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Follow the steps below to install and use the ExpressVPN app on Chromecast with Google TV.

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Download the ExpressVPN app on your Chromecast with Google TV

Configure the ExpressVPN app

Connect to a VPN server location

Disconnect from a VPN server location

Select a different VPN server location

Favorite a VPN server location

Use app and website shortcuts

Switch VPN protocols

Use the split tunneling feature

Use advanced protection settings

Turn the kill switch on or off

Configure auto-connect settings

Contact support

Uninstall ExpressVPN from your Chromecast with Google TV

Download the ExpressVPN app on your Chromecast with Google TV

Note: If you can’t find the ExpressVPN app or can’t access the Play Store, you can also sideload the ExpressVPN APK app.

To install ExpressVPN on your Chromecast:

  1. On the home screen, select the Apps tab.
  2. Select the search function, which is called Search for apps and games.
  3. Search for ExpressVPN.
  4. On the ExpressVPN Google Play page, select Install.
  5. After the app finishes installing, select Open.

Then, proceed to configuring the ExpressVPN app.

Alternative method: Sideload the ExpressVPN app

Important: Follow the steps below to sideload the ExpressVPN APK app only if ExpressVPN is not available to download directly on your Chromecast. ExpressVPN does not recommend downloading our APK app from third-party sources.

  1. In a web browser, access the ExpressVPN setup page. If prompted, log into your account.
  2. Click Download APK and save the APK file on your device.ExpressVPN+ dashboard, showing the app setup page. The "Download APK" button is highlighted.

Before you install the APK app, you will need to turn on developer mode. This is necessary to enable certain system settings later on.To turn on developer mode on your Chromecast:

  1. On the home screen, select Settings.
  2. Navigate to System > About.
  3. Under About, locate Android TV OS build. Select it seven times until it says You are now a developer!

To get the ExpressVPN APK app on your Chromecast, you will need to use a file management app. For this guide, we used File Manager +, which lets you share files from your computer to your Chromecast.

Note: If you experience issues when using File Manager +, you may need to try an alternative file sharing app. Transferring the APK file using a USB drive can also work, but it may require using a USB hub because Chromecast devices typically have only one USB port.

On your Chromecast, open the Google Play Store and install File Manager +, then follow these steps:

  1. Launch the app, then select NEXT.File Manager + app interface on Android TV, showing the welcome screen.
  2. File Manager + will require access to manage files and media on your device. Select NEXT and provide the required permission.File Manager + app interface on Android TV, showing the access request screen.
  3. Next, File Manager + will ask for your consent to process your data. If you agree, select Consent.File Manager + app interface on Android TV, showing the privacy policy consent screen.
  4. The main File Manager + window will open. Select Access from network to start sharing files.File Manager + app interface on Android TV, showing the main screen and a highlighted "Access from network" option.
  5. Select START SERVICE.File Manager + app interface on Android TV, showing the network access page. The "Start Service" button is highlighted.
  6. File Manager + will now display the address and login information you can use to share files from your computer to your Chromecast.File Manager + app interface on Android TV, showing the network access page. The FTP address, username, and password are highlighted.
  7. Now, go to your computer and enter the provided address into a file explorer.File explorer on Windows 10, showing a highlighted address bar.
  8. Enter the username and password provided by File Manager +, then click Log On.FTP login screen on Windows 10, showing highlighted username and password fields and a "Log On" button.
  9. A new window will open. Depending on your device, you may need to navigate to device > Download or device > Download > Downloader and copy-paste the ExpressVPN APK app in this location.File explorer on Windows 10, showing a highlighted folder destination and the ExpressVPN APK app.
  10. When done, select STOP SERVICE inside File Manager + on your Chromecast.File Manager + app interface on Android TV, showing the network access page. The "Stop Service" button is highlighted.
  11. Go back to the main screen and select Downloads.File Manager + app interface on Android TV, showing the main screen and a highlighted "Downloads" option.
    Note: Depending on your device, you may also need to select Downloader to reach the APK file.File Manager + app interface on Android TV, showing the downloads folder and a highlighted "Downloader" subfolder.
  12. Select the ExpressVPN APK app.File Manager + app interface on Android TV, showing the Downloader folder and a highlighted ExpressVPN APK file.
  13. Next, select INSTALL.
    Note: If you see a pop-up message saying your device cannot install unknown apps from File Manager +, select Settings to open the Install unknown apps page. Then, toggle the permission for File Manager + on.File Manager + app interface on Android TV, showing the Downloader folder and an installation popup window for the ExpressVPN APK app. The "Install" button is highlighted.

The app will now install.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Configure the ExpressVPN app

When you first launch the ExpressVPN app, you will see a list of privacy-related choices. To continue, select your preference.ExpressVPN app interface showing privacy choices on an Android TV.

Next, select Sign In.ExpressVPN app interface showing the main login screen on an Android TV. The Sign In button is highlighted.

You have three methods you can use to sign in:

Scan the QR code on your TV screen with your mobile device. This will open an ExpressVPN sign-in page. When you are on the page, follow these steps:

  1. Enter the email address linked to your ExpressVPN account and tap Send Code.ExpressVPN sign-in page on an Android phone.
  2. A verification code will be sent to the provided email address. Enter the code and tap Continue.ExpressVPN code verification page on an Android phone.
  3. To approve the sign-in on your Chromecast device, tap Yes.ExpressVPN device login request page on an Android phone. The Yes button is highlighted.

If successful, you will see a message that says Device Login Successful.ExpressVPN Device Login Successful page on an Android phone.

Note: If you do not receive a verification code, tap Get another code on the sign-in page.ExpressVPN code verification page on an Android phone. The Get another code button is highlighted.

  1. Type in your ExpressVPN email address and password or activation code.
  2. Select Sign In.

Note: If you purchased your ExpressVPN subscription from the Google Play Store, select Restore your Play Store subscription.

Once signed in, you will be prompted to configure the ExpressVPN app. Select OK to proceed.ExpressVPN app interface showing the VPN setup notification screen on an Android TV.

ExpressVPN will ask you for permission to set up VPN connections and monitor network traffic. This is a standard requirement on Android, and all VPN apps need this permission to work. Providing this permission does not mean that ExpressVPN will log or monitor your IP address or browsing data. To continue, click OK.ExpressVPN app interface showing the connection request popup window during setup. The OK button is highlighted.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Connect to a VPN server location

To connect to a VPN server:

  1. On the home screen, select the power button (On button.). By default, ExpressVPN will automatically connect you to the most optimal location, called Smart Location.ExpressVPN app interface showing the VPN tab on Android TV.
  2. If you successfully connect to a VPN server location, Connected will be shown under the On button. button.ExpressVPN app interface showing an active VPN connection on Android TV. The Connected status is highlighted.

Note: The number of devices you can simultaneously connect to ExpressVPN depends on the subscription tier you chose at checkout:

  • Basic: 10 devices at the same time.
  • Advanced: 12 devices at the same time.
  • Express Pro: 14 devices at the same time.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Disconnect from a VPN server location

To disconnect from a VPN server:

  1. Select the power button (On button.).ExpressVPN app interface showing an active VPN connection on Android TV.
  2. When ExpressVPN disconnects, you will see Not connected under the On button. button.ExpressVPN app interface showing the VPN tab on Android TV. The Not connected status is highlighted.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Select a different VPN server location

To choose a different VPN server location:

  1. On the VPN home screen, select the VPN server location widget.ExpressVPN app interface showing an active connection on Android TV. The VPN server location widget is highlighted.
  2. You will now see a list of tabs. The first three options include:
    • Recommended: Displays the Smart Location, three recent server locations, and up to 12 other VPN server recommendations.
    • Favorites: Includes all VPN server locations you save as favorites.
    • Search: Allows you to manually search for a country or city.
      ExpressVPN app interface showing the VPN Locations window on Android TV. The Recommended, Favorites, and Search tabs are highlighted.The ALL LOCATIONS tab groups VPN server locations based on four geographic regions: Asia Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Americas tab on the VPN Locations window on Android TV. The "ALL LOCATIONS" tab and its subsections are all highlighted.Note: If the country you’ve chosen has multiple available locations, you’ll be asked to select a city to connect to.ExpressVPN app interface showing the available cities for a specific country location.
  3. When you select your desired location, ExpressVPN will automatically connect you to it and return you to the VPN tab.ExpressVPN app interface showing an active VPN connection on Android TV.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Favorite a VPN server location

If you favorite a VPN server, it automatically gets added to the Favorites tab found in the list of available VPN server locations.

To favorite a VPN server, select the star icon to the right of the server location widget on the VPN tab.ExpressVPN app interface showing an active VPN connection on Android TV. The star icon next to the server location widget is highlighted.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Use app and website shortcuts

When you are connected to ExpressVPN, you can add website and app shortcuts that show up on the VPN tab. This allows you to open the sites and apps directly from the connection screen, ensuring you always access them using a secured VPN connection.

By default, ExpressVPN includes relevant shortcuts for services installed on your Chromecast.

  1. Select the plus (+) icon.ExpressVPN app interface showing an active connection screen on Android TV. The plus sign next to app shortcuts is highlighted.
  2. Use the toggle next to the service you want to enable or disable. Scroll through the list to see more options.ExpressVPN app interface showing the app shortcuts management menu.

  1. Select the desired app or website icon when you are on the VPN tab. This automatically launches the services while you are connected to ExpressVPN.ExpressVPN app interface showing an active connection screen on Android TV. App shortcuts are highlighted.

  1. Select Options on the VPN tab.ExpressVPN app interface showing an active connection screen on Android TV. The Options tab is highlighted.
  2. Next, select Settings.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Options tab on Android TV. The Settings option is highlighted.
  3. Select App and Website Shortcuts.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Settings tab on Android TV. The App and Website Shortcuts option is highlighted.
  4. Toggle Show shortcut after VPN connects on or off.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Shortcuts tab on Android TV. The Show shortcuts after VPN connects toggle is highlighted.

You can also add or remove shortcuts on this page by selecting the minus icon.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Shortcuts tab on Android TV. The minus and plus signs next to several shortcuts are highlighted.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Switch VPN protocols

Important: Disconnect from the VPN before switching to a different VPN protocol.

A VPN protocol is a set of rules that allows your device to connect to a VPN server. ExpressVPN uses the Automatic protocol option by default, which picks the most optimal VPN protocol for your network.

Switching to a different VPN protocol may sometimes help you resolve connectivity issues or improve connection speeds.

To change the VPN protocol:

  1. Select Options from the top menu bar.ExpressVPN app interface showing the VPN tab on Android TV. The Options tab is highlighted.
  2. Select Settings.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Options tab on Android TV. The Settings option is highlighted.
  3. Next, select VPN protocol.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Settings tab on Android TV. The VPN protocol option is highlighted.
  4. Pick your desired VPN protocol. ExpressVPN will automatically use it when you next connect.ExpressVPN app interface showing the protocol selection page on Android TV.

When you switch from the Automatic protocol option to WireGuard or OpenVPN, you will be asked to confirm your choice. To proceed, select CHANGE ANYWAY.ExpressVPN app interface showing a confirmation window for switching protocols. The Change Anyway button is highlighted.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Use the split tunneling feature

Important: If you change split tunneling settings while connected to the VPN, they will only take effect the next time you reconnect.

Split tunneling is a feature that lets you choose which apps use or do not use the VPN connection when you are connected to ExpressVPN.

To access split tunneling settings:

  1. From the top menu bar, select Options.ExpressVPN app interface showing an active connection on Android TV. The Options tab is highlighted.
  2. Select Settings.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Options tab on Android TV. The Settings option is highlighted.
  3. Select Split Tunneling.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Settings tab on Android TV. The Split Tunneling option is highlighted.

You will now see three options:

  • All apps use the VPN.
  • Do not allow selected apps to use the VPN.
  • Only allow selected apps to use the VPN.

ExpressVPN uses the All apps use the VPN option by default. This means that every app goes through the VPN connection when you are connected to ExpressVPN.ExpressVPN app interface showing split tunneling settings on Android TV. The All apps use the VPN option is highlighted.

Exclude apps from the VPN tunnel

To exclude apps from the VPN connection:

  1. Select Do not allow selected apps to use the VPN.ExpressVPN app interface showing split tunneling settings on Android TV. The Do not allow selected apps to use the VPN option is highlighted.
  2. You will now see a list of apps installed on your Chromecast. Select Add icon. next to the services you want to exclude.ExpressVPN app interface showing split tunneling settings on Android TV. The plus icons next to several apps are highlighted.
  3. The chosen apps will move to the Selected Apps list.ExpressVPN app interface showing split tunneling settings on Android TV. The Selected Apps list is highlighted.

When you are done, exit the settings. When you next reconnect to the VPN, the apps you selected will not be routed through the VPN tunnel.

To remove an app from the Do not allow selected apps to use the VPN list:

Select the minus icon next to the desired service in the Selected Apps list.ExpressVPN app interface showing split tunneling settings on Android TV. The minus icons next to several apps are highlighted.

Route only selected apps through the VPN tunnel

To only allow specific apps to use the VPN:

  1. Select Only allow selected apps to use the VPN.ExpressVPN app interface showing split tunneling settings on Android TV. The Only allow selected apps to use the VPN option is highlighted.
  2. A list of apps on your device will appear. Select Add icon. next to the services you want to go through the VPN.ExpressVPN app interface showing split tunneling settings on Android TV. The plus icons next to several apps are highlighted.
  3. The apps you choose will be moved to the Selected Apps list.ExpressVPN app interface showing split tunneling settings on Android TV. The Selected Apps list is highlighted.

When finished, exit the settings. When you next connect to ExpressVPN, only the selected apps will use the VPN connection.

To remove an app from the Only allow selected apps to use the VPN list:

Select the minus icon next to the service you want to remove from the Selected Apps list.ExpressVPN app interface showing split tunneling settings on Android TV. The minus icons next to several apps are highlighted.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Use advanced protection settings

Important: Advanced protection features only work when you are connected to ExpressVPN.

The ExpressVPN app includes advanced protection features, which provide additional online safety. When enabled, these settings stop apps or websites you access on your Chromecast from communicating with third parties listed on our open-source blocklists.

Advanced protection settings are turned off by default. To enable them:

  1. From the top menu bar, select Options.ExpressVPN app interface showing an active connection on Android TV. The Options tab is highlighted.
  2. Next, select Settings.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Options tab on Android TV. The Settings option is highlighted.
  3. Select Advanced Protection.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Settings tab on Android TV. The Advanced Protection option is highlighted.
  4. Turn advanced protection features on or off as you like.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Advanced Protection page on Android TV. Advanced protection settings are highlighted.

Note: If you enable advanced protection features while connected to ExpressVPN, you will see a popup message saying that the VPN needs to reconnect to apply the changes. Select CONTINUE to proceed.ExpressVPN app interface showing a popup window asking to confirm changes made to settings. The Continue button is highlighted.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Turn the kill switch on or off

The ExpressVPN app comes with a kill switch, which is a security feature that disables internet access if the VPN connection drops to prevent data from leaking outside the encrypted tunnel. By default, the kill switch is turned off.

To enable or disable the kill switch:

  1. From the top menu bar, select Options.ExpressVPN app interface showing the VPN tab on Android TV. The Options tab is highlighted.
  2. Select Settings.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Options tab on Android TV. The Settings option is highlighted.
  3. Next, select Network protection.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Settings tab on Android TV. The Network protection option is highlighted.
  4. Enable or disable Block internet when unable to connect or reconnect to VPN.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Network Protection page on Android TV. The Block internet when unable to connect or reconnect to VPN option is highlighted.

Note: You can turn the kill switch on or off while connected to or disconnected from ExpressVPN.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Configure auto-connect settings

Note: You can change auto-connect settings both when connected to or disconnected from ExpressVPN.

The ExpressVPN app has built-in auto-connect settings that let you configure how the VPN behaves on startup or when you join trusted or unknown Wi-Fi networks.

To access auto-connect settings:

  1. Select Options from the top menu bar.ExpressVPN app interface showing the VPN tab on Android TV. The Options tab is highlighted.
  2. Select Settings.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Options tab on Android TV. The Settings option is highlighted.
  3. Select Auto-connect.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Settings tab on Android TV. The Auto-connect option is highlighted.

You will now see two options:

  • When Android starts up.
  • When joining networks not listed as trusted.

When Android starts up

If you toggle When Android starts up on, ExpressVPN will automatically connect to the last VPN server locations when your Chromecast starts up.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Auto-connect page on Android TV. The When Android starts up option is highlighted.

When joining networks not listed as trusted

To configure ExpressVPN to auto-connect when your device connects to untrusted networks:

  1. Turn When joining networks not listed as trusted on.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Auto-connect page on Android TV. The When joining networks not listed as trusted option is highlighted.
  2. You will need to provide ExpressVPN with permissions to detect untrusted networks. To proceed, select OK.ExpressVPN app interface showing a permission request for location services on Android TV.
  3. Next, select GRANT PERMISSION.ExpressVPN app interface showing a location permission request popup on Android TV. The Grant Permission button is highlighted.
  4. Select While using the app.ExpressVPN app interface showing a device location popup on Android TV. The While using the app button is highlighted.
  5. Select OK to continue.ExpressVPN app interface showing a notification window about necessary permissions on Android TV. The OK button is highlighted.
  6. An app permission menu will pop up. Select Allow all the time.ExpressVPN app interface showing app location permission levels on Android TV. The Allow all the time option is highlighted.
  7. When done, use the back button on your remote to return to the auto-connect settings page.

A list of Current Networks will now be displayed, which includes networks your Chromecast is currently connected to. By default, all networks are flagged as Untrusted.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Auto-connect page on Android TV. The Current Networks list is highlighted.

To add a network to the Trusted Networks list, select Add icon. next to the network you want to list as trusted.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Auto-connect page on Android TV. The plus icon next to an untrusted network is highlighted.

To remove a network from the Trusted Networks list, select "Remove" icon. next to the network you want to remove.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Auto-connect page on Android TV. The minus icon next to a trusted network is highlighted.

Note: If you turn on Disconnect when joining a trusted network, ExpressVPN will automatically disconnect when your device joins a trusted network.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Auto-connect page on Android TV. The Disconnect when joining a trusted network option is highlighted.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Contact Support

If you experience any issues while using ExpressVPN or have any questions, you can contact the support team using built-in settings.

To contact ExpressVPN Support:

  1. Select Help from the top menu bar.ExpressVPN app interface showing the VPN tab on Android TV. The Help tab is highlighted.
  2. Select Contact Support.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Help tab on Android TV. The Contact Support button is highlighted.
  3. Type in your support request, then select Send.ExpressVPN app interface showing the Contact Support page on Android TV. The Send button is highlighted.

If successfully done, you will see a Message sent notification. The support team will reply to your registered email address.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Uninstall ExpressVPN from your Chromecast with Google TV

To uninstall the ExpressVPN app:

  1. On the home screen, scroll to the Your apps row.
  2. Find the ExpressVPN app and hold the Select button on your remote until a menu appears.
  3. Select Uninstall.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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