Google One will end VPN service later this year

Google launched its own VPN service in October 2020, initially bundled with premium Google One plans of 2TB and above. Over the years, the company has improved its VPN service by expanding to more markets and bundling it into cheaper One plans. Although the use cases are limited, access to free unlimited VPN with a Google One subscription was a nice perk. But in typical Google fashion, the company will permanently shut down the VPN service “later this year” due to low usage.

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Google notified Google One subscribers of this change via email. The email states that the VPN powered by Google One will be phased out later this year, without providing a more specific date. If you have a Pixel 7 or newer, you can enjoy free VPN directly from your Pixel settings instead of using the Google One VPN app.

In a statement to 9to5Google, a Google spokesperson said the company is phasing out VPN services from Google One because “people simply aren’t using them.” Instead, the company will direct resources to improving other popular Google One features. And perhaps that’s why Google hasn’t lowered One’s subscription price even though it removed one of its perks.

Free Pixel VPN service is still available

There is a positive side to Google discontinuing One’s VPN service. On Pixel 7, you’ll see persistent notifications when using Google One VPN. This is not the case with the Pixel 8 series, as it has a built-in VPN. So once your Pixel 7 and other compatible devices switch to built-in Pixel VPN integration, you won’t have to deal with persistent VPN notifications.

Google promised that Pixel VPN would be available for five years when it announced the service with the Pixel 7 in October 2022, so it shouldn’t be phased out anytime soon. If you don’t want to rely on Google for your VPN needs, check out some of our favorite VPN services.

Additionally, starting May 15th, Google will no longer offer free shipping for some prints ordered through Google Photos in Canada, the UK, the US, and the EU.

Google’s emails will also notify One subscribers about expanded availability of premium Google Photo editing tools like Magic Eraser and Portrait Light, and the rollout of dark web monitoring to all eligible Google accounts. I am.