Reason for Discontinuation of Google One VPN

Google One users were hit with disappointing news today as Google announced the discontinuation of its VPN feature in the coming months. Introduced in October 2020, the VPN by Google One was designed to offer an extra layer of online protection for Android users. However, low usage rates led to Google’s decision to discontinue the feature.

The VPN feature was initially available only to Premium plan subscribers at $9.99 per month before being offered at a reduced rate of $1.99 per month in March 2023. Despite the price drop, adoption rates did not increase, prompting Google to focus on more popular features within the Google One platform. This decision aligns with Google’s recent efforts to streamline services and prioritize features with higher user engagement.

Existing users of the VPN by Google One will be directed to third-party VPN alternatives, with no specific timeline provided for the discontinuation. However, Google assures users that the transition process will be seamless. Meanwhile, Pixel users can rest assured as the free Pixel VPN introduced with the Pixel 7 series in 2022 will remain unaffected.

A significant upgrade is on the way for Pixel 7 users, with the introduction of the big VPN upgrade initially launched with the Pixel 8. This upgrade, scheduled for June, will enhance the VPN experience for older Pixel devices, eliminating the need for the Google One app and persistent notifications. Google Fi users can also continue to access the VPN available with their service for a secure online experience.

While the discontinuation of the Google One VPN may disappoint some users, the upcoming enhancements to Pixel VPN and the continued availability of VPN services through Google Fi offer alternatives for those seeking online protection.