Pixel users will soon find changes in how they manage the Google Fi VPN. Rather than controlling the VPN through a toggle in the Google Fi app, users will be redirected to the “VPN by Google” feature located within the Settings of their Pixel phones.
This update is expected to roll out for all Google Fi users on compatible Pixel devices later this month. Google Fi offers a range of benefits, including a complimentary VPN service with every plan, which allows users to mask their online activity and location.
While this inclusion is certainly advantageous, the recent change may not be received positively by Pixel users, as it introduces additional steps to manage the VPN. Users will now access the VPN options by selecting “Manage VPN in Settings” from the Privacy & security section in the Google Fi app, which then redirects them to the VPN by Google app within the phone’s Settings.
Although immediate changes may not be visible, the shift in controls is set to occur on May 22, as indicated by a notification on Google Fi’s privacy page. As noted by 9to5Google, the previous toggle for “Protect your online activity” now leads directly to Settings for managing the VPN, suggesting that Google is preparing users for this transition.
Currently, VPN by Google is restricted to Pixel 7 devices and newer models, as well as the Pixel Tablet. Users on non-Pixel devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S23, will continue to see the original VPN settings from Google Fi.
However, there is potential for future adjustments. Google’s documentation now lists “VPN by Google” among the benefits available to Google Fi users, raising the possibility that this service might expand beyond Pixel devices in the future.
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