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ExpressVPN, one of the best VPNs, has launched a beta version of its new Model Context Protocol (MCP) server designed to let AI tools interact directly with VPN software.
Announced on March 5, 2026, the release makes ExpressVPN the first VPN to adopt MCP, an open standard introduced by Anthropic in 2024.
What is ExpressVPN's MCP server and how does it work?
Model Context Protocol, or MCP, is an open-source standard that allows AI tools to interact with external software through structured commands.
ExpressVPN's MCP server acts as a local bridge between AI development tools and the VPN's desktop apps. Once enabled, compatible AI assistants can check VPN status, switch server locations, change protocols, and run diagnostics without leaving the development environment.
According to ExpressVPN, the server is "private and secure by design," and "operates under ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy." The VPN said "activity logs, connection logs, and destination data are not collected or stored." The server runs locally on the user's device rather than through a remote service.
Access is also limited to a fixed set of approved commands, meaning AI tools can only perform specific actions such as reading VPN status or adjusting connection settings.
This allows developers working with AI coding assistants to automate parts of their network setup directly within their workflow.
Why developers might want AI to control their VPN
As AI coding assistants become more common in development environments, many routine tasks are moving into automated workflows. Network configuration, however, has often remained a manual step.
Developers frequently need to confirm a VPN connection before running scripts, switch regions to test geo-specific features, or troubleshoot connectivity issues during development.
ExpressVPN says its MCP server is designed to remove that friction by allowing AI assistants to handle those actions directly.
"Developers are increasingly relying on AI agents to automate complex tasks, yet their network environment has remained manual," said Shay Peretz, COO of ExpressVPN.
"Our MCP server brings VPN control into those workflows, enabling secure testing, troubleshooting, and region switching without interrupting their workflow."
How to try ExpressVPN's MCP server
ExpressVPN's MCP server is available in beta starting March 5, 2026, and works with its Linux, Mac, and Windows VPN apps.
To try it, developers need to install the latest ExpressVPN desktop app, enable the MCP server from the app's settings, and connect it to a compatible AI tool such as Claude Code or Codex. The feature allows these tools to read VPN status, change server locations, adjust protocols, and run diagnostics.
For security reasons, the MCP server is disabled by default and must be enabled manually in the ExpressVPN desktop app. The integration runs locally on the user's device and does not expose account credentials or session data.
ExpressVPN says the beta release is intended to help developers experiment with AI-assisted workflows involving network configuration.
Technical documentation covering the server has been puiblished by ExpressVPN on its website.
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