Want to protect every device connected to your home network with ExpressVPN? Installing ExpressVPN directly on a compatible Netgear router can be a convenient solution.

Instead of installing the VPN app separately on your phone, computer, smart TV, or streaming device, you can configure the VPN at the router level. Once connected, devices using that router’s network can use the VPN connection without needing an individual VPN app.

However, there is an important catch: ExpressVPN router firmware only supports certain Netgear models. You can’t install it on every Netgear router.

In this updated 2026 guide, we’ll explain which Netgear routers are compatible, how to install ExpressVPN firmware, what to do if your router isn’t supported, and how to troubleshoot common problems.

Quick Guide: How to set up ExpressVPN on a Netgear router?

Subscribe to one of the subscription plans of ExpressVPN.
Download the ExpressVPN firmware on your device.
On your web browser, type in your router’s IP address to open the admin panel of your Netgear router. Input the credentials of your router.
Install the ExpressVPN firmware.
Access your Netgear admin panel again and input your VPN credentials under ‘VPN Client’.
Connect to a suitable VPN server and click ‘Apply’.

Get ExpressVPN to Setup on a Netgear Router

Can You Install ExpressVPN on Any Netgear Router?

No.

ExpressVPN currently lists the following Netgear models as supported for its router firmware:

Netgear R6300v2
Netgear R6400v2
Netgear R6700v3
Netgear Nighthawk R7000
Netgear Nighthawk R7000P

If you own one of these models, you can follow the dedicated ExpressVPN firmware installation process.

If your Netgear router isn’t on this list, don’t try to install firmware intended for another model. Router firmware is model-specific, and using the wrong firmware can cause serious problems.

ExpressVPN also notes that installing third-party firmware may affect your router warranty, so check the manufacturer’s warranty terms before proceeding.

How to Set Up ExpressVPN on a Netgear Router (Detailed Guide)

The installation involves downloading the correct ExpressVPN firmware, uploading it through the Netgear router’s administration page, and then completing the ExpressVPN setup.

Let’s go through each step.

Step 1: Check Your Netgear Router Model

First, find the exact model of your router.

Look at the label on the router or its packaging. Pay close attention to the model number and hardware revision. For example, R6700v3 is supported, but that doesn’t automatically mean every R6700 revision is compatible.

If your model isn’t listed by ExpressVPN, stop here and look at the alternative setup options later in this guide.

Step 2: Download the ExpressVPN Firmware

You’ll need the firmware specifically designed for your Netgear model. Sign in to your ExpressVPN account and open the router setup area.

From the Applications menu, go to:

Network & smart home → Router

Find the firmware download section and select your exact Netgear router model.

Download the firmware file to your computer.

ExpressVPN’s current instructions recommend downloading the firmware from your ExpressVPN account rather than obtaining firmware from third-party websites.

Don’t Download Random Firmware Files

Avoid downloading ExpressVPN firmware from forums, file-sharing websites, or unofficial sources. Using the wrong firmware can potentially make your router unusable.

Always use the firmware supplied for your specific model by ExpressVPN.

Step 3: Connect Your Netgear Router to the Internet

Your Netgear router needs to be connected to the internet before you install the ExpressVPN firmware.

You can connect it:

Directly to your modem, or
As a secondary router behind your existing router

ExpressVPN actually recommends setting up the compatible Netgear router as a secondary router first if you’re currently using another router. This can make the transition easier and reduce the chance of losing your internet connection during setup.

Connect your computer to the Netgear router using either Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable.

For the firmware installation, an Ethernet connection is preferable because it reduces the chance of losing the connection during the process.

Step 4: Open the Netgear Router Admin Page

Open a browser on a device connected to the Netgear router.

Try entering one of these addresses into the address bar:

192.168.1.1
192.168.0.1
routerlogin.net

The exact address can vary depending on your router configuration.

If you haven’t changed the credentials, ExpressVPN’s current instructions indicate that the default username is generally admin and the default password is password, although your router’s label may contain different credentials.

Can’t Log In?

If you’ve previously changed the administrator password and forgotten it, you may need to reset the router to factory settings.

Be aware that a factory reset removes your existing router configuration.

Step 5: Open Router Update

After signing in to the Netgear administration interface:

Select ADVANCED.
Open Administration.
Select Router Update.
Choose Browse.
Locate the ExpressVPN firmware file you downloaded.
Select Upload.

Your router may warn you that the internet connection will be interrupted. That’s normal during a firmware installation.

Do not unplug the router or close the browser while the firmware is being installed. ExpressVPN says the router should restart automatically after the installation.

Step 6: Reconnect to the Router

After the router restarts, your old Wi-Fi connection may no longer be available. Look for the Netgear router’s Wi-Fi network and connect to it.

You can also connect your computer directly using an Ethernet cable.

The Wi-Fi name and password may have changed because installing ExpressVPN firmware replaces the router’s previous settings.

Step 7: Complete ExpressVPN Router Setup

Once you’re connected to the router running ExpressVPN, open:

expressvpnrouter.com

If the setup page doesn’t appear automatically, enter the address manually in your browser.

Select Get Started and follow the on-screen instructions.

You’ll be asked to complete the ExpressVPN router configuration and connect the router to your ExpressVPN account.

Once setup is finished, record your:

Wi-Fi name
Wi-Fi password
Router administrator password

ExpressVPN confirms that the setup process is completed through the router dashboard after connecting to the new VPN-enabled network.

How to Check Whether ExpressVPN Is Working

After completing the installation, connect a device to the VPN-enabled Netgear router.

Open a browser and check your public IP address.

The location shown should correspond to the VPN server you’ve selected rather than your normal internet connection.

You can also visit websites or services that show your IP address and approximate location.

If your IP address hasn’t changed, check the router’s VPN connection and selected server.

What If Your Netgear Router Isn’t Supported?

Don’t worry if your Netgear model isn’t on ExpressVPN’s supported list.

You still have several options.

Option 1: Use ExpressVPN on Individual Devices

The simplest option is to install the ExpressVPN app directly on supported devices.

This works well for:

Windows
macOS
Android
iPhone
iPad
Fire TV
Other supported platforms

The advantage is that you can easily turn the VPN on or off for individual devices.

Option 2: Use a Compatible Router

You could purchase a router that supports ExpressVPN’s router software.

Before buying one, check ExpressVPN’s current compatibility list rather than assuming that a router with VPN support will automatically work with ExpressVPN’s firmware.

Option 3: Use a Dedicated VPN Router

Another option is a dedicated VPN router.

ExpressVPN’s own Aircove routers come with ExpressVPN software already configured, which eliminates much of the manual firmware installation process.

This can be a better option for users who don’t want to modify existing router firmware.

Advantages of Installing ExpressVPN on a Netgear Router

Protect Multiple Devices

Instead of installing a VPN app on every device, you can configure the VPN once at the router level.

Protect Devices Without VPN Apps

Some devices don’t support VPN apps. A router-level VPN can provide a way for those devices to use the VPN connection.

Convenient for Smart TVs

Streaming devices and Smart TVs can be difficult to configure with a traditional VPN app. A router-level connection can simplify the setup.

Automatic VPN Protection

Once a device connects to the VPN-enabled router, it can use the router’s VPN connection without requiring you to remember to launch a VPN app.

ExpressVPN on Netgear Router Not Working? Try These Fixes

If the VPN isn’t working correctly after installation, try the following.

1. Restart the Router

A simple restart can resolve temporary connection problems. Disconnect the router from power, wait briefly, reconnect it, and allow it to boot completely.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

Make sure the router itself has an active internet connection. If the internet doesn’t work without the VPN, the VPN isn’t the primary problem.

3. Try Another VPN Location

The VPN server you’re using may be temporarily unavailable or experiencing congestion. Switch to another location and test again.

4. Check Your Router Model

Make sure you installed firmware specifically intended for your exact Netgear model and hardware revision. Never install firmware designed for a different router.

5. Check Your Wi-Fi Connection

If the VPN works on one device but not another, the problem may be related to that device’s connection rather than the router.

Try connecting through Ethernet to eliminate Wi-Fi as a potential cause.

6. Update the Router Software

Keeping your VPN router software updated is important for security, stability, and new features.

ExpressVPN says its router software can automatically install available updates, while manual updates can also be performed through the router dashboard.

7. Contact ExpressVPN Support

If you’ve verified your router model, internet connection, firmware, and VPN location but still can’t connect, ExpressVPN support can help troubleshoot the configuration.

Why is ExpressVPN the best?

You must be aware that not every VPN can secure your data and connection while maintaining the privacy of your online activity. Your choice of VPN is extremely important because the internet nowadays has become such a perilous area for your data and security.

ExpressVPN has performed remarkably well in all of the metrics that we tested it on. On a Netgear router, it is the finest VPN to use.

We recommend ExpressVPN to all of our users for a variety of reasons.

Many different server locations
Low Ping
Top-notch customer support
Encryption
Security
Privacy

How to Restore the Original Netgear Firmware

What if you decide you don’t want ExpressVPN on your router anymore?

You can restore the original Netgear firmware, provided you follow the correct recovery procedure for your router model.

ExpressVPN provides separate instructions for restoring the original firmware on supported routers.

For compatible Netgear models, the process involves downloading the correct original firmware and using the router’s firmware upgrade interface to restore it.

Important: Never use firmware intended for another router model.

If you’re unsure which firmware you need, check the official Netgear documentation or contact support before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install ExpressVPN on any Netgear router?

No. ExpressVPN’s current router firmware supports selected Netgear models, including the R6300v2, R6400v2, R6700v3, Nighthawk R7000, and Nighthawk R7000P.

Does installing ExpressVPN on a Netgear router protect all my devices?

Devices connected through the VPN-enabled router can use the router’s VPN connection. However, device-management settings can determine which devices use the VPN.

Do I need the ExpressVPN app after installing it on my router?

No. The router handles the VPN connection, so devices connected to it don’t necessarily need the ExpressVPN app.

Will installing ExpressVPN erase my Netgear settings?

Yes. ExpressVPN states that installing its firmware replaces current router settings, including Wi-Fi-related settings. Record important settings before beginning.

Can I use ExpressVPN on a Netgear Nighthawk router?

Some Nighthawk models are supported. ExpressVPN currently lists the R7000 and R7000P among its compatible Netgear models.

What if my Netgear router isn’t compatible?

You can use ExpressVPN’s apps on supported devices, purchase a compatible router, or consider a dedicated VPN router such as ExpressVPN Aircove.

Can I use ExpressVPN on a Netgear router without changing its firmware?

That depends on the router and configuration method. ExpressVPN provides separate manual configuration guides for some router platforms, but its dedicated Netgear firmware method is limited to supported models. Check ExpressVPN’s current setup documentation before attempting a manual configuration.

Will a VPN slow down my internet?

A VPN can reduce connection speeds because traffic is encrypted and routed through a VPN server. The impact depends on your internet connection, router hardware, VPN protocol, and server location.

Can I change VPN locations from the router?

Yes. After completing the ExpressVPN router setup, you can manage the VPN connection through the ExpressVPN router dashboard.

Final Verdict

Setting up ExpressVPN on a Netgear router can be an excellent way to extend VPN protection across your home network.

The biggest thing to remember is compatibility. ExpressVPN doesn’t support every Netgear router, so check your exact model before downloading or installing any firmware.

If you have a compatible R6300v2, R6400v2, R6700v3, R7000, or R7000P, the process is relatively straightforward: download the correct ExpressVPN firmware, connect your Netgear router to the internet, upload the firmware through the router dashboard, reconnect to the VPN-enabled network, and complete the setup at expressvpnrouter.com.

If your router isn’t compatible, don’t force the installation. Using the ExpressVPN app on individual devices or choosing a compatible/dedicated VPN router may be a safer and easier alternative.