Mac users often hit a wall when ExpressVPN stops working unexpectedly. It’s frustrating when you’re trying to secure your connection and suddenly find yourself exposed. Let’s walk through the most common issues and their solutions.
Common ExpressVPN Problems on Mac
The most frequent culprit I’ve seen is a conflict between ExpressVPN and recent macOS updates. Just like when your iPhone refuses to play nice with your car’s Bluetooth, sometimes these technical handshakes just need a reset.
Connection Drops and Timeouts
If you’re experiencing frequent disconnections, first check your basic internet connection. I often tell my friends to disconnect from their VPN and try loading a website. If that works fine, we know the issue is specific to ExpressVPN.
Protocol Problems
ExpressVPN offers several protocols, and sometimes your default might not be the best choice. Think of protocols like different roads to the same destination – some might be blocked or under construction. Try switching from Automatic to Lightway TCP or UDP. I’ve found Lightway particularly reliable on newer Mac systems.
Quick Fixes That Actually Work
1. Restart the ExpressVPN app (sounds basic, but works surprisingly often)
2. Clear your DNS cache by running Terminal and entering ‘sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder’
3. Check if your ExpressVPN app is up to date
4. Verify your subscription hasn’t expired
The Nuclear Option
If nothing else works, you might need to completely reinstall ExpressVPN. I know it seems drastic, but sometimes it’s like giving your computer a fresh start. Here’s what to do:
1. Uninstall ExpressVPN completely
2. Restart your Mac
3. Download the latest version from ExpressVPN’s website
4. Install and sign in again
Preventing Future Issues
Keep your macOS and ExpressVPN app updated regularly. I’ve noticed that most serious issues crop up right after system updates, so waiting a few days before updating can help you avoid major headaches.
Also, save your ExpressVPN activation code somewhere safe – you’ll thank yourself later if you need to reinstall.
When to Contact Support
If you’ve tried everything above and still can’t connect, it’s time to reach out to ExpressVPN support. They’re actually quite helpful, and unlike many tech support teams, they understand that not everyone speaks fluent tech-ese.
Remember, VPN issues can be complex, but they’re rarely unfixable. The key is to approach troubleshooting systematically and not get frustrated if the first solution doesn’t work. Keep at it, and you’ll be back to secure browsing in no time.
