Unlocking No-Cost Privacy: Activating Google One VPN on Android & Chrome Devices - Insider's Guide

Unlocking No-Cost Privacy: Activating Google One VPN on Android & Chrome Devices - Insider’s Guide

June Wan/ZDNET

By default, the network traffic from your Android device is mostly unencrypted and can be easily viewed by a third party with the right tools and skills. Believe me when I tell you that you do not want that. If you transmit banking information, personal data, or even account logins, someone could be waiting to snag those bits of data and use them against you.

There are plenty of ways to prevent that, such as using Private DNS . But one of the best means of securing the data packets sent from your Android device is to use a VPN – and the newest Pixel devices have one built in.

Also: The best mobile VPNs

What is a VPN? Simply put, VPNs encrypt and anonymize the network traffic as it leaves your device, thereby making it harder for third parties to intercept and read it. VPNs also hide your location, which makes it harder for people and services to track you.

Using a VPN does slow down your device’s network traffic a bit. This is because that outgoing traffic is routed to different servers in different countries. Given the high speeds of modern networks, this is a fair trade-off, as your network traffic will still be at an acceptable speed.

Newsletters

ZDNET Tech Today

ZDNET’s Tech Today newsletter is a daily briefing of the newest, most talked about stories, five days a week.

See all

So, if a free, built-in VPN service sounds right up your alley, let me show you how to enable it in Android.

How to enable Google One VPN on your Pixel

What you’ll need: To make use of the free Google One VPN, you’ll need a device running an updated version of Android 13 . You’ll also want to make sure to have the latest security patch applied. If you’re not sure whether you’ve already applied the latest update, go to Settings > System > System Update and check for it. If the update is available (it should be), make sure to apply it.

One thing to keep in mind is that Google One VPN is only “free” on the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, and Pixel Fold. For all other Android devices, a Google One plan starts at $1.99/month. Google One memberships come with more than the VPN (expanded storage, enhanced editing features, etc), but the Pixel devices listed here only grant you access to the VPN, not all G1 benefits.

That’s all you need. Let’s get that VPN enabled.

1. Open the Google One app

The first thing to do is open your Android App Drawer and launch the Google One app by tapping the associated launcher.

2. Open the VPN feature

From the Google One page, tap the VPN tile and you’ll be greeted by the VPN app. On the VPN by Google One page, tap the ON/OFF slider until it’s in the ON position.

VPN by Google One is available to the Android 13 OS with the December update applied.

Google/Screenshot by Jack Wallen

3. Enable the VPN

A pop-up will appear asking you to okay the connection request. When prompted, tap OK and you can then close out the Settings app.

You must OK the connection request to enable the VPN.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

Disabling and re-enabling the VPN

While the VPN is connected, you’ll see a card in your Notification Shade. From that card, you can tap Disable VPN to disable the service.

Also: What is an IP address and how do you change it with a VPN?

The fastest way to enable and disable the VPN is by way of the Quick Setting Tiles in the Notification Shade. The VPN tile isn’t found in the Quick Tiles section by default. To add it, drag the Notification Shade down twice and tap the pencil icon at the bottom right corner of the bottom right Quick Settings Tile. On the Tiles page, scroll down until you see VPN by Google One. Tap and drag that tile to the top of the page and then tap the right-pointing arrow to back out of the Quick Settings Tiles edit window.

Adding the VPN by Google One Quick Tile.