNS servers. This helps your Web data bypass restrictions imposed by your ISP, at least temporarily. To learn more, select your platform below and follow the instructions. 

Windows
  1. Navigate to Control Panel > Network and Internet
  2. Pick 'Network and Sharing Center.'
  3. Then, select 'Change Adapter Settings.'
  4. Right-click on the active connection and pick 'Properties.'
  5. Use the 'Networking' tab to pick 'Internet Protocol Version 4.'
  6. Pick 'Properties' and then select 'Use the following DNS server addresses.'
  7. Enter '208.67.222.222' and '208.67.220.220.'
  8. Click 'OK' and exit the Control Panel. 
  9. Try to log in to ExpressVPN once again. 
Mac
  1. Go to Apple > System Preferences > Network
  2. Pick your currently active connection. Then, select 'Advanced.'
  3. Pick the 'DNS' tab and then use the plus button
  4. Enter '208.67.222.222' and '208.67.220.220.'
  5. Click 'OK' and finish with 'Apply.'
  6. Re-launch ExpressVPN and try to log in once again. 
Android

Since Android devices have a wide range of user interfaces, we can only provide general instructions. To learn more, do a Google search based on your device's exact model.

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi
  2. Now, select your currently active Wi-Fi connection
  3. Find an option to fine-tune your connection’s settings. 
  4. Change the IP settings to 'Static.'
  5. Enter '208.67.222.222' and '208.67.220.220.'
  6. Save your new DNS servers. 
  7. Try to log in to ExpressVPN. 
iOS and iPadOS
  1. Navigate to Settings > Wi-Fi
  2. Pick your currently active Wi-Fi connection
  3. Then, under 'DNS,' pick 'Manual.'
  4. Choose 'Add Server.'
  5. Enter '208.67.222.222' and '208.67.220.220.'
  6. Save your new DNS servers. 
  7. Open ExpressVPN and try to log in once again.

4. Contact ExpressVPN’s Customer Support

If none of the previously mentioned steps work for you, it’s time to turn to ExpressVPN for help. Keep in mind that ExpressVPN offers a live chat option on its website, available around the clock. That would be the fastest way to resolve your issue and regain your VPN connectivity. 

We advise you to explain your issue in-depth in your first message to ExpressVPN to speed up to process of finding a solution. So, mention your operating system (the exact version), your device model, the version of ExpressVPN you use, as well as any other helpful info. 

Those would be the steps to take in case of ExpressVPN’s "Unable to Log In" or "Please Check Your Connection" errors. If you have any questions for us, make sure to post them just below. And finally, thank you for reading!



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