How to set up Smart Routing rules on the ExpressVPN browser extension

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This guide will show you what Smart Routing is and how to set up and modify Smart Routing rules in the ExpressVPN browser extension.

What is Smart Routing?

Smart Routing lets you control when the VPN connects or disconnects for specific websites in the ExpressVPN browser extension.

You can create rules based on website URLs or locations. Selecting a website applies the rule to that specific website. Selecting a country applies the rule to all matching websites in that location. For example, selecting the United Kingdom applies the rule to all websites ending in .co.uk.

How to turn on Proxy Mode

You will need to turn on Proxy Mode before you can enable Smart Routing:

1. In the toolbar, open Extensions (jigsaw icon) and click ExpressVPN.
2. Click the hamburger menu ().
3. Click Settings.
4. Click Browser extension mode.
5. Select Proxy Mode.

You will need to sign in again to activate Proxy Mode the first time you use it. Afterward, you can simply switch between Proxy Mode and Remote Control Mode.

How to set up a Smart Routing rule

To set up a Smart Routing rule:

1. In the toolbar, open Extensions (jigsaw icon) and click ExpressVPN.
2. Click the hamburger menu ().
3. Click Smart Routing.
4. Click + ADD RULE.

From here, you can set up a smart routing rule either by URL or by country:

By URL

1. Click BY URL.
2. In the Website URL field, enter the website URL you want to apply the rule to.
3. Choose how you want the VPN to behave for that website:
   • To connect automatically when visiting that website, click Automatically connect to Proxy and select a server location.
   • To disable the VPN when visiting that site, click Disable Proxy.
4. Click Save.

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

1. In Smart Routing settings, click BY COUNTRY.
2. Click When visiting websites from and select a country.
3. Choose how you want the VPN to behave for that country:
   • To connect automatically, click Automatically connect to Proxy and select a server location.
   • To disable the VPN when visiting websites from that country, click Disable Proxy.
4. Click Save.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.
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How to modify Smart Routing rules

Once you have set up a Smart Routing rule, you can manage it in the following ways:

• Edit a rule
• Pause/unpause a rule
• Delete a rule

Editing a Smart Routing rule

To edit an existing rule:

1. Click the hamburger menu ().
2. Click Smart Routing.
3. Click the Pen icon next to the rule you want to edit.
4. Edit your rule, then click Save.

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

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Pausing a Smart Routing rule

Pausing a Smart Routing rule will disable it without deleting it entirely. To pause a rule:

1. Click the hamburger menu ().
2. Click Smart Routing.
3. Click the Pause icon next to the rule you want to pause.
4. To re-enable the rule, click the Play icon next to the rule.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.
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Deleting a Smart Routing rule

To delete a Smart Routing rule:

1. Click the hamburger menu ().
2. Click Smart Routing.
3. Click the Pen icon next to the rule you want to edit.
4. Click the Trash icon to delete the rule.

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

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