Google One Launches Its VPN on Pixels: What Is It, Why Are You More Secure with It?

One of the most important details you may have noticed at the Google Pixel 7 presentation is that the new Google One VPN will be installed on these smartphones. But what is it, and how is it supposed to make your browsing experience easier and more secure? Let’s break it down; if you plan on purchasing one of these phones, it’s better to know what you get with it.

 

Google One VPN isn’t truly a new thing. It’s been around as a part of Google One subscription for those opting for a 2TB (or higher) plan. The new thing is enabling it on the smartphone without any further requirements, which is exclusive for the newest Pixels so far. Google has bothered to explain the mechanism in a dedicated blog post. And this is how it works.

 

A VPN is an in-between virtual private network that encrypts the data you send and receive and lets you hide your actual IP behind one you choose. Alas, while a third-party VPN often gives you the ability to choose your bogus location and pretend you’re from elsewhere, Google One cannot. Instead, Google One VPN will let you pretend you’re somewhere else in your country, so your real IP and location are hidden. Still, even this is a solid bonus that boosts your security and privacy if you work with sensible data.

 

If you’re a Google One subscriber, though, you won’t need the latest Pixel to enjoy it. It works on both iOS and Android, though iOS has built-in basic VPN features (Private Relay) of its own. To turn on Google One VPN on Pixel 7/7 Pro, do the following:

 

1.    Open the Google app and make sure you’re logged in

2.    Scroll down to the bottom and tap “Benefits”

3.    Find “VPN” and tap “View Details”

4.    Enable the VPN

 

Optionally, you can disable your Internet activity without your VPN. This will make insecure actions impossible.

 

Have you already activated your Google One VPN on your Pixel or whatever device you have? And how does it perform? Share your impressions and thoughts about it with us in the comments section