Are you a fan of Google’s VPN service through Google One? If so, there’s some big news you might want to hear. Google is shutting down its Virtual Private Network (VPN) feature that’s included in some Google One plans. Wait, what? Yes, really. But don’t worry — we’ll break it down for you in a simple and fun way.
What happened?
Google recently announced that it’s retiring the VPN service that comes with some of its Google One subscriptions. The end is near — sometime in 2024. If you’re already using it, you’ll see it disappear from your app soon.
Why is Google doing this?
Great question. Turns out, not many people were using it.
Google says it wants to focus on features that people love and actually use. Apparently, the VPN wasn’t topping that list. Here’s why they might have made this decision:
- Low usage: Not enough people were turning it on.
- Too many alternatives: There are tons of other VPNs out there. Some free, some fancy.
- Support headaches: VPNs can be tricky. Maybe it was causing more problems than it fixed.
Wait…What even is a VPN?
If you’ve heard “VPN” but still aren’t sure what it means, don’t worry. You’re not alone! Here’s a quick explainer:
- VPN stands for Virtual Private Network.
- It hides your online activity and can protect your privacy.
- It helps you stay safer on public Wi-Fi. Like in coffee shops or airports.
It’s like an invisibility cloak but for your internet stuff.
So, what happens now?
If you’re using the Google One VPN, it will stop working after the shutdown. You won’t need to do anything; it’ll just fade away from the app like magic. Poof! Gone.
But don’t panic! There are still plenty of VPN options out there if you want to stay secure.
What are my choices now?
You’ve got options. So many!
- Free VPNs: These are easy to find but can be hit or miss.
- Paid VPNs: Usually more reliable and packed with features.
- Built into your phone: Some phones, like Pixel 7 and up, come with their own VPN. So you might not even miss the Google One version!
Will other Google One features stay?
Yup! The VPN is going away, but most Google One goodies are sticking around:
- Extra storage for Google Drive, Gmail, and Photos.
- Photo editing tools powered by AI.
- Dark web monitoring to check if your info is being shared in shady places.
So, Google One isn’t disappearing — just the VPN part is.
Any silver linings?
Actually, yes!
- If you weren’t using the VPN, nothing changes for you.
- Less clutter in the app. That’s always a win.
- Google might put more effort into cooler features instead.
Let’s be honest — when was the last time you even opened the VPN tab in your Google One app?
The bottom line
Google is dropping the VPN from Google One because not enough people were using it, and other options are already out there. It’s a bummer for some, but most folks won’t even notice. And hey, if you’re on a Pixel phone, Google’s got you covered anyway!
So go ahead and keep using Google One for storage and all the extra perks. Just don’t expect it to hide your internet tracks anymore. Time to find a new VPN buddy, if you still want one!