How to Change Server in ExpressVPN
If you want a different IP address, better speeds, or access to another region, learning how to change server in ExpressVPN is the key.
The process is simple on most devices, but the exact steps vary depending on whether you use Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android, or a router.
Changing servers can also help when a location is crowded, a site blocks one VPN endpoint, or you need a country-specific connection for streaming or travel.
Understanding how ExpressVPN handles server selection gives you more control over performance, privacy, and availability.
What changing a VPN server does
When you switch servers in ExpressVPN, your traffic is routed through a different VPN endpoint.
That changes the public IP address websites and apps see, which can affect content availability, latency, and connection stability.
ExpressVPN operates a large network of VPN servers across many countries, so server choice matters.
A nearby server often delivers lower latency, while a server in another region may be better for geo-sensitive services or testing how sites behave in different markets.
- IP address changes: Websites see a new location and network identity.
- Performance changes: Speed can improve or drop depending on distance and load.
- Access changes: Some apps and websites respond differently based on server region.
- Privacy changes: Switching servers can reduce reliance on one endpoint.
How to change server in ExpressVPN on desktop
On desktop apps for Windows and macOS, changing servers is usually done from the main location picker.
The interface is designed to make server switching quick, even for first-time users.
Windows
- Open the ExpressVPN app.
- Sign in if prompted.
- Click the location picker, usually shown as a button or current location label.
- Choose a new country or city from the list.
- Select the location and wait for the VPN to reconnect.
If you need a specific server region, use the search bar if available.
ExpressVPN often groups recommended locations at the top, which can help you find a fast option quickly.
macOS
- Launch the ExpressVPN app.
- Click the current connected location.
- Browse or search for another server location.
- Click the location name to connect.
On both platforms, the app disconnects from the current server and establishes a new tunnel to the selected one.
You usually do not need to change any advanced settings unless you are troubleshooting.
How to change server in ExpressVPN on iPhone and Android
The mobile app follows the same general idea: open the location selector, pick a server, and reconnect.
The screen layout is optimized for touch, so server switching is straightforward.
iPhone and iPad
- Open the ExpressVPN app.
- Tap the location selector.
- Search for a country or browse the list.
- Tap the server location you want.
- Wait for the connection to update.
Android
- Open the ExpressVPN app.
- Tap the current server or location button.
- Select a different location from the list.
- Confirm the switch if prompted.
On mobile, a server switch may briefly interrupt traffic while the new tunnel is negotiated.
If an app still shows your old region, force close and reopen it after the VPN reconnects.
How to change to a different country or city
ExpressVPN lets you choose among countries and, in many cases, specific cities.
That distinction matters because a country-level selection gives broader access, while a city-level server can be more precise for performance or local results.
- Country selection: Useful for general region-based access and everyday privacy.
- City selection: Helpful when you want a server closer to a target audience or a specific metro area.
- Smart location: ExpressVPN’s suggested option is often the closest or fastest server.
If your goal is speed, start with the recommended location.
If your goal is regional testing or location-sensitive access, choose a country or city that matches your need more closely.
Can you change servers while connected?
Yes.
In ExpressVPN, selecting a new location while connected automatically triggers a switch.
The app handles the disconnect-and-reconnect process for you, so you do not need to manually turn the VPN off first.
If the connection does not update cleanly, try these steps:
- Disconnect from the current server.
- Wait a few seconds.
- Select the new location again.
- Restart the app if the issue continues.
For persistent problems, restart the device or update the ExpressVPN app.
Older app versions can occasionally cause server list or reconnect issues.
Why one server works better than another
Not every server will perform the same way.
Even within the same country, different endpoints can vary based on current load, routing, and physical distance from your device.
Common reasons to switch servers
- High latency: A server farther away may slow down browsing or video calls.
- Congestion: A busy server can reduce throughput during peak hours.
- Service blocking: A website or app may block one VPN IP but work on another.
- Better routing: Another server may offer a more efficient path to the destination.
If speed is the issue, compare two or three nearby servers before assuming the VPN itself is the problem.
In many cases, the right location makes a noticeable difference.
How to choose the best ExpressVPN server for your goal
The best server depends on what you want to do.
A server that is ideal for streaming may not be the best choice for gaming or remote work.
- For speed: Pick the closest recommended server.
- For streaming: Try servers in the country where the catalog you want is available.
- For privacy: Any reliable server can work, but avoid overloaded endpoints.
- For gaming: Choose a server with the lowest ping and shortest route.
- For travel: Use a location that matches the services you need to access securely.
Keep in mind that some streaming services and websites actively detect VPN usage.
Switching to another ExpressVPN server can sometimes resolve access issues, but there is no guarantee for every platform.
Changing servers on routers and other devices
If ExpressVPN is installed on a router, server switching is typically managed through the router’s VPN settings rather than a mobile-style app interface.
The exact process depends on the router firmware and how ExpressVPN is configured.
On devices such as smart TVs or streaming boxes, server changes may also be controlled through the router or through device-specific apps if supported.
In these cases, the location you select affects every device connected through that VPN setup.
If you use ExpressVPN with browser extensions, remember that the browser connection may be separate from the full device VPN connection.
Changing a browser extension location may not affect the entire system.
Troubleshooting when a server will not connect
Sometimes a selected server fails to connect or takes too long to establish a tunnel.
Most issues are temporary, but a few checks can save time.
- Try another server in the same country.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data if you are on a phone.
- Disable conflicting security software temporarily.
- Update the ExpressVPN app to the latest version.
- Restart the device and reconnect.
If only one location fails repeatedly, the problem is often isolated to that endpoint.
Moving to a neighboring server usually restores access quickly.
Best practices for faster server switching
Once you know how to change server in ExpressVPN, a few habits can make the process smoother.
These practices are especially useful if you switch locations often.
- Use the recommended server when speed matters.
- Save nearby countries as favorites if your app version supports it.
- Test multiple servers before settling on one for streaming or work.
- Keep the app updated to benefit from server list and connection improvements.
- Recheck your IP address after switching if you need to confirm the new location.
Server switching is one of ExpressVPN’s most useful features because it lets you adapt quickly to changing network conditions.
Whether you need a new IP address, a more stable connection, or a different region, the right server choice can make the VPN feel much more effective.