Update as of 08:47 GMT, July 5, 2023

A decline in VPN access and connectivity are affecting some users in Russia. For those having issues connecting to the VPN, please update to the latest version of ExpressVPN and follow the rest of the troubleshooting steps.

In the meantime, please bookmark and return to this page for the latest advice and updates.

Jump to section

Can’t activate or sign in to ExpressVPN in Russia
Can’t connect to ExpressVPN in Russia

Can’t activate or sign in to ExpressVPN in Russia

1. Try connecting to a different network

Temporarily switching to another Wi-Fi network or internet service provider, if available, may allow you to complete activation or sign-in.

2. Change your DNS servers

Changing your DNS servers may also help resolve this issue. If you do not know which DNS servers to use, we recommend OpenDNS. These servers are safe and available to the public.

Follow the steps for your device to change your DNS servers to OpenDNS’ servers.

Note: Write down your current DNS address/setting before changing it for future reference and safekeeping.

Windows
You can change your DNS server with these steps:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings.
  2. Right-click on the active network connection and click Properties.
  3. In the Networking tab, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
    Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click "Properties".
  4. Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
  5. Enter 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220. These are OpenDNS’ DNS servers.
  6. Click OK and OK.
  7. Try activating your ExpressVPN app again.

You can revert the changes made to your DNS settings to use your local DNS servers after you have successfully activated your ExpressVPN app.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

Mac

You can change your DNS server with these steps:

  1. Click "Apple" icon.. Select System Preferences > Network.
  2. Select the connection for which you want to change your DNS server settings. Click Advanced…
  3. Select the DNS tab. Click "Add" icon. to enter 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220. These are OpenDNS’ DNS servers.
  4. Click OK > Apply.
  5. Try activating your ExpressVPN app again.

You can revert the changes made to your DNS settings to use your local DNS servers after you have successfully activated your ExpressVPN app.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

Linux

You can change your DNS server with these steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Preferences > Network Connections.
  2. Select the connection for which you want to change your DNS server settings.
  3. Click Edit. Select IPv4 Settings.
  4. Select Automatic (DHCP) addresses only.
  5. In the DNS servers field, enter 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220. These are OpenDNS’ DNS servers.
  6. Click Apply.
  7. Try activating your ExpressVPN app again.

You can revert the changes made to your DNS settings to use your local DNS servers after you have successfully activated your ExpressVPN app.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

Android

Every Android device uses a different user interface in its settings. You can change your DNS server settings with these generic steps below:

  1. Go to Settings > Network & internet.
  2. Tap Wi-Fi > Your current network.
  3. Tap your current network again. Then, tap "Edit" icon. in the top-right corner.
  4. Select Advanced options.
  5. Change IP settings to static.
  6. In DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields, enter 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220. These are OpenDNS’ DNS servers.
  7. Tap Save.
  8. Try activating your ExpressVPN app again.

You can revert the changes made to your DNS settings to use your local DNS servers after you have successfully activated your ExpressVPN app.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

iOS

You can change your DNS server with these steps:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap Wi-Fi > Your current network.
  3. Under DNS, change Automatic to Manual.
  4. Remove existing DNS servers.
  5. Tap Add Server. Enter 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220. These are OpenDNS’s DNS servers.
  6. Tap Save.
  7. Try activating your ExpressVPN app again.

You can revert the changes made to your DNS settings to use your local DNS servers after you have successfully activated your ExpressVPN app.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

Router

Every router admin panel has a different user interface. You can change your primary router’s DNS server settings with these generic steps below:

  1. Find your router’s IP address. Then, type it in your browser.
  2. Log in to your router admin panel.
  3. Go to your DNS server settings. Enter 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220. These are OpenDNS’ DNS servers.
  4. Tap Save.
  5. Try activating your ExpressVPN app again.

You can revert the changes made to your DNS settings to use your local DNS servers after you have successfully activated your ExpressVPN app.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

3. Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team

If you still cannot activate or sign in to your ExpressVPN account in Russia, contact the Support Team for immediate assistance.

Can’t connect to ExpressVPN in Russia

1. Update to the latest version of ExpressVPN

Please update to the latest version of ExpressVPN on your device. Find the latest versions to download.

2. Connect to these VPN locations in the following order

These VPN locations are most likely to offer a reliable connection in Russia.

Sweden
Netherlands - Rotterdam
UK - Docklands
Switzerland
Germany - Frankfurt - 1

If the above VPN locations do not work, you are recommended to keep retrying them, rather than use locations that are not listed.

3. Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team

If you still cannot connect to ExpressVPN in Russia, contact the Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

Was this article helpful?

We're sorry to hear that. Let us know how we can improve.

What device do you need help with?

Examples: Android, Windows, Linksys router

A member of our Support Team will follow up on your issue.