This guide shows you how to install ExpressVPN on FireStick. This VPN is compatible with all Fire TV Sticks except the 1st generation. It also works well on other Amazon Fire TV products, including the Fire TV Cube and Fire OS smart TVs, as well as FireStick 4K Max, 4K, New FireStick 4K, New FireStick 4K Max, FireStick Lite, and more.
Streaming devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick have revolutionized how we watch on-demand content and live TV. You can catch up on all the episodes of your favorite TV show in a week using streaming apps like HBO, Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. At the same time, you can watch live sports, news updates, live musical performances, and more from your local TV channels without cable.
However, just like accessing the internet on your computer or mobile device, browsing content on your FireStick exposes you to the prying eyes of corporations, local authorities, Internet Service Providers(ISP), and cyber criminals.
That’s why you need a VPN service to keep your data private and secure.
Why Use ExpressVPN on FireStick?
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for streaming on FireStick for various reasons.
First, it’s an important tool to help you keep your data safe and secure from hackers or nosy corporations. ExpressVPN has stable and reliable servers that encrypt your data and shield your IP location.
Secondly, ExpressVPN hides your browsing history from your ISP. ISPs are known to slow down your internet speed by intentionally lowering your bandwidth when you visit particular sites or use certain internet services. A VPN prevents bandwidth throttling by hiding your internet activity from the ISP.
Lastly, ExpressVPN is a perfect tool for torrenting, bypassing geo-restrictions created by streaming apps and streaming content on apps like Kodi. This VPN keeps no logs and has robust VPN protocols to overcome blocks placed by sites and apps.
Below are reasons to choose ExpressVPN for your FireStick or Fire TV.
Excellent Security and Privacy
ExpressVPN
is based in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. For this reason, it is protected by the BVA’s no-log policy that protects users’ data from being accessed by the government or corporations.
At the same time, your security is guaranteed with ExpressVPN, thanks to its AES 256-bit encryption. The VPN service also has a kill switch feature that protects against data leakage whenever a VPN connection is faulty.
Fast Speeds
ExpressVPN has one of the best internet speeds among the various VPN services. While using a VPN slightly slows down your internet speed, with ExpressVPN, the change is small, even negligible.
In addition, the excellent speeds ensure you don’t experience buffering, even when streaming HD and 4K content, such as on your Fire Stick 4K.
Unblocks All Streaming Services
A FireStick transforms your TV into a home entertainment hub offering unlimited content. However, geo-blocking by streaming services such as Netflix, HBO, and BBC iPlayer limits the content you can access based on your IP location. With ExpressVPN, you can bypass most of these geo-restrictions. The following are the streaming services compatible with ExpressVPN:
Easy-To-Use App
ExpressVPN for FireStick has a fluid and decluttered user interface, making it easy to use. For instance, connecting to a server requires only clicking a button on the home page. Additionally, you can tell whether you are connected to a server or not using the different background colors- the background color is green when connected and red when disconnected.
Use it on Multiple Devices
With one ExpressVPN account, you can secure up to 8 devices simultaneously.
In addition to FireStick, you can use ExpressVPN on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and several routers.
30-Day No Questions Asked Money-Back Guarantee
All ExpressVPN plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
No questions will be asked if you want to cancel the subscription within 30 days. You will get a full refund. However, it is highly unlikely you will want to cancel it.
ExpressVPN Features for Amazon FireStick Users
Here are the ExpressVPN features available to Amazon FireStick users:
VPN Split Tunneling
Some apps on your Fire TV Stick work best when connected to the internet directly.
These apps include Alexa Shopping, Amazon Live Shopping, and Amazon Kids. However, with the Split Tunneling feature on ExpressVPN, you can exempt such apps from using the VPN connection.
Network Lock (Kill Switch)
A kill switch is essential in a VPN service because it protects your data from leakage in case of a VPN connection drop.
ExpressVPN’s Network Lock automatically disconnects your internet traffic when it detects a VPN connection fault.
Zero Log Policy
ExpressVPN has a strict no-log policy to guarantee your data safety and anonymity.
The service insists it will never log your traffic data, Domain Name System(DNS) queries, or any information that could reveal your identity.
Lightway VPN Protocol
In addition to the standard OpenVPN protocol, ExpressVPN has the Lightway VPN protocol.
This protocol uses modern encryption algorithms that increase privacy and security while optimizing internet speeds.
How to Subscribe to ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service with three plans; a one-month, six-month, and 12-month package.
Follow these steps to subscribe to ExpressVPN:
1. Go to ExpressVPN Official Website and click Get ExpressVPN.
2. Select your preferred plan.
3. Enter your email address in the provided field and choose your payment method. Then, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the payment.
How to Install ExpressVPN on Amazon Fire TV Stick
ExpressVPN has an official app you can download directly from the Amazon App Store. However, if you can’t install the app from the store, you can sideload the ExpressVPN APK on FireStick from an external host site. Let’s discuss the two methods below.
How to Install the ExpressVPN App From the Amazon Store
Below is the step-by-step guide on how to install ExpressVPN on Amazon Fire Stick & Fire TV via the Amazon App Store:
1. Click Find on the Amazon Fire TV Stick home screen.
2. Click Search.
3. Type ExpressVPN on the search bar and select ExpressVPN in the suggested results.
4. Choose the ExpressVPN app tile under Apps & Games.
5. Click Download or Get and wait a few seconds for the app to download.
6. Click Open to launch the app after the installation is complete.
How to Sideload the ExpressVPN APK on FireStick
This method is needed only if you cannot download the ExpressVPN app directly from the Amazon App Store. Please skip this method if you have already installed ExpressVPN from the Amazon Store.
To sideload ExpressVPN, the following two prerequisites must be taken care of:
- Install the Downloader app from Amazon Store.
- Enable the Downloader app for sideloading.
If you are unsure how to proceed, please follow our step-by-step guide on sideloading apps on FireStick with Downloader.
ExpressVPN Installation Steps
Here is the step-by-step guide to sideloading the ExpressVPN app on FireStick:
1. Click Apps on your Fire TV home screen. It’s the icon with three squares and a plus sign.
2. Navigate through the apps and channels to find Downloader. Select it.
3. Click on the URL/Search Term box.
4. Enter the following URL: bit.ly/3lNpuEk and click Go.
5. Wait for the app to finish downloading.
6. Click Install
7. Once the app is installed, click Done.
8. Click Delete to remove the ExpressVPN APK file from your Fire TV device.
9. Click Delete again.
How to Use ExpressVPN with Amazon Fire TV Stick & Fire TV
Here’s how to use ExpressVPN on FireStick.
Set Up ExpressVPN
Follow the steps below to set up ExpressVPN on your Amazon Fire Stick:
1. Open the ExpressVPN app and click Sign in.
2. Enter your email address and password, then click Sign in.
3. Give ExpressVPN permission to complete the configuration by pressing OK.
4. Press OK to confirm the Connection request.
You have successfully set up the ExpressVPN app on your FireStick and should see the app’s home screen.
How to Choose a VPN Server
The ExpressVPN app will suggest an optimal location for you, known as the Smart Location. To connect to this location, click the power button icon. The background changes from red to green once connected to the server. You’ll also see a Connected message on the screen.
Connecting to Different Servers
If you want to connect to a different server other than the Smart Location, follow the following steps:
1. Click on the three dots beside the Smart Location. You’ll be taken to a VPN location window.
2. Select your preferred location from the Recommended or All Locations category.
3. The VPN server in that location connects automatically.
Alternatively, use the search function to search for and connect to a specific server on ExpressVPN. Follow these steps:
1. Click on the three dots beside the Smart Location.
2. Click the search/magnifying glass icon.
3. Enter the location keyword in the search bar and press Next.
4. Select your preferred location from the available locations.
5. The VPN app automatically connects your device to the specific server.
After connecting to a server, it’s essential to customize your ExpressVPN settings to suit your needs. These configurations include enabling the kill switch, split tunneling, and selecting a VPN protocol.
How to Enable ExpressVPN’s Kill Switch on FireStick
Follow the steps below to enable the kill switch on ExpressVPN on FireStick:
1. On the ExpressVPN app home screen, click Options.
2. Select Settings.
3. Select Network protection.
4. Click on the gray Internet Access toggle to turn it green.
How to Enable ExpressVPN’s Split Tunneling on FireStick
Below are the steps to enable split tunneling on ExpressVPN on FireStick:
1. Click Options.
2. Select Settings.
3. Select Split Tunneling.
4. Choose Do not allow selected apps to use the VPN.
5. Press the plus icon to add a list of apps to use without the VPN.
How to select VPN Protocol on the ExpressVPN app on FireStick
Follow the steps below to choose a VPN protocol:
1. Click Options.
2. Select Settings.
3. Choose a VPN Protocol.
Note: Automatic is usually the best option for most users. Change this setting only if you know exactly what you are doing.
4. Select your preferred VPN protocol.
How to Tell if ExpressVPN Is Working on Fire TV Stick
There are two ways to tell if ExpressVPN is working on your Fire TV Stick- checking your IP address and conducting a DNS leak test.
Checking Your IP Location With ExpressVPN’s IP Address Checker
ExpressVPN provides a tool to verify if you are connected to their servers. To check whether you are connected to a secure server, visit https://www.expressvpn.com/what-is-my-ip on your FireStick browser. The checker will notify you if your IP location is exposed or not.
For instance, if you are successfully connected to a server in New Jersey via the VPN but live in New York, the checker will show you are securely connected to a New Jersey IP address. On the other hand, if the connection is unsuccessful, the checker will show you the exposed New York IP address.
The following image shows your original and exposed IP address.
The image below displays the results when you are connected to ExpressVPN.
Conducting a DNS Leak Test
The other way to tell if ExpressVPN is working on your FireStick is by running a DNS leak test. If you have successfully connected to the VPN, your data travels through secure DNS servers. To check your connection status, go to https://www.expressvpn.com/dns-leak-test on your FireStick browser.
An exposed connection will show ‘ExpressVPN Not Connected’ and ‘DNS Requests exposed’ alerts.
If the VPN is working, you’ll see ‘ExpressVPN Connected’ and ‘No DNS Leaks detected’ notifications.
How to Update ExpressVPN on Fire TV Stick
ExpressVPN and other apps on your Fire TV Stick automatically update whenever there is an update. First, however, you need to enable automatic updates on your device. Here’s how to enable automatic app updates on FireStick:
1. Scroll to the settings icon on your Fire TV device home screen and select Applications.
2. Select Appstore.
3. Turn ON Automatic Updates.
How to Uninstall ExpressVPN From Your FireStick or Fire TV
If, for some reason, you want to uninstall ExpressVPN from your FireStick or Fire TV, below are the steps to achieve that:
1. Click the settings icon on your FireStick or Fire TV home screen and select Applications.
2. Choose Manage Installed Applications.
3. Scroll down the apps and select ExpressVPN.
4. Click Uninstall.
5. Click Confirm.
FAQ’s
Does ExpressVPN Work on FireStick?
Yes, ExpressVPN works on all Fire TV Sticks except the first-generation sticks. You can also seamlessly use the VPN app with other Amazon Fire TV products, including Fire TV Cube and Fire OS smart TVs. It is fast, secure, and reliable.
Why is ExpressVPN not working with FireStick?
ExpressVPN works perfectly with FireStick and Fire TVs. If the app is not working on your device, you may use a first-generation FireStick, which is incompatible with ExpressVPN. Other reasons include faulty internet connection, using an outdated ExpressVPN app, or accumulation of app cache. Try the following fixes to see if the app starts working:
- Clear app cache
- Change the VPN protocol
- Change your VPN server
- Restart your FireStick
- Restart your router to fix the faulty internet connection
Does ExpressVPN have a free plan for FireStick?
No, ExpressVPN does not have a free plan for FireStick. The VPN service offers three premium plans; a one-month, six-month, and 12-month plan. However, you can use the 30-day money-back offer if you are a first-time subscriber.
Wrapping Up
ExpressVPN is one of the top VPN services for FireStick, thanks to its excellent features, fast speeds, solid security, and privacy. We hope this guide has taught you how to install ExpressVPN on FireStick.
Related:
Leave a Reply