It's now even easier to use ExpressVPN on your Apple devices as the provider has launched widgets, Siri controls, and shortcuts for its iPhone and iPad VPN apps.
ExpressVPN sits at number three on our best VPN list, with its ease-of-use a big reason for that. We rate it as the best iPhone VPN out there and it's our second best iPad VPN too.
Connecting to ExpressVPN is already as simple as it gets. Now you don't even need to open the app to protect your data online.
The update is live now and is available on iPhone and iPad devices that support ExpressVPN.
Connect instantly with Home Screen widgets
You can now create an ExpressVPN widget for your iPhone or iPad home screen. The widget features the simple "connect" button ExpressVPN is known for, allowing you to connect to your VPN in a single tap – without having to open the app.
In its blog post, ExpressVPN says the widget takes up the space of four apps and at a glance you can ensure you're connected to your VPN.
To create your ExpressVPN widget, first update your app. Find a space on your home screen and long-press. Your apps should start to wobble and you can tap Edit in the top left.
Press Add widget, scroll down and select ExpressVPN. Click add widget and you're ready to go.
The widget doesn't display the server you're connected to. This is a small disappointment considering widgets offered by Proton VPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN all display this information. These providers also have three sizes of widget to choose from, compared to ExpressVPN's one.
In our testing, tapping the ExpressVPN widget will connect you to your most recent server location.
Hands-free connection with Siri
Is one-click still too much? You can use your voice to connect to ExpressVPN thanks to Siri controls.
Siri can connect or disconnect to your most recent server location – simply say "Hey Siri, turn on ExpressVPN."
ExpressVPN said voice location selection will be arriving in a future update.
Automated shortcuts
Shortcuts provide you with even more control over VPN connectivity. You can build connections to ExpressVPN into your daily routine for constant privacy protection.
ExpressVPN gives multiple examples of how this can work. You can:
- Set up an evening shortcut that will connect you to a streaming server at 19:00
- Configure ExpressVPN to automatically connect when you join public Wi-Fi
- Link ExpressVPN to certain apps so your VPN connects and disconnects when you open and close them
The provider says over time Siri will learn to suggest the right action for the time of day and different use cases.
These updates make it even easier to connect to ExpressVPN and protect yourself online, cementing its place as one of the best VPNs for ease of use.
All functions are available now, just update your ExpressVPN iOS app. The provider confirmed all features will work on iPhones and iPads supporting iOS 15 and above.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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