Google has officially discontinued its Google One VPN service as of June 20, 2024. The decision, attributed to low usage and a desire to focus on “more in-demand features,” leaves Google One subscribers seeking alternative ways to secure their internet connections.
Introduced in 2020 and initially limited to higher-tier plans, the VPN was expanded in 2023 to all Google One subscribers, including those on the most basic plan. Google stated that this VPN provided a valuable layer of security, especially for those frequently using public Wi-Fi networks. Dedicated Mac and Windows clients were also added, in addition to Android and iOS.
Despite its utility, Google’s data indicated that the VPN wasn’t widely adopted, leading to the decision to “support more in-demand features.” This move is reminiscent of Google’s history of discontinuing products and services deemed less successful, leaving many loyal users disappointed.
Fortunately, those needing a VPN aren’t left without options. Google Fi wireless subscribers and recent Pixel owners (Pixel 7 and newer) can still access “VPN by Google” through their respective services, though it lacks broader IP address regions and the ability to block the internet if the VPN gets disconnected.
So long Google One VPN, it was nice knowing ya… https://t.co/DwodjX5GJs pic.twitter.com/nzho3ntHCa
— Chrome Unboxed (@chromeunboxed) June 23, 2024
For Chromebook users, there’s nothing to delete or uninstall. If you’ve been using the Google One VPN, clicking “Add Google One…” in your Network settings will now take you to the Google One PWA with a top banner stating “VPN by Google is no longer available.” ChromeOS also allows for manual VPN addition, with detailed instructions available on the Chromebook Help page. For those wishing to remove the now-defunct Google One VPN on phones or Mac/Windows devices, detailed instructions are available on the service’s help page.
While the loss of Google One VPN is undoubtedly a setback for some, the availability of various alternatives ensures that users can continue to prioritize their online security and privacy. If you’re affected by this change, exploring other VPN providers might be the best course of action.
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Abdul Rehman
Abdul is a tech-savvy, coffee-fueled, and creatively driven marketer who loves keeping up with the latest software updates and tech gadgets. He's also a skilled technical writer who can explain complex concepts simply for a broad audience. Abdul enjoys sharing his knowledge of the Cloud industry through user manuals, documentation, and blog posts.
