How to Install ExpressVPN on Firestick: Step-By-Step Guide with Screenshots

Installing ExpressVPN on your Firestick means boosting your streaming experience: you get to access geo-restricted content, and you get top-notch digital privacy while streaming via third-party apps. Of course, having Firestick alone makes streaming enjoyable because of the wide selection of apps that are available on the Appstore, offering both free and paid content. However, there are risks and limitations that an excellent VPN can bypass.

Many VPNs are in the market, but ExpressVPN stands out as the best VPN for streaming. This is due to the VPN’s excellent combination of features and speed and the fact that you can use it to access any streaming service or regionalized content seamlessly. Thanks to ExpressVPN’s audited zero-logs policy and RAM-only servers, you can also stream and download without looking over your shoulder.

You can use two methods to install ExpressVPN on Firestick, and we’ll take you through both. We’ll then look at how you can maximize the power of the VPN to enhance your streaming.

ExpressVPN provides an exclusive app for Firestick, and it can be installed easily from the Appstore. 

1. Go to the Firestick home screen, hover over Find, and click Search.

2. You will now get a Search window. Start typing ExpressVPN, and you will see some suggestions. Click the Express VPN suggestion to search for the app.

3. The ExpressVPN app should be the first option. Click on it.

4. You should now see a Download option. Click it, and the app will download, then install automatically.

When the Download button changes to Open, you have installed ExpressVPN on Firestick successfully!

If the above option is not working for you or you just want to use a different method, you can sideload ExpressVPN (assuming you have a  jailbroken Firestick) using an app known as Downloader. If you haven’t used it before, this method will need a few extra steps, but most of them only need to be done once.

Downloader is basically a download manager for Firestick, and it allows users to both download and install apps. You can get this app from the Amazon Appstore.

1. Go to the Firestick home screen, hover over Find, then click Search.

2. You will now get a search window. Start typing Downloader, and you will see some suggestions. Click the Downloader suggestion to search for the app.

3. Downloader should be the first option. Click on it.

4. You should now see a Download option. Click it, and the app will download, then install automatically.

You have now installed Downloader. But before we can use it, there are a few things we need to do first.

Most devices do not allow you to install third-party apps by default, and Firestick is in that category. This means that to install apps using Downloader, we’ll first need to give the app exclusive permission to do that.

You can find this option under Settings.

1. Go back to the Firestick main page and click My Fire TV under Settings.

2. Select Developer options.

3. If you are using Firestick Gen 2, Firestick 4K, or Fire TV Cube, you only need to click Apps from Unknown Sources, and the state will change from Off to On. This will allow all apps (not only Downloader) to install apps.

As for Firestick Lite and Firestick Gen 3, you will need to allow Downloader in particular to install apps. Clicking the unknown apps option will give you a list of apps. Scroll down to Downloader and click Ok on the remote to turn the state to On.

You should now be able to install ExpressVPN and other apps using Downloader. But before we go to the last stage, you should disable data sharing if you haven’t done so already.

The updated version of Fire OS usually allows Amazon to collect data on how you use your Firestick. If you don’t want to be spied on, you can follow the procedure below to enhance your privacy (on top of using ExpressVPN). 

1. Go to the home screen and select Settings, then Preferences.

2. Click on Privacy Settings

3. Now, click “Device Usage Data” and “Collect App Usage Data” to turn them off.

Now that the pre-requisites are met, we can install ExpressVPN on Firestick using Downloader.

1. Go to Apps & Channels and open Downloader. The app will ask for permission to access media and files on your device on the first launch. This consent is necessary for storing downloaded files, so click Allow to proceed. 

2. The app will then launch, and you’ll see a textbox where you can type the URL of the file you want to download. Type vpnch.ec/k/express, then click Go.

3. Scroll down and click Download.

4. The ExpressVPN apk should start downloading.

5. Once the download process is complete, the installation wizard will launch. Click  Install.

6. After that, click Done.

7. Downloader will now ask if you’d like to delete the apk file you’ve just downloaded. Click Delete since you no longer need it, then Delete again to confirm.

You have successfully installed ExpressVPN!

After installing the app, the next step is creating an account and familiarizing yourself with what ExpressVPN has to offer for Firestick users.

Signing up for ExpressVPN is quite straightforward and only requires a few steps.

1. Visit the official ExpressVPN website and click Get ExpressVPN.

2. This will open the Order Page. Now, choose a subscription plan between the three options displayed. All the plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can comfortably select the yearly plan to get the most value for your money.

3. After that, scroll down, provide your email address, and select a payment method.

4. You can then complete the payment and create a password for your account.

Now that you have installed the ExpressVPN app and have an account, we can proceed to the most exciting part – how to use it to make the most out of your Firestick.

The first step is signing in.

1. Go ahead and open the app. It should be available under Apps & Channels. After the app launches, click Sign In.

2. Now, you’ll be required to provide your email address and password to log in. Enter the details you used when you created the account and click Log In. You will get a connection request notification. Just click OK.

3. You should now see the ExpressVPN main page. There, you can connect to the best server (Smart location) by simply clicking the huge connection button.

To change the server, click the selected server, and you’ll see the entire server list. For the best performance, choose a server near your location. If you want to connect to a specific country to unblock content, you will have the option of choosing the specific city you’d like.

To customize your connection, click the hamburger button on the top-left side and select Settings to customize your connections.

This will give you several customization options:

• Changing Protocols: VPN protocols are used for tunneling your traffic, but they also determine the speeds and security you get. The latter is often not a priority when it comes to streaming, so you can select ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol Lightway.
• Split Tunneling: This option lets you select the apps you’d like to tunnel through the VPN and those that should bypass the VPN. For example, if you are in the UK, you can choose to tunnel all apps except BBC iPlayer or ITV as they don’t work in other regions.
• Shortcuts: This handy ExpressVPN feature lets you choose apps that will appear as shortcuts when you connect the VPN. This lets you avoid the hassle of having to go back and open apps that you use regularly.
• Auto Connection: Auto connection is a valuable feature that ensures that ExpressVPN automatically connects to the last server when you turn on Firestick. This eliminates the need to connect the VPN manually every time. 
• Kill Switch: If you are using third-party apps and want to ensure that you never get exposed, you can enable the VPN’s kill switch. It will block your entire traffic whenever your VPN connection drops.

Under Split Tunneling, you can choose the apps you’d like to tunnel or the ones you’d like to exclude.

Once you are satisfied with your settings, you can then connect to a server of your choice.

Note: If you find that the split tunneling and shortcut options are not working well after the installation, restart your Firestick. This should resolve the issue.

There are hundreds of VPNs in the market, but ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Firestick as it provides lots of features and functionalities suitable for streaming.

Streaming platforms such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer, among others, block VPNs to comply with copyright regulations. A few VPNs manage to bypass these restrictions, but most only offer the Netflix US version.

ExpressVPN manages to unblock multiple platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, iPlayer, DAZN, ITV, Hotstar, Paramount Plus, Mitele, ZDF, TF1, and CBC. In the case of Netflix, you can access 15+ libraries, including Netflix US, Canada, India, UK, Japan, Germany, Australia, and France.

ExpressVPN provides a Smart DNS service that can be used for streaming when you don’t want to, or you can’t, use the VPN. The Smart DNS can be used on Firestick and other devices, including those that don’t support VPNs such as Smart TVs and Consoles. It will redirect all streaming traffic to the US when you set it up. You will then be able to access Netflix US, as well as all other US-based services.

Unlike other Smart DNS services, you won’t need to update your IP address every time your router IP changes, as ExpressVPN provides Dynamic DNS capabilities.

ExpressVPN is the industry benchmark when it comes to privacy and security. The VPN ensures that all user activity and identity remain hidden and anonymous by keeping a strict zero-logs policy, something that has been confirmed through PWC’s audits and verification of ExpressVPN’s privacy protection.

To guarantee maximum privacy, ExpressVPN also uses RAM-disk servers. These servers ensure that no data is ever written to the disk, so even authorities wouldn’t be able to get any information from them.

In terms of security, ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption alongside other security standards. The VPN also provides multiple protocols and offers features such as leak protection and kill switch.

ExpressVPN is a utility tool that every Firestick user needs as it can significantly enhance their streaming experience and ensure that they remain safe while online. The VPN comes with a superb Firestick app that you can install within a few minutes to open up a new world of entertainment. This comprehensive guide on installing ExpressVPN on Firestick tells you everything you need to know about it.