Pixel 7 and 7 Pro owners get a free VPN from Google

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Google launched the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro smartphones yesterday. One new feature will please the security conscious – free access to the Google One VPN.

A VPN or Virtual Private Network shields your internet activity from anyone by encrypting your data as it’s transferred. They are useful for any internet user, especially on always-connected devices like the Pixel 7.

Android phones have had VPN capability from the start, with Android 4.0 introducing the ability to run VPNs via an app. This is the first time we could find that an Android phone came with a VPN that didn’t require any setup.

It’s the same VPN that Google bundles with its 2TB or above Google One plans. This plan normally costs $9.99 a month, with access to the VPN likely a nominal part of that cost.

Google says that “some restrictions apply.” Not all data on your Pixel handset and Pixel Watch will be transmitted via the VPN. The VPN is unavailable in some countries, likely those that restrict or ban VPN usage.

It’s also worth noting that the Google One VPN won’t help you circumvent region locks. It’s there to keep your data private, not to make websites think you are physically in another country.

Still, it’s a nice perk for Pixel 7 owners. Google has always had Pixel-specific benefits since the first handset. One was unlimited, full-resolution photo storage.

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Joe Rice-Jones

Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience at KnowTechie, SlashGear and XDA Developers. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere, with particular focus in gadgetry and handheld gaming. Shoot him an email at joe@knowtechie.com.