VPN by Google One will get discontinued later this year because apparently no one wanted to use a Google-branded VPN service.
This marks another Google service headed to the Google Graveyard as Google One’s VPN will be discontinued “later this year.” However, Pixel 7 and newer owners can continue using the service through the settings interface on their device.
We’ll keep you posted so you’ll know a firm cut-off date as soon as Google confirms it. If you use Google’s VPN as part of the Google One cloud storage service, the company will offer you third-party alternatives.
VPN by Google One wasn’t popular with users
The company broke the news in an email blast to Google One subscribers, 9to5Google reported. The internet giant told the publication that it’s discontinuing the VPN feature because “people simply weren’t using it,” saying this will free up resources for the team to create “more in-demand features with Google One.”
Google added a VPN to Google One in October 2020. The feature was provided as a perk for subscribers but was initially Android-only. In 2022, VPN by Google One launched on iPhone, iPad and Mac. The service is available across all Google One plans, including the base $2/month subscription.
What is a VPN? Why do you need one?
A virtual private network (VPN) can be created on your existing internet connection (or any connection) to keep your online activity private and secure. Re-routing your traffic to a VPN server in another country also lets you bypass streaming geo-restrictions because as your device is assigned IP addresses for that location.
On my iPhone, iPad and Mac, however, ClearVPN (pictured above) is my go-to VPN service. ClearVPN was created by Ukrainian software developer Mac Paw. If the name rings a bell, Mac Paw is behind the Setapp subscription service that will launch an alternative marketplace for iPhone apps in the European Union next month.
Your Apple TV supports VPNs, too
A VPN is especially useful if you own a dedicated streaming device like the Apple TV. There are many Apple TV VPN clients available, but my favorite ones on tvOS are NordVPN and Express VPN. For those interested, we have a tutorial explaining how to install, connect and use a VPN service on your Apple TV.