ExpressVPN not working [DNS error connecting to server]

April 2023 · 5 minute read
expressvpn software

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for browsing the internet anonymously, hiding your IP from online hackers or advertisers, accessing geo-restricted content, and much more.

Some of its features that make it really great is its high speeds, ultra-secure protection, ease of use, instant setup, and access across 94 countries on over 1700 global VPN servers, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, kill switch, and split tunneling.

However, VPNs sometimes experience a few troubleshooting issues here and there and ExpressVPN, owned by Express VPN International Ltd., is no different.

Some users of the ExpressVPN service may encounter DNS errors through leaks while running antivirus programs. Such DNS errors that come in form of leaks are caused by the antivirus making the user’s computer use another DNS server.

If you happen to get the ExpressVPN DNS error, even restarting your computer may not be the solution, whether short-term or not, to resolve the issues. Check out some of the solutions listed below and see if it helps.

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How can I fix ExpressVPN DNS errors?

1. Ensure your DNS is set to Automatic

Sometimes, when you disconnect from your VPN, it doesn’t change back from static to obtain automatically. If this happens, you need to configure it to be set to automatic in the DNS category.

Here’s how to do this:

  • Right click Start and select Run command
  • Type ncpa.cpl and hit Enter
  • In your network connections window, right-click on your main internet connection and click Properties.
  • Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)or Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv6) (whichever is checked)
  • Click on Properties
  • Select Obtain DNS server address automaticallyInternet Properties
  • Click OK.

    • If you’re unable to do this using the above steps, try the steps below to achieve the same:

  • Click Start and select Control Panel
  • Go to Network and Sharing center
  • Click Change adapter settingsChange adapter settings
  • Right-click on your WiFi adapter
  • Select Properties
  • Go to IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4) and click on it to check the box
  • Select Obtain automatically for DNS

    • Do that for all your adapters if they’re like your WiFi adapter. Does this help fix the ExpressVPN DNS error? If not, try the next solution.

    2. Change your VPN service

    DNS errors are both annoying and also a danger to your privacy. You are either leaking data or you simply cannot connect to the Internet and the service becomes useless.

    Thankfully, we live in a highly competitive world and there are options available all around us. One of the best options is Private Internet Access. This US-based VPN service owned by Kape Technologies, is a top contender and a privacy-focused VPN just like ExpressVPN.

    Most, if not all of the features provided by ExpressVPN, can be found in PIA as well.

    Here are the main reasons we recommend it:

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    3. Change your ExpressVPN settings

    Here’s how to do this:

  • Launch the ExpressVPN app, and click on the hamburger menu
  • Go to Options
  • Click on General
  • Make sure Enable Network Lock (internet kill switch)is checked
  • Make sure Manage connection on a per-app basis (split tunneling) is NOT checked
  • Click on the Advanced tab
  • Make sure Prevents IPv6 address detection while connected is checked
  • Make sure Only use ExpressVPN DNS servers while connected is checked

    • Does this help fix ExpressVPN DNS error? If not, try the next solution.

    4. Flush the DNS

    Here’s how to do this:

  • Right click Start and select Run
  • Type CMD
  • Click on the Command Prompt icon
  • In the black Command Prompt screen, type ipconfig /flushdns and hit Enter

    • You should receive the following confirmation: “Windows IP Configuration Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache”.

    Does this help fix ExpressVPN DNS error? If not, try the next solution.

    5. Update the ExpressVPN app

  • Sign in to your ExpressVPN account
  • Click Set up ExpressVPN
  • On the left side of the screen, select Windows
  • Download the ExpressVPN app for Windows

    • Once you’ve done the above steps, set up your ExpressVPN app by doing the following (for Windows 10 users):

  • Right click Start and select Programs and FeaturesPrograms and Features
  • Find ExpressVPN from the list of programs and select Uninstall
  • In the SetUp Wizard, click You’ll get a notification after a successful uninstall, so click Close to exit the wizard.
  • If the ExpressVPN is still listed as available after uninstalling it, right click Start and select Run
  • Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter to open the Network Connections window
  • Under Network Connections, right click on the WAN Miniport labeled ExpressVPN
  • Select Delete
  • Click Start and select Settings
  • Click Network & Internet
  • Select VPN. If you see ExpressVPN as available, delete it

    • Connect again to ExpressVPN and see if the ExpressVPN DNS error goes away.

    Let us know if any of the above solutions worked to fix ExpressVPN DNS error on your computer by leaving your comment in the section below.

    Your connection is not secure - websites you visit can find out your details:

    Companies can sell this information, alongside your location and internet provider name, and profit from it by serving targeted ads or monitoring your data usage.

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