Google is finally rolling out its biggest update to the Google Pixel yet, which gives all Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro owners free access to Google One’s VPN service.
This is correct – Google Pixel 7 And the Google Pixel 7 Pro Users can now access a service that normally costs a minimum of $9.99 / £7.99 / AU$12.49 per month for nothing. However, they will not be able to reach the other Google One Benefits for paying subscribers, such as the ability to store up to 2TB of data in the Google Cloud, and 10% back on Google Store purchases.
To start using the free VPN, you will need to open the Google One app (or Install it from the Play Store (Opens in a new tab) if you haven’t already). After you do that, you may see a pop-up alerting you that your phone now comes with a Google One VPN, and there should be a new option in the app’s Features section that tells you about the VPN. Click the View Details button on this option and you will be taken to the Use VPN toggle that you can turn on, giving you access to GoogleOneVPN in your phone’s quick settings.
You’ll also be able to activate and deactivate a VPN connection by going to your Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro’s Network & Internet settings, and heading to the VPN section. The Pixel 7 free VPN will be available in most countries where the smartphone is sold, with the exception of Singapore and India.
If you’re not in one of those countries and the service isn’t available to you yet, you may have to be a little patient; The update is currently rolling out, so it may not have been pushed to Google Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 pro yet. Check back for updates to your Pixel 7 and Google One app, and check back often to see if the free VPN has worked for you yet.
However, it should be noted that while Google One VPN isn’t one you should rule out immediately, it won’t be quite as useful as some of the alternatives out there.
Analysis: You get what you (not) pay for
Google One VPN is very similar to services offered by the likes ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
Like its competitors, you can use a Google VPN to keep your online activity private and secure; While using a VPN, you can browse data more securely while using a public Wi-Fi connection, and no matter where you are connected, the data cannot be linked to your identity.
On top of that, Google promises, like many apps The best VPN servicesUnlike some, it won’t use the data transferred through its VPN to “track, log, or sell your browsing activity.” Minimum registration (Opens in a new tab) To ensure the quality of its service (although Google says it does not associate your IP address or traffic with this collected data).
There is one big disappointment though: you can’t use Google’s VPN to change your IP location. This means that you will not be able to use the service to view content that is not available in your region (a big draw for services like ExpressVPN).
Not being able to change your location is certainly disappointing, but given that this service is free for Pixel 7 and 7 Pro users, a few discounts compared to what paid competitors offer isn’t the end of the world. However, if you’re considering paying for Google One to access Google’s VPN on non-Pixel 7 devices (eg Google Pixel 6a Samsung Galaxy S22 phoneor the iPhone 14) This is something to be aware of.
