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When you install the ExpressVPN app for Android, certain permissions are required in order for the app to work as designed. This guide will show you what those permissions are and what they are used for.

Before proceeding, please note that:

  • ExpressVPN for Android makes use of as few permissions as possible to provide a reliable VPN service.
  • Permissions marked as “Permission prompt is shown” are not required in order to use the app. However, you will need to enable them to use certain features, such as auto-connect.
  • ExpressVPN does not monitor or collect any data of your online activity or connections. To learn more about our commitment to your privacy, see the ExpressVPN Privacy Policy.

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Permissions used by all versions of the app
Permissions only used by the Beta app

Permissions used by all versions of the app

APP FEATURESPERMISSIONSUSAGE
VPNTechnical name:
android.permission.INTERNET 

Shown on Play Store:
Full network access

Accesses the internet. The app could not function without this permission.
VPNTechnical name:
android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_SYSTEM_EXEMPTED
 

Shown on Play Store:
Run foreground service

Enables the VPN process to run reliably.
VPNTechnical name:
android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE 

Shown on Play Store:
View network connections

Allows the app to access info about networks (eg. to check if the device is connected to a network).
Auto-connect on startupTechnical name:
android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED 

Shown on Play Store:
Run at startup

Enables the app to auto-connect upon launch.
Google PlayTechnical name:
com.android.vending.BILLING 

Shown on Play Store:
Google Play Billing service

Enables in-app purchases via Google Play Store.
Security AssistantTechnical name:
android.permission.BLUETOOTH 

Shown on Play Store:
Pair with Bluetooth devices

Checks if the device is running Bluetooth. The Security Assistant feature nudges users to turn off Bluetooth when they are not using it in order to prevent Bluetooth tracking and data risks. 
NotificationsTechnical name:
android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS 

Permission prompt is shown:
Send notifications (Android 13 and above)

Allows the app to send you notifications (e.g. VPN connection status, subscription expiry reminders, warn you about passwords that are exposed)
Auto-connect on untrusted networksTechnical name:
android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION
android.permission.ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION 

Permission prompt is shown
Location

– Gains your precise location (GPS and network-based) while using auto-connect on untrusted networks.
– Accesses your location in the background while using auto-connect on untrusted networks.
Auto-connect on untrusted networksTechnical name:
android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE 

Shown on Play Store:
Wi-Fi connection information

Views Wi-Fi connections when auto-connecting on untrusted Wi-Fi networks.

Permissions only used by the Beta app

REQUIRED BYPERMISSIONUSAGE
InstabugTechnical name:
android.permission.WAKE_LOCKShown on Play Store:
Prevent device from sleeping		Allows Instabug to run reliably in the background.
InstabugTechnical name:
android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGEPermission prompt is shown:
Photos/Media/Files
Storage		– Reads the contents of your USB storage. Instabug attaches diagnostic info it has stored when an issue is reported.
– Modifies or delete the contents of your USB storage. Instabug stores some diagnostic info on your device (eg. screenshots).
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