One of the most interesting announcements during the launch of the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro was that anyone who bought either of the firm’s new best Android phones would get a VPN at “no extra cost”.
Google Pixel 7’s free VPN will arrive just before the year ends
Google launched the Pixel 7 series with two features listed as “coming soon.” The free “VPN by Google One” is one aspect of the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro’s security tentpole, and it’s set to come in December.
Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro consumers can access VPN
According to a Google One support document, “Pixel 7 and Pixel 7* Pro consumers can access VPN by Google One at no extra cost on those devices through the Google One app without a Google One subscription” in December of 2022.
Google already bundles the VPN service with 2TB or higher Google One plans. It notes in the support document that the free VPN on the Pixel 7 won’t impact the pricing for users on Google One Premium plans. So, don’t expect the price of your subscription plan to go down just because you got the latest Pixel. On the positive side, you can use the VPN on multiple devices, while Pixel 7 users are limited to using the VPN on their phone itself.
No free VPN for Pixel 7 users in Singapore or India, though
The VPN will not be available for Pixel 7 devices sold in India or Singapore, while this article also says “Workspace and certain supervised accounts (including child accounts) are not eligible.”
Google explains that the free offering “does not impact the price or benefits of Google One Premium plans” for those already on the 2TB+ plan. This is the simple implementation route, but a plan discount would have been nice.
How Connect to a virtual private network (VPN) on Pixel phone?
You can connect your phone to a private network, like your school or company’s network, when you’re not there. You make this kind of connection through a virtual private network (VPN).
when Google Pixel 7 users get their free Android phone VPN
Precise timing on when Pixel 7 owners would get access to this VPN was not forthcoming during the event, though. However, as of today, that has changed, with Google officially confirming when the elite freebie is dropping.
For those not in the loop with VPNs, a VPN (which stands for ‘virtual private network’, is a tool that helps people stay secure online, enhancing privacy by encrypting all internet traffic from the user. This means that third parties, such as their internet service provider, bots, advertisers and more cannot spy on them.
The thing is, though, good VPNs cost money, so the fact that Google is giving Pixel 7 users VPN access for free is a really nice bonus. Google is showing its customers it is serious about user privacy and offering a really good reason to upgrade to one of its new Android phones.
How to Set up VPN on Google Pixel?
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet. VPN.
- Tap the VPN you want.
- Enter your username and password.
- Tap Connect. If you use a VPN app, the app opens.
What is Google One
Google One is a subscription service developed by Google that offers expanded cloud storage and is intended for the consumer market.
Google One paid plans offer cloud storage starting at 100 gigabytes, up to a maximum of 30 terabytes, an expansion from the free Google Account storage space of 15 gigabytes, which is shared across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos.
Google One replaced the paid services of Google Drive to emphasize the fact that the program is used by multiple Google Services.
The program’s raw storage is not accessible by users, but emails, files, and pictures can be added and removed through Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos.
Google Pixel 7
The Pixel 7 isn’t a design revolution compared to the Pixel 6, and that’s the best thing that could have happened. It gives Google a cohesive, recognizable, and attractive smartphone platform on which to build. Rather than drastically rework the shape, Google has refined it, making the visor-like camera module even more of a standout design element while changing the available colors so it doesn’t look exactly the same as last year’s phone.
The Google Pixel 7 costs $599 for the 128GB model or $699 for the 256GB version. There is no MicroSD card slot, so choose the amount of internal storage wisely. In the U.K. the Pixel 7 costs 599 British pounds and 699 pounds, respectively.
The VPN is available through the Google One app for Android and iOS. Existing Google One members on a 2 TB or higher plan in select countries get access to the VPN at no additional cost.
Google’s VPN service hides your IP address so your activity can’t be tracked online and protects your device against hackers when you’re on an unsecured public network. The Google VPN costs $9.99 per month and is only available in the U.S.