I use Google VPN all the time but I was just wondering if it even does anything
It’s like umpires or referees- if you don’t notice it, it’s doing its job.
It works even on networks where ProtonVPN does not. Networks that aggressively block VPN’s…
Well, it encrypts all your traffic. Practically speaking, the main benefit is that you can safely use unsecure free WiFi (coffee shops, airports, etc.), but it lacks the vast majority of features of “proper” VPN providers.
That said, if you’re getting it for free, you should definitely use it.
Edit:
-When I say “if you’re getting it for free”, I’m specifically talking about Google VPN that comes with newer Pixels. It’s not worth paying separately for it when there are better options, but it’s open-source and has been independently audited
-That said, never use free VPN services. They are free because they sell your data, spam you with ads, and generally have poor infrastructure. Google VPN is more of a feature. It uses something called blind signing which literally means it cannot link you to your browsing because the authentication and logging are handled separately. Again, this has been verified by an independent security consultancy
-You shouldn’t buy anything simply from a YouTube ad/promotion regardless of what it is. Here is why I use the VPN provider I do which will remain nameless so people can just focus on the benefits:
- They use RAM-only servers so logs are not stored
- DNS and IP leak protection, DNS security
- Servers in 100+ countries so I can access geo-restricted content essentially anywhere
- Support on basically every device type, including my smart TV so doing something like accessing the different libraries Netflix has in different countries is trivial
- Kill switch to automatically block your internet access if you lose connection to the VPN server
- I don’t personally use them, but it has a password manager and ad-blocker (I use different solutions)
- Split-tunnelling so you can route only certain traffic over it
Didn’t they take the VPN away from the G1 subscription?
Well it’s definitely a VPN… so it does wait vpns do 
Unfortunately, it doesn’t work in INDIA
Can we enable this on mobile??
Does it collect your usage data (traffic) and analyses it for ads?
I can’t figure thus thing out. Often disconnects/reconnects for no apparent reason. Oft times I find it’s turned itself off and I had no idea… Not even sure it’s working at all…
Lets me stream anything over work wifi, usually work wifi blocks anything fun
I always use the vpn feature on my new pixel 9 pro xl. With wifi and cellular.
No increased battery drain for me
I like the idea of using a VPN but the google one makes it look like I’m in a different state which makes it a pain to deal with sites that do a location check requiring me to be in my state. I now leave it off since turning the VPN on/off was unreliable.
It changes my IP Address like it’s supposed to
I subscribe to google one. But vpn is not available for me.
I can now use Tinder/Hinge through the office wifi, which blocks all dating apps but also common VPNs like NordVPN hahaha
I cant even use this vpn in India
Yes, it does the same thing all VPNs do. I imagine you know what a VPN is. It creates a virtual private network. Yes, it works.
I love my Pixel but I don’t use Google VPN or their DNS servers. I’d like to hold on to .01% of the 99.99% of the data on me they already have.
How do you tell if the Google VPN is actually installed and working as it should.
In my settings under VPN it says…
VPN. None.
But if I go into that section it says.
Built in. VPN by Google.
In there always on VPN is greyed out.
Confused.
And don’t get me started trying to remove the old Google VPN off my MacBook.