How to connect a router running ExpressVPN to the internet
Without an active ExpressVPN subscription, Aircove will still perform standard Wi-Fi and network functions, just like any other router, and its advanced protection features will operate as normal.
‘The best way to protect all of your home’s gadgets.’
ExpressVPN Aircove is the first Wi-Fi 6 router with built-in* VPN protection. Now with parental controls and other advanced protection features, Aircove helps secure all your devices—even smart home appliances and gaming consoles that can’t install VPN software. Smart TV? Voice assistant? If it’s connected, it’s protected.
*An active ExpressVPN subscription, sold separately, is required for VPN features.
The router will still perform standard functions without one.
People love ExpressVPN Aircove
“Aircove is the easiest way to add VPN service to your Wi-Fi network, full stop.”
“Aircove is a powerful, intuitive and user-friendly piece of hardware that can’t be beat.”
“If you’re concerned about privacy for your home devices, it’s a no-brainer type purchase.”
“Setup is exceptionally easy, you’re ready to go in a few minutes, and it’s good value, too.”
“Now I don’t have to worry about giving up my own personal security for my family’s.”
– Stephan, an Aircove user
“The ExpressVPN Aircove is our top pick based on the router’s speed, ease of setup, and security.”
“Its stable performance and ease of use is unrivalled.”
“Plug and play is really the right word.”
– Devon, an Aircove user
“Unparalleled ease of use compared to other VPN-enabled routers.”
“A new breed of VPN router. . I could imagine it being a fan favorite.”
“ExpressVPN Aircove is an easy solution that does the job well.”
“If you are looking for a great router that protects every device you connect, the Aircove is a ridiculously user-friendly option.”
“With the changes in the security environment and moving on from L2TP, it made sense to upgrade the router and just buy the Aircove.”
– Andrew, an Aircove user
Tech specifications
Powered by dual-band Wi-Fi 6, Aircove delivers up to 1,200 Mbps* of fast, stable Wi-Fi. When the VPN is in use, you’ll still be able to stream in 4K HD on multiple screens. With up to 1,600 sq. ft. (150 sq. m)* of whole-home coverage, Aircove can support dozens of devices. So everyone gets the performance they need.
*Maximum speeds based on ideal use conditions, with the VPN disconnected. Range and performance also depend on your internet service provider, device usage, home layout, building materials, obstructions, and other factors.
Get protected in minutes
With Aircove, anyone can breeze through setup—not just the resident tech expert. Activation takes five minutes. Then, protect any device instantly just by connecting it to Aircove’s Wi-Fi. There’s no need to install apps on any devices.
Aircove is also available on FlashRouters.
One router, up to five VPN locations
Connect to as many as five VPN locations at the same time. Create one group for family or friends, move all the TVs into a UK group, or set all the game consoles to Japan. You can even designate a group to exclude from the VPN altogether.
Maximum flexibility
Create up to five groups to organize your devices. For each group, set a VPN location or choose:
- Smart Location, which selects the best location for you based on network conditions
- No VPN, for when you want a device connected to the internet but not using VPN
- No internet, for when you want to block individual devices from accessing the internet
- Which advanced protection settings to apply, if any
Multiple locations
Sort your devices into up to five groups, each with its own VPN location.
Switch easily
Tap or drag and drop to switch your device location in seconds.
Uninterrupted VPN
Change a device group’s VPN location without interrupting others.
Block online threats easily
Besides the benefits of a world-class VPN, Aircove provides advanced protection features, including:
- Threat Manager, for protection against harmful websites and third-party trackers
- Ad blocking, which hides banner ads when you browse the web
- Parental controls, for blocking adult sites and setting internet access hours
FAQ
What is Aircove?
Aircove is the first and only wireless internet router on the market that is specially built to connect to ExpressVPN directly. This allows the router to provide VPN functionality to every device that connects to it.
Aircove also comes with built-in advanced protection features: Threat Manager, an ad blocker, and parental controls. These are designed to work seamlessly with the VPN, providing whole-home protection with one easy-to-use router.
How is Aircove different from other routers?
While any router can provide internet access, Aircove goes one better: It instantly brings all the benefits of ExpressVPN to everything on your network. If it’s connected, it’s protected. You don’t need to install ExpressVPN on any other device, if you don’t want to.
Aircove has also been built with security top of mind. An audit conducted by cybersecurity firm Cure53 confirmed that our VPN router, Aircove, has a robust level of security.
Where can I purchase Aircove?
You can purchase Aircove through Amazon in the following countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
Aircove is also available for purchase on FlashRouters (which ships to these countries).
Are there different Aircove models?
On Amazon, you may find two Aircove product listings (one for the U.S. and another for international customers) due to region-specific regulations. They are functionally the same.
There are also refurbished Aircove units available on FlashRouters or Amazon. These units are in as-new condition and have been cleaned, tested, and reset to default settings before they are repackaged.
If refurbished units are available on Amazon, you’ll see the option to purchase a “renewed” Aircove unit. Check the seller name that appears below the “Buy Now” button on the product page on Amazon to determine the condition of the Aircove unit:
- If you see “Sold by: Express Technologies Ltd,” the Aircove unit is brand new.
- If you see “Sold by: FlashRouters,” the Aircove unit is refurbished.
Do I need an ExpressVPN subscription if I have Aircove?
Although Aircove comes with ExpressVPN preinstalled, you need to activate it with an ongoing subscription if you want to enjoy VPN benefits.
Without an active ExpressVPN subscription, Aircove will still perform standard Wi-Fi and network functions, just like any other router, and its advanced protection features will operate as normal.
Do I need a separate subscription to use Threat Manager, the ad blocker, or parental controls?
No, these features are included with your Aircove.
Can I use Aircove’s Threat Manager, ad blocker, and parental controls without the VPN?
Yes, these features can be used with or without the VPN.
Do I need an internet service provider (ISP) with Aircove?
Yes, you will need an ISP to connect to the internet. Your ISP gives your home access to the internet, while Aircove distributes the internet access to all your connected devices.
Do I need a Netflix/HBO/Prime Video/other streaming service account if I have Aircove?
If you want to access streaming content, yes. Aircove does not come with any streaming accounts, so if you don’t already have a subscription to Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Prime Video, or any other paid streaming service, you’ll need to sign up separately.
Is Aircove a Wi-Fi mesh system?
No, Aircove is a single router where all wireless traffic and requests pass through one access point. If you have an existing mesh system, Aircove can be connected to one of the nodes with the highest concentration of devices that you want to protect with a VPN.
What internet speeds will I get with Aircove?
In our testing, Aircove’s high-performance quad-core CPU enables download speeds of up to 910 Mbps over Ethernet and 615 Mbps over Wi-Fi with VPN disconnected.
When the VPN is in use, Aircove offers speeds of up to 180 Mbps for multiple devices simultaneously. (For reference, 4K streaming typically requires download speeds of 25 Mbps, while HD requires 5 Mbps.)
Maximums are based on ideal use conditions. Actual range and performance depend on your internet service provider, home size, layout, device usage, building materials, and obstructions.
How many VPN server locations can you use with Aircove?
ExpressVPN has VPN servers in 94 countries, including the UK, U.S., Canada, Australia, and many more. See the full list of VPN server locations.
How do I know Aircove is secure?
Security is at the forefront of what we do at ExpressVPN. Not only do we aim to design our apps and systems to offer a high level of privacy and security, but we also routinely engage independent auditors to validate our security claims. It’s one of the best ways for our users to know if they can trust our services to protect them. See the full list of audits and read the full reports.
What Aircove support does ExpressVPN offer?
ExpressVPN provides a wide range of articles covering setup, usage, and troubleshooting. If you need more support, the ExpressVPN Support Team is always available.
Is Aircove compatible with gaming consoles?
Yes, Aircove is compatible with major gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. Simply connect your gaming devices to Aircove’s Wi-Fi to enjoy ExpressVPN benefits.
Home protection, redefined.
Make your home as safe online as it is in real life. With Aircove.
How to connect a router running ExpressVPN to the internet
Modems connect your home to the internet. Your internet service provider (ISP) usually provides them. This article explains how to connect a router running ExpressVPN to the internet.
Standard setup
Connect an ethernet cable from the “Internet” port of your ExpressVPN router to an available LAN port on your modem or existing router.
Need help with a different kind of setup?
If you don’t have a modem, you may have a special configuration. The instructions below cover most of the configurations that are supported.
Modem-router combo
A modem-router combo is a modem that also has router functionality. If you only have one box, you likely have a combo.
In this configuration, continue with setup as normal (see diagram above).
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Wired house or apartment
A wired house or apartment has Ethernet ports throughout the building that provide internet. These ports are all connected to the modem.
Connect your ExpressVPN router’s internet port to the Ethernet wall outlet.
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Ethernet switch
An Ethernet switch allows more devices to be wired directly to the internet. To connect your ExpressVPN router to an Ethernet switch:
- Make sure your switch is connected to your modem or other internet source.
- Connect your ExpressVPN router’s Internet port to any LAN port on the switch.
Mesh network
A mesh network provides better Wi-Fi coverage in larger homes. It does so by delivering the Wi-Fi signal through multiple mesh nodes distributed throughout the building.
Method 1: Connect the ExpressVPN router to a mesh node
This configuration only protects devices connected to the ExpressVPN router’s LAN ports or Wi-Fi; the rest of the mesh network will not be protected. To use this configuration, connect the ExpressVPN router’s internet port to a LAN port on any of the mesh router nodes.
Method 2: Connect the ExpressVPN router between the ISP modem/router and mesh network
This configuration provides VPN protection for the entire mesh network. To connect the ExpressVPN router between your ISP modem-router and mesh router:
- Connect the internet port on the ExpressVPN router to a LAN port on your ISP modem-router.
- Connect any LAN port on the ExpressVPN router to the WAN or internet port on your mesh router.
However, devices connected to the mesh network will not be able to take advantage of Device Groups unless the mesh router is placed in bridge mode (see the instructions from your mesh router manufacturer). If you have difficulty accessing the ExpressVPN router dashboard in this configuration, see these troubleshooting steps .
Popular mesh routers include Asus ZenWiFi, Eero, Google Nest Wi-Fi, Netgear Orbi, and TP-Link Deco.
Wi-Fi range extenders
If you have a large home, Wi-Fi extenders can extend the range of your wireless signal to cover any dead zones. Plug one near the edge of your ExpressVPN router’s wireless range and pair it with the network, and it’ll start rebroadcasting the signal farther out into your home. In most cases, you will be able to use the same Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password as your ExpressVPN router.
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Popular Wi-Fi range extenders include Asus RP-AX56, D-Link EaglePro AI, Linksys RE7310, Netgear EAX15, and TP-Link RE603X.
Multiple ExpressVPN routers
If you want to connect two or more ExpressVPN routers together, you will need to ensure each has a unique IP address. Otherwise, their IP addresses will conflict, preventing them from connecting to the internet.
To connect multiple ExpressVPN routers, please follow these steps:
- Connect the primary router’s LAN port to the secondary router’s “Internet” port using an Ethernet cable.
- Connect to the primary router via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable
- On the primary router, go to the Dashboard and place the secondary router into a “No VPN” Device Group
- Connect to the secondary router via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable
- On the secondary router, go to the Local Network Settings
- Under Router IP setup , change the IP address to something unique from the other routers on the network. A couple of guidelines:
- Only change the third block of the address (E.g. 192.168. 132 .1 ).
- Select a value of up to 255.
- E.g. 192.168.13 2 .1 → 192.168.13 3 .1
- E.g. First client IP address: 192.168.13 2 .10 → 192.168.13 3 .10
- E.g. Last client IP address: 192.168.13 2 .219 → 192.168.13 3 .219
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the ExpressVPN router work with my ISP’s modem or router?
If your internet service provider’s modem or router has a spare LAN Ethernet port, you will be able to connect your ExpressVPN router to it.
For your ExpressVPN router to work with your ISP’s modem or router, it must support DHCP , Static IP , or PPPoE . Your ISP should be able to tell you what your modem or router-modem combo supports.
What are Static IP, DHCP and PPPoE?
DHCP, Static IP, and PPPoE are different ways to connect to networks like your internet service provider (ISP).
- DHCP (most common) works by automatically assigning an IP address to your device.
- Static IP works by manually inputting an IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway provided by your ISP.
- PPPoE works by connecting to your ISP using a username and password provided by them.
What should I do if my ExpressVPN router doesn’t detect my internet connection?
You may encounter issues connecting your ExpressVPN router to the internet, especially if you are using an ISP-supplied modem-router setup. Try the following methods to resolve the issue.
Connect the ExpressVPN router to a different LAN port on your primary modem or router
Some setups only allow internet connectivity over certain LAN ports on your primary modem or router. Try to connect your ExpressVPN router to other LAN ports on the modem or router until one of the LAN ports works.
Put the ExpressVPN router into the ISP modem-router “DMZ”
A “DMZ” (demilitarized zone) is a router function that allows you to open all external ports for a specific IP from the router’s local network.
Putting the ExpressVPN router in the “DMZ” (demilitarized zone) of the ISP modem-router, if supported, may allow the ExpressVPN router to operate normally. Aircove has its own firewall and is safe to be placed in the DMZ.
You will need to know the IP or MAC address of your ExpressVPN router to place it in the DMZ:
-
- IP address can be found in the Internet Settings screen of the Dashboard
- MAC address can be found on the bottom label of your ExpressVPN router
How to do this will depend on the model of modem-router supplied by your ISP. Try searching for “ How to configure the DMZ on a ” or contact your ISP for support.
How to set up the DMZ
- Connect to your ISP modem-router via Wi-Fi or Ethernet
- Locate your ISP modem-router’s settings page
- Find the DMZ settings (if supported)
- Enable the DMZ and type in the IP or MAC address you’ve previously noted from the ExpressVPN router
- Save the settings and reboot the ISP modem-router
Instructions for select ISPs
- How to configure the DMZ on a Comcast Xfinity Wireless Gateway
- How to configure the DMZ on a CenturyLink modem
- How to configure the DMZ on a Verizon Fios Gateway
- How to configure the DMZ on a T-Mobile Home Internet Wi-Fi Gateway
- How to configure the DMZ on a Google Fibre router
- How to configure DMZplus on an AT&T Wi-Fi Gateway
- How to configure the DMZ on an Arris Surfboard SBG6580 router
Put the ISP modem-router into “bridge mode”
Bridging together two routers means that the secondary router becomes an extension of the primary router, allowing them to coexist.
Putting the ISP modem-router into “bridge mode” (also known as “bridging”, “transparent bridging” or “modem only” mode), if supported, may allow the ExpressVPN router to operate normally.
How to do this will depend on the model of modem-router supplied by your ISP. Try searching for “ How to put into bridge mode ” or contact your ISP for support.
How to enable bridge mode
- Connect to your ISP modem-router via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Locate your ISP modem-router’s settings page.
- Find the router mode settings (if supported).
- Enable bridge mode.
- Save the settings and reboot the ISP modem-router.
Instructions for select ISPs
- How to enable bridge mode on a Comcast Xfinity Wireless Gateway
- How to enable transparent bridging on a CenturyLink modem
- How to enable Passthrough Mode on an AT&T Wi-Fi Gateway
- How to enable bridge mode on a Google Fibre router
- How to enable bridge mode on a Cox Internet Panoramic Wi-Fi Gateway
- How to enable bridge mode on an Arris Surfboard SBG6580 router
How can I change the router’s DNS servers?
The Domain Name System (DNS) is the phonebook of the internet. Humans access information online through domain names like bbc.com or expressvpn.com. Web browsers interact through Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. DNS translates domain names to IP addresses so browsers can load Internet resources like webpages.
When the VPN is connected , the router will use ExpressVPN’s private DNS servers.
When the VPN is disconnected , your DNS requests are sent to your ISP, who can use this information to track your activity online. Some providers may sell this data or use it to show you targeted ads.
ExpressVPN for routers allow you to use alternative DNS servers when the VPN is disconnected so that your DNS queries are never visible to your ISP. This can be enabled in Internet Settings; you will need the IP address(es) of your DNS provider (e.g. Quad9 or OpenDNS ).
Note : Custom DNS will not hide your IP address or encrypt your web traffic. ExpressVPN is not responsible for how third-party DNS providers handle your DNS activity.
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