ExpressVPN has secretly nerfed its "free forever" password manager

Internet VPNs ExpressVPN has secretly nerfed its "free forever" password manager News By George Phillips published 28 April 2026 Some users will lose access to the app's features When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: SOPA Images / Getty Images) Copy link Facebook X Reddit Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Updates to ExpressVPN's Terms of Service, and articles, appear to indicate a change in how its Keys password manager operates.Previous communications stated that anyone who had subscribed to an ExpressVPN plan that included Keys could continue using the password manager indefinitely, even after their ExpressVPN subscription had expired.This is still technically the case, but there's a key bit of small print to note: you'll no longer able to add new logins and passwords without a subscription.ExpressKeys was relaunched in February 2026, and now has its standalone app. ExpressVPN, one of the best VPNs out there, now includes up to five privacy-focused apps in one subscription.What's changed? Keys was launched in 2022. It was initially free for existing ExpressVPN subscribers to use, and was integrated into the VPN's app.In a Reddit post published at launch, ExpressVPN explained users could use Keys even after their ExpressVPN subscription had ended. It said: "You just need to keep the ExpressVPN app for Android or iOS installed and/or keep the extension and the ExpressVPN app for Windows, Mac, or Linux installed on your computer."ExpressVPN completes rollout of built-in password manager, Keys from r/Express_VPNThere was no mention of limited access to the app or your credentials, and from direct conversations Tom's Guide had with the ExpressVPN team at launch, we can confirm this was the intention at the start of Keys' life.ExpressVPN Keys has been seriously revamped since 2022. It's now officially called ExpressKeys, has its own app, more features, and is included with ExpressVPN Advanced and Pro plans.The FAQs section of the official ExpressKeys page says: "You'll need an active ExpressVPN subscription to set it up for the first time, though note you will retain access to credentials stored with ExpressKeys even if your ExpressVPN subscription expires."However, ExpressVPN's Knowledge Hub answers the question: "Can I still use ExpressKeys after my ExpressVPN subscription expires?"It was last updated on April 24, 2026, and says: "Yes, you can continue to use all the features of ExpressKeys across your devices, even after your ExpressVPN subscription expires. However, you won’t be able to add any new logins or other entries" – adding that you need to keep the app installed on your device.The key difference here is the line "you won’t be able to add any new logins or other entries." This doesn't appear to be mentioned previously and indicates a shift in how ExpressVPN is operating Keys.If you can't add new passwords, it renders Keys somewhat useless for non-subscribers who may have expected ongoing support, and represents a changing of the goalposts. Image: ExpressVPN's current Terms of Service, updated April 28, 2026. (Image credit: Future)ExpressVPN's Terms of Service was last updated on April 28, 2026. It says: "If previously activated, you can continue to access existing ExpressKeys credentials even if you decide to stop using our ExpressVPN Service, but…

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