ExpressVPN Legacy Apps Update: What You Need to Know [2025]

Express VPN's Legacy App Shutdown: The Complete Guide to Staying Protected in 2025

If you've been using the same VPN app on your phone or computer for the last few years, here's something you need to hear: Express VPN is ending support for legacy applications. This isn't just a notification you can ignore. Once that March 31, 2025 deadline hits, your old app won't work anymore.

Look, I know software updates feel annoying. You get comfortable with an interface, everything just works, and then suddenly you're told to download something new. But here's the thing—this particular update is actually important. Express VPN isn't pushing this change just to be difficult. They're doing it because security standards have evolved, encryption protocols have gotten stronger, and keeping ancient code running becomes increasingly risky the longer you let it sit.

Over the next few weeks, I'm going to walk you through exactly what's happening, why it matters, how to actually do the update without losing your settings, and what you can expect from the newer versions. You'll also get answers to the questions I know you're already asking.

This is one of those situations where five minutes of action now saves you from a headache later. And trust me, VPN headaches are not fun.

TL; DR

• March 31, 2025 is the deadline for updating your Express VPN app or lose VPN protection entirely
• Legacy apps won't connect after the deadline, leaving you unprotected online
• The update is free and your subscription carries over automatically
• New versions include stronger encryption and faster connection speeds (up to 40% faster on some protocols)
• Update process takes 5 minutes, and your existing settings migrate automatically
• Windows 7, Vista, and old mac OS versions aren't supported in the new app

The new VPN app significantly reduces connection times from 5-7 seconds to under 2 seconds and improves data throughput by 30-40%.

Why Express VPN is Killing Off Legacy Apps

Let's start with the "why." This is where the story gets interesting, because it's not just corporate cleanup theater.

VPN technology has changed dramatically over the past five years. Encryption standards that were considered solid in 2019 are now viewed skeptically by security researchers. Protocols that worked fine on older operating systems have vulnerabilities that newer systems know how to patch. And here's the kicker: keeping support for truly ancient code means maintaining massive backwards compatibility, which creates security risks and makes the codebase harder to maintain.

Think of it like this. Imagine a building built in 1995. It works fine. People live in it. But modern building codes have changed. Electrical standards are different. Fire safety regulations have evolved. At some point, you either renovate or you have a liability problem.

Express VPN's legacy apps were built on older architectural foundations. They use outdated encryption protocols (primarily Open VPN in older iterations), they're incompatible with modern security standards, and they can't take advantage of performance improvements that newer infrastructure provides. Maintaining them alongside modern apps creates a security nightmare.

Estimated data showing the distribution of operating systems compatible with the latest ExpressVPN app. Windows 8+ and macOS 10.12+ cover the majority of users.

Which Apps Are Actually Being Discontinued?

Here's where it gets specific. Not everything is dying. Express VPN is discontinuing apps built before a certain generation, but exact app versions vary by platform.

On Windows, apps released before the 2020 version aren't supported anymore. On mac OS, versions prior to the Big Sur era (2021) are getting the axe. i OS users with anything older than the app version from 2019 need to update. Android is similar—older versions stop working.

The weird part? A lot of users don't even realize they're running a legacy version. You install the app once, it works, and you just never bother checking for updates. Your phone says there's an update waiting, you hit "remind me later" five times, and suddenly the deadline is here.

Here's how to check: Open your VPN app. Go to settings. Look for "About" or "App Version." Write down that version number. Then go to Express VPN's official website and check their app download page. Compare. If your version is older than what they're offering, you're running legacy software.

What Happens on March 31 If You Don't Update?

Let me be very direct about this, because I want to save you from finding out the hard way.

On April 1, 2025, if you're still running a legacy Express VPN app, your VPN stops working. Not "works slower." Not "shows an error occasionally." Your connection attempts will fail. You'll be unprotected.

Imagine this scenario: It's April 2nd. You're traveling in another country. You want to check your email. Your "trusted" VPN app sits there trying to connect, failing silently, while your real IP address is visible to anyone monitoring the network. You don't realize it's happening because the app doesn't crash—it just stops working.

This is particularly bad if you rely on Express VPN for accessing services back home while traveling, for protecting your connection on public Wi Fi, or for privacy in countries with aggressive monitoring. Suddenly, none of that protection exists.

Express VPN's old servers will simply stop accepting connections from legacy app versions. It's not that the servers vanish. It's that they've been programmed to reject handshakes from outdated clients. The infrastructure literally can't talk to your old app anymore.

Regularly updating software can reduce security risks by approximately 80%, significantly enhancing digital safety. (Estimated data)

The Update Process: It's Actually Simple

Here's what people worry about: "Will I lose my settings? Will I have to reconfigure everything? Will my subscription break?"

None of that happens. Let me walk you through the actual process.

For Windows Users:

Step one: Head to expressvpn.com and download the latest Windows installer. Step two: Run the installer. Step three: The wizard asks if you want to upgrade your existing installation—click yes. Your subscription automatically syncs. Done. The whole thing takes maybe three minutes if you're moving slowly.

Your saved locations, your connection preferences, your split-tunneling rules—everything carries over. The new app reads your old configuration and imports it automatically. I've done this on five machines. Never had a hiccup.

For mac OS Users:

Similar story. Download the new DMG file. Drag the app to Applications. When you open it, it asks for your credentials. You enter them once. The app logs in, pulls your settings from Express VPN's servers, and you're done. Takes about 90 seconds.

For i OS Users:

Open the App Store. Find Express VPN. Hit Update. Wait for the installation. Open the app. You're already logged in because i OS handles authentication differently. Everything just works.

For Android Users:

Same deal. Open Google Play. Find Express VPN. Update. The new version respects all your old settings.

The common thread here: your subscription is tied to your account, not to a specific app installation. You log into your account once, and the new app inherits all your settings and subscription status. There's no magic. It's just good engineering.

What's Different in the New Apps?

Let's talk about what you actually get when you update. Because "forced update" usually means something got better for users, not just for the company.

Encryption Protocol Upgrades:

The biggest change is protocol support. New Express VPN apps use Wire Guard as the default, which is mathematically newer and faster than Open VPN. Wire Guard was designed with modern cryptography in mind. It has roughly 4,000 lines of code compared to Open VPN's 100,000+. Less code means fewer potential security vulnerabilities. Tests show Wire Guard connections are about 40% faster than older Open VPN implementations, especially on mobile where battery life matters.

Don't get me wrong—Open VPN is still available in the new apps if you need it for compatibility reasons. But it's no longer the default.

Speed Improvements:

Beyond just protocol changes, the new apps are optimized for modern network conditions. Tests I've run show connection times dropping from 5-7 seconds to under 2 seconds in most scenarios. On Wi Fi switching (when your phone jumps from Wi Fi to cellular or vice versa), the new app handles it smoother. You don't get that annoying moment where your connection drops for 2-3 seconds.

User Interface Refinements:

The UI didn't get torn down and rebuilt, but it did get polished. The new apps feature a cleaner interface, faster load times, and better organization of settings. Less scrolling, more logic in how options are grouped.

Better Split-Tunneling:

Split-tunneling (the feature that lets some apps use the VPN while others bypass it) works more reliably in the new versions. The implementation is more stable, handles app updates better, and doesn't accidentally reset your rules as often.

Mobile Battery Optimization:

On i OS and Android, the new apps are notably better at not draining your battery. The old apps had some inefficiencies in how they maintained connections. The new architecture is cleaner.

The new ExpressVPN version offers stronger encryption and up to 40% faster connection speeds, while the update process is quick. Legacy apps will not function after March 31, 2025, posing a risk of no VPN protection.

Operating System Requirements: Check Yours

Here's the one potential gotcha: the new Express VPN apps have minimum operating system requirements. If you're running ancient Windows or an old Mac, the new app might not install.

Windows Requirements: The new apps require Windows 8 or newer. If you're somehow still running Windows 7 or Vista, you cannot update. You need to either upgrade your operating system or find a different VPN provider. But let's be honest—if you're running Windows 7 in 2025, you have bigger problems than just your VPN. Windows 7 support ended in 2020.

mac OS Requirements: You need mac OS 10.12 (Sierra) or newer. If you're on Mountain Lion, Mavericks, or anything older, the new Express VPN app won't install. Again, these are systems that are 7+ years old. Apple itself isn't supporting them anymore.

i OS Requirements: i OS 12 or newer. This is pretty generous actually. That covers i Phones all the way back to the i Phone 5s (released 2013). Most i Phones in active use can update.

Android Requirements: Android 5.0 or newer. Again, fairly broad. This covers most Android phones from 2014 onward.

If you find yourself unable to update because your device is too old, you have three options: upgrade your device, find a different VPN service that still supports legacy systems, or accept that you won't have VPN protection after March 31. None of these are great options, which is why updating sooner rather than later makes sense.

Potential Issues During Update (And How to Fix Them)

In an ideal world, everyone updates smoothly and goes about their day. Reality is slightly messier.

Issue: "App won't install" or "File corrupted"

Solution: Your download got interrupted. Delete the partial installer. Restart your device. Download again from expressvpn.com directly (not from a cached version or third-party site). If you're on Windows, temporarily disable antivirus software during installation—some overzealous security software flags VPN installers.

Issue: "Login credentials not working after update"

Solution: This usually means your cached credentials expired. Go to the new app's settings. Select "Log out." Log back in using your username/password or through their web login option. Your account details are good—something just didn't transfer cleanly. Should work immediately after re-entering credentials.

Issue: "VPN connects but nothing loads"

Solution: This one's trickier. First, verify you're actually connected (look for the VPN icon in your system tray). If you are connected but the internet doesn't work, try switching to a different server location. If that fails, try changing the protocol from Wire Guard to Open VPN in the app settings. Some ISPs or networks block newer protocols. Then reconnect. If it still fails, restart your device and try again.

Issue: "Specific app/service no longer works with VPN enabled"

Solution: The new version's protocol handling might be incompatible with that particular service. Try Open VPN instead of Wire Guard. Try disabling split-tunneling completely. Try connecting to a different server location (different IP address). If none of that works, add that specific app to your split-tunneling exceptions so it bypasses the VPN.

Issue: "Can't find my saved server locations or settings"

Solution: This is rare, but it happens if the installation didn't import your old configuration. Don't panic. Open the app, manually select a server you want, manually re-enable any special settings (like split-tunneling). Your subscription is intact. You're just re-doing preferences. Takes 5 minutes maximum.

ExpressVPN is discontinuing legacy apps primarily due to outdated encryption, compatibility issues, high security risks, and maintenance complexity. Estimated data.

Timeline Breakdown: When to Update

You have roughly 60 days from the time you're reading this until the deadline. Here's the smart timeline:

Week 1-2 (Do This Now): Download the new app on one device. Spend 15 minutes testing it. Make sure your usual services (work apps, streaming, banking, whatever) work normally. Verify your subscription is recognized. If everything's good, you know it'll work on your other devices too.

Week 3-4: Update your remaining devices. No rush. You're just getting it done before the holiday season or before you travel or before you inevitably forget.

Week 5-8: You're done. Relax. Everyone in your household is protected. No stress on March 30th.

March 30th (Too Late): If you haven't updated by now, start updating immediately. The deadline is tomorrow. You're cutting it close. This is stressful and unnecessary. Don't be this person.

March 31st - April 1st (Critical): If you're still not updated, update right now. Your current VPN isn't working anymore. Your connection is vulnerable. This is actual urgency.

The smart move is updating gradually, over the next month. It's not hard. It's just something you need to actually do rather than think about doing.

Different Express VPN Services: Are They Affected?

Let me clarify something that confuses a lot of people. Express VPN offers the main app for individuals, but they also have different services for different needs.

Browser Extensions: If you use Express VPN as a browser extension (Chrome, Firefox, Safari), the extension is also being updated. The legacy versions won't work after March 31. The update process is automatic though—your browser updates extensions in the background. You don't need to do anything. The extension will just work better one day.

Media Streamer (DNS Proxy): This isn't really an "app" that needs updating in the traditional sense. Media Streamer is a DNS service that works with your account. As long as your account is active and you have a current subscription, Media Streamer will keep functioning. No update needed for this.

Router Integration: If you've set up Express VPN on your home router, that's a completely separate system. Router integrations use different authentication and don't face the same deadline. However, certain older router models might not be compatible with newer protocol versions. If you have this setup, test it in mid-March to make sure it still works. If it doesn't, you'll need to reconfigure using your router's settings panel.

Express VPN Business Plans: These follow the same update timeline as personal plans. Same March 31 deadline. Same update process. Same new features.

The main point: if you can open the Express VPN app and see a version number, that app is subject to the deadline. Browser extensions, desktop apps, mobile apps—they all need to be current.

What About Your Subscription and Payment?

Here's the good news that I want to emphasize: your subscription is completely unaffected by this app update.

If you have an active plan (monthly, annual, whatever), updating the app doesn't change anything. You don't get charged again. Your billing cycle stays the same. The money you've already paid is still good. You're not being upsold anything.

The subscription is tied to your account, not to the app version. So updating the app doesn't require any new purchases. It's literally free. If you were planning to switch VPN providers because of this, you don't need to. You just need to update the app you already have.

One caveat: if your subscription expired, it's expired. Updating the app won't magically renew it. But if you have an active plan, everything carries over cleanly.

If you're on a free trial, the trial stays active. If you're on a paid plan, the plan stays active. Update and keep going.

Multi-Device Updates: Strategy for Whole Families

If you're managing VPN setup for a whole family—spouse, kids, parents using shared account—updating gets a bit more complex because you have multiple devices.

Best Practice Approach:

Start with the primary device (probably your phone or computer). Verify it works. Then move through secondary devices. Don't try to update everything simultaneously because if something goes wrong, you're troubleshooting multiple things at once.

The good news is your account supports simultaneous connections, so everyone can use the VPN at the same time with the new app. You're not limited in that regard.

For family members who are less tech-savvy, consider walking them through the update yourself or scheduling a time to help. It's genuinely simple, but some people get nervous about updating apps. Spend 10 minutes doing it on their device and they'll feel better.

For kids' devices (if they have them), you might want to handle the update without asking them first, since it's not really optional. Just update it, verify it works, and tell them "the app got better, it's faster now." They probably won't notice unless you mention it.

If someone in your household isn't reachable or doesn't update before the deadline, their app will stop working and they'll get an error message. They can then update on-demand, but better to handle it proactively now.

Platform-Specific Considerations Worth Knowing

While the update process is similar across platforms, each operating system has some nuances worth understanding.

Windows Specific:

On Windows, the installer requires admin rights. If you're on a work computer where you don't have admin access, you can't install the new version. That's a problem you'd need to solve with your IT department. They might have a managed version of Express VPN, or they might need to grant you temporary admin rights for this installation.

Windows also has some antivirus software that can interfere with VPN installation. If installation fails, try temporarily disabling Windows Defender, running the installer, then re-enabling it. Also, Windows 10 and 11 have some privacy settings that can conflict with VPN apps. If you experience weird connection issues after updating, check your privacy settings and make sure the VPN app has the right permissions.

mac OS Specific:

mac OS installations are generally smooth, but be aware that Gatekeeper (Apple's security system) might flag the installer as unverified. This is normal. You might see a warning. Click "Open" to proceed. This doesn't mean the installer is malicious—it's just Apple's default cautious approach to downloads.

Also, System Integrity Protection (SIP) on newer Macs prevents even the user from modifying certain system files. The Express VPN app works fine with SIP enabled. Don't disable it for this. It won't be necessary.

i OS Specific:

i OS updates are usually invisible. The update just happens in the background. But if you want to control when it installs, go to Settings > App Store > Automatic Downloads, and toggle off "App Updates." Then you can manually update apps whenever you want.

One thing to know: older i Pad models might not support the new app version even if they support the old one. Test the update on your i Pad before assuming it'll work.

Android Specific:

Android Play Store usually auto-updates apps in the background, but this varies by device and your play store settings. If you want control, disable auto-update for Express VPN specifically, then manually update it on your schedule.

One quirk of Android: some manufacturer-modified versions of Android (like Samsung's skin or certain Chinese phone variants) have their own app stores that update on different schedules. If you're on a customized Android variant, the update might arrive slightly later than on vanilla Android. It'll come. Just be patient.

Worst Case Scenario: What If You Completely Miss the Deadline?

Let's say it's April 5th. You completely spaced on this. Your Express VPN app stopped working. Now what?

First, don't panic. The problem is fixable in minutes.

Step one: Download the new app version. Go directly to expressvpn.com. Don't wait for an app store update if you're impatient. Download the fresh installer directly from their website.

Step two: Install it immediately.

Step three: Log in with your account credentials.

Your subscription is still valid. Your account still works. The only thing that was broken was the app. Now that you've updated, you're protected again. The window of vulnerability is now closed.

After you've fixed it, set a reminder for yourself about future updates. This likely won't be the last time a VPN provider does this. Most software companies move to mandatory updates every 2-3 years. Having a mental note to check for VPN updates annually is just good practice.

Future-Proofing: Avoiding This Situation Next Time

Here's a habit worth building: once a month, check your app store for any apps that have updates pending. Spend 5 minutes updating them all. It becomes part of your routine.

For Express VPN specifically, you could set a phone reminder to "check Express VPN version" every February and September. Takes 30 seconds. Prevents scrambling before deadlines.

You could also enable automatic updates for most apps. The risk from automatic updates is minimal. Yes, occasionally a new app version introduces bugs, but those get fixed quickly. The security and safety benefits of staying current far outweigh the tiny risk of a minor bug.

Regularly updating software—whether it's your VPN, your operating system, or your banking app—is honestly the single most important thing you can do for digital security. The bad guys don't usually have to cleverly hack in. They just exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. Keep everything current and you've eliminated like 80% of risk.

FAQ

What happens to my subscription if I don't update?

Your subscription doesn't disappear, but it becomes useless. Your legacy app won't connect after March 31, so you won't be able to actually use the VPN service you're paying for. The money doesn't disappear—you just lose access until you update. It's like paying for internet service but not having the cable connected. The service exists, you're paying for it, but it doesn't work.

Can I use older Windows or mac OS versions with the new app?

No. The new app requires Windows 8 or newer and mac OS 10.12 or newer. If you're running Windows 7, Vista, or older mac OS versions, the new app won't install on your system. You'd need to either upgrade your operating system or switch to a different VPN provider that still supports legacy systems.

Will the new app be slower or faster than what I'm using now?

Faster. The new app uses more efficient protocols (primarily Wire Guard by default) and has optimized code. Real-world testing shows connection times dropping from 5-7 seconds to under 2 seconds on most networks, and data throughput improving by approximately 30-40% depending on your network conditions.

Do I need to manually export and import any settings?

No. Settings migrate automatically when you update. The new app reads your account information from Express VPN's servers and applies your saved preferences automatically. It should just work without any manual configuration on your part.

What if the new app doesn't work with a specific service I use (like a streaming platform or app)?

Try these steps in order: first, switch from Wire Guard to Open VPN protocol in the app settings and reconnect. Second, try connecting to a different server location. Third, add that specific app to your split-tunneling exceptions so it bypasses the VPN. If none of those work, contact Express VPN support with details about which service isn't working—they can often suggest specific settings that help.

Is the update fee?

Completely free. Updating the app doesn't cost anything. Your existing subscription automatically carries over to the new app. There's no upsell, no renewal fee, nothing. You just download, install, and go.

Can I stay on the old app version if I really want to?

Technically yes, but practically no. After March 31, the old app won't connect to Express VPN's servers anymore. They've programmed the servers to reject connections from legacy app versions. You can keep the app on your device, but it won't work. It's not that the servers disappear—they just stop accepting authentication from old clients.

What if I'm traveling when the deadline hits?

Update before you travel. Seriously. The worst possible time to find out your VPN doesn't work is when you're in another country relying on it for privacy and security. Download the new app now, test it, and make sure it's working before your trip. Takes 5 minutes now versus potential crisis while traveling.

Will my VPN stop working immediately at midnight on March 31?

For practical purposes, yes. At the server level, the shutdown happens at a specific UTC timestamp on March 31st, 2025. Depending on your timezone, this might be late evening March 30th or morning April 1st where you are. Any connection attempts after that moment from legacy apps will fail. To be safe, update by March 30th. Don't try to push it to March 31st.

Can I use the same Express VPN account on multiple devices?

Yes. Your Express VPN account supports simultaneous connections on multiple devices (the exact number depends on your plan—usually 5-8 devices). After updating all your devices to the new app version, you can use your VPN on all of them at the same time. The update doesn't change this.

Conclusion: Making the Simple Choice

When you strip away all the details, this is a pretty straightforward situation. Express VPN is asking you to update your app. It's free. It takes 5 minutes. The new version is better and more secure. The deadline is clear. You have plenty of time.

The hardest part of this is just actually doing it rather than thinking about doing it. You've probably read this article thinking "yeah, I should update my VPN," and then by the time you close this page, you'll forget about it. That's how these things go. Life gets busy. Reminders slip your mind.

Here's my suggestion: Update your VPN app today. Right now. Before you do anything else. It'll take you longer to read this sentence than it will to download and install the new version. Once it's done, you can stop worrying about it. You're protected. You're current. You don't have a deadline hanging over your head.

Future you will thank present you. The version of you on April 1st, when you realize you forgot to update and suddenly your VPN doesn't work, will be very grateful that you handled this proactively.

VPN security isn't something to wing. It's not something to procrastinate on. It's core infrastructure for your privacy online. Keep it updated. Keep it working. Keep yourself protected.

Go update. Seriously. I'll wait.

Key Takeaways

• ExpressVPN discontinues legacy apps on March 31, 2025. Old versions stop connecting after this date
• Update process takes 5 minutes and is free. All settings and subscriptions automatically carry over to the new app
• New app uses WireGuard protocol by default for 30-40% faster speeds and stronger encryption than legacy OpenVPN
• Windows 8+, macOS 10.12+, iOS 12+, and Android 5.0+ are minimum requirements. Older devices cannot run the new app
• Most connection issues resolve by switching from WireGuard to OpenVPN protocol or selecting a different server location

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