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.
No.
ExpressVPN currently lists the following Netgear models as supported for its router firmware:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your Netgear router needs to be connected to the internet before you install the ExpressVPN firmware.
You can connect it:
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.
Open a browser on a device connected to the Netgear router.
Try entering one of these addresses into the address bar:
192.168.1.1192.168.0.1routerlogin.netThe exact address can vary depending on your router configuration.
Sign in using your router administrator credentials.
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.
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.
After signing in to the Netgear administration interface:
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.
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.
Once you’re connected to the router running ExpressVPN, open:
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:
ExpressVPN confirms that the setup process is completed through the router dashboard after connecting to the new VPN-enabled network.
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.
Don’t worry if your Netgear model isn’t on ExpressVPN’s supported list.
You still have several options.
The simplest option is to install the ExpressVPN app directly on supported devices.
This works well for:
The advantage is that you can easily turn the VPN on or off for individual devices.
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.
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.
Instead of installing a VPN app on every device, you can configure the VPN once at the router level.
Some devices don’t support VPN apps. A router-level VPN can provide a way for those devices to use the VPN connection.
Streaming devices and Smart TVs can be difficult to configure with a traditional VPN app. A router-level connection can simplify the setup.
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.
If the VPN isn’t working correctly after installation, try the following.
A simple restart can resolve temporary connection problems. Disconnect the router from power, wait briefly, reconnect it, and allow it to boot completely.
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.
The VPN server you’re using may be temporarily unavailable or experiencing congestion. Switch to another location and test again.
Make sure you installed firmware specifically intended for your exact Netgear model and hardware revision. Never install firmware designed for a different router.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No. ExpressVPN’s current router firmware supports selected Netgear models, including the R6300v2, R6400v2, R6700v3, Nighthawk R7000, and Nighthawk R7000P.
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.
No. The router handles the VPN connection, so devices connected to it don’t necessarily need the ExpressVPN app.
Yes. ExpressVPN states that installing its firmware replaces current router settings, including Wi-Fi-related settings. Record important settings before beginning.
Some Nighthawk models are supported. ExpressVPN currently lists the R7000 and R7000P among its compatible Netgear models.
You can use ExpressVPN’s apps on supported devices, purchase a compatible router, or consider a dedicated VPN router such as ExpressVPN Aircove.
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.
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.
Yes. After completing the ExpressVPN router setup, you can manage the VPN connection through the ExpressVPN router dashboard.
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.
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