Google fully launches VPN for Pixel users
Pixel 7/Pro, 7a, and Fold owners no longer need Android 14 QPR3 to get the rebranded built-in VPN.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
A few days away from giving the farewell of Google One VPN—the service is set to be disconnected on June 20, 2024, for good—the big tech giant has officially rolled out its new rebranded VPN for more Pixel users.
We already reported thebeta launch of Pixel VPN by Googleat the beginning of June. Now, its latest version has officially been released as a Play Store update. Originally an exclusive feature for Pixel 8 models, the built-in VPN has been extended to Pixel 7 series, 7a, and Fold owners as well.
All this means that ex-Google One users don’t have to decide which of thebest VPNservices to switch to if they own one of these Pixel models. VPN by Google is currently available in 22 countries, including Australia, Canada, some EU countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and more), Japan, the UK, and the US. You can find thefull list on Google’s support site.
VPN By Google One (which is shutting down on June 20th) is getting replaced by VPN By Google- Rolling out as a Play Store updateVia: https://t.co/SDIq2Q8y15#Google #VPN #Pixel pic.twitter.com/XmQfrtQCjRJune 17, 2024
“This version of VPN by Google One is optimized for the best performance on Pixel and provides a fully integrated experience in your phone’s settings,” Google said, according to9to5Google.
Pixel VPN no longer shows a persistent “1” notification, for example, but just a key icon in the status bar. A blue shield with “G” in the center is also part of the newGoogle One VPN’s rebrand.
Most notably, as confirmed by9to5Googleon June 13, you don’t need to update to the Android 14 QPR3 version to download the VPN software, unlike previously reported. So, if you’re on Android 14 QPR2 still, no need to worry. The provider recommends installing the Pixel VPN app directly from its Google Play listing.
Why use an Android VPN?
Whether you’re a Pixel loyalist—looking forward to the new built-in VPN functionality—or using a different Android smartphone, you might wonder why you should use a VPN on your mobile. The truth is that digital threats aren’t limited to your laptop and PC.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
Nowadays, we are more likely to browse the web directly from our smartphones rather than other devices. This attitude makes it crucial to have an active security tool to boost our online privacy and overall device security at all times.
Avirtual private network (VPN), is a security tool that encrypts internet connections and spoofs IP addresses. These functionalities enable you to both bypass online geo-restrictions—whether this is a censored site or a foreign streaming library—and boost your privacy along the way.
That’s especially important when connecting to notoriously unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspots, for example, as cybercriminals can easily exploit these networks to launch attacks. Atravel VPNis also vital when visiting countries infamous for restricting access to certain apps or websites—popular social media platforms are often a target.
Some of the bestAndroid VPNservices on the market even boast extra features to prevent ads and other web trackers from tracking your activity across the web.
In case you’re on the hunt for a valid alternative to Google One VPN or Pixel VPN, I recommend looking intoNordVPN. It’s currently at the top of our VPN rankings, thanks to its easy-to-use apps, some of the fastest speeds I’ve seen, a great unblocking track record, and tons of security features.Proton VPNis also a very good option, especially because it includes afree VPNplan for those looking to save some money.
Chiara is a multimedia journalist committed to covering stories to help promote the rights and denounce the abuses of the digital side of life—wherever cybersecurity, markets and politics tangle up.She mainly writes news, interviews and analysis on data privacy, online censorship, digital rights, cybercrime, and security software, with a special focus on VPNs, for TechRadar Pro, TechRadar and Tom’s Guide. Got a story, tip-off or something tech-interesting to say? Reach out to chiara.castro@futurenet.com
3 reasons why PIA fell in our best VPN rankings
Is it still worth using Proton VPN Free?
Quordle today – hints and answers for Saturday, November 9 (game #1020)
