Simpler to use and better protected against phishing, this new authentication method applies only to the customer area. It does not change the operation of the VPN or the connection to the encrypted tunnel.
Since July 21, 2026 , ExpressVPN has allowed users to access their ExpressVPN+ account portal using a passkey . A fingerprint, facial recognition, device PIN, or physical security key can replace the password entry requirement. However, this feature requires a compatible device and browser.
Your fingerprint remains on your device
First, let’s clarify one point: this new feature only concerns access to the account management portal . It does not change the VPN connection itself, which continues to be launched from the ExpressVPN application.
ExpressVPN does not receive a copy of your fingerprint or an image of your face. Identity verification is performed directly on your smartphone or computer, using the device’s unlocking system.
Once this verification is complete, the passkey confirms to the service that you are authorized to open the account. Depending on the device used, it can be unlocked with:
- a fingerprint or facial recognition;
- the device’s PIN code ;
- a physical security key , especially in USB format.
The main benefit is protection against phishing. A passkey is linked to the actual domain for which it was created and therefore cannot be used on a fraudulent copy of the site. A password, on the other hand, can be mistakenly entered on a fake page mimicking ExpressVPN.
How to activate a passkey on ExpressVPN+
To activate it:
- Open your ExpressVPN+ dashboard
- then the “Account & Billing” section
- Next, select “Set Up Passkey”
- then “Register”, before following the instructions displayed by your device.
ExpressVPN may ask you to confirm your identity one last time with your password or a code received by email. The passkey then relies on your device’s lock screen. Its availability therefore depends on the smartphone, computer, operating system, and browser used.
The feature is included in the subscription, at no extra cost. It also remains optional: your password continues to work as another way to access the account.
Not to be confused with ExpressKeys passkeys
This new feature differs from the one announced on June 11, 2026. ExpressVPN then added passkey management to ExpressKeys , its password manager. This service is not included in all plans, as detailed in our ExpressVPN review .
ExpressKeys is used to create, save, and retrieve passkeys for other websites and applications. The passkey announced on July 21st, however, is only used to open an ExpressVPN+ account. It can still be saved in ExpressKeys and synced across multiple compatible devices.
It’s therefore important to distinguish between the connection to the service and the storage of the passkey. The private key used to sign the connection is never transmitted to ExpressVPN. Its storage, however, depends on the chosen security manager.
The passkey can therefore remain on a single device or be synchronized, in encrypted form, between several compatible devices.
ExpressVPN consolidates its services into a single portal
The arrival of passkeys coincides with the redesign of the ExpressVPN+ portal. This portal now brings together the subscription, payment methods, downloads, and the various services included in the customer’s plan.
The passkey primarily improves security and ease of access to the account. It does not alter the VPN tunnel encryption or the functionality of the ExpressVPN application.
One final precaution remains essential. ExpressVPN can send verification codes to the email address linked to the account and doesn’t highlight authentication via a dedicated app in its documentation. Therefore, it’s best to protect your email with a unique password and, where available, two-factor authentication.
To compare protocols, audits and renewal prices, see our comparison of the best VPNs