Not long ago, Google’s latest VPN offering, initially designed for the Pixel 8 series, briefly extended its reach to the Pixel Tablet before abruptly withdrawing support.
Last week, Google unveiled a more integrated VPN experience, eliminating the need for the Google One app. This enhanced feature, powered by the “VPN by Google” app, was initially made available to Pixel 7 series and Fold users through a recent update.
When this latest version was released, it momentarily allowed Pixel Tablet owners to download and configure the VPN. Unfortunately, within the past 24 hours, 9to5Google reports that the Pixel Tablet has been removed from the list of compatible devices. Moreover, for those who managed to install it, the VPN now fails to connect, rendering it unusable.
Officially, the VPN by Google service is limited to the Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, and 8a models. This exclusion is disappointing, as the Pixel Tablet shares similar hardware capabilities and price points with the Pixel 7 series. The brief period during which the VPN was available gave a glimpse of the enhanced security and privacy features that Pixel Tablet users could enjoy, making its withdrawal all the more disappointing.
While the reason behind this sudden retraction remains unclear, it’s an unwanted development for those who were hoping to enjoy the enhanced security and privacy benefits of Google’s latest VPN offering on their Pixel Tablets. The move will likely spark a wave of frustration among users, although the house is still a bit calm for now. Regardless of the reasoning behind it, it’s still a shame Google doesn’t extend VPN support to Pixel Tablet owners, especially since it’s on par with the Pixel 7 in many aspects.
For now, Pixel Tablet owners will have to rely on third-party VPN solutions or wait for Google to reconsider their decision. While this unexpected withdrawal is a setback, perhaps it’s just a matter of time before the feature comes back in official capacity.
Google has not provided an official explanation for this change. For now, Pixel Tablet users can only hope that their devices will be included in the future.
Hillary Keverenge
2170 Posts
Tech has been my playground for over a decade. While the Android journey began early, it truly took flight with the revolutionary Lollipop update. Since then, it's been a parade of Android devices (with a sprinkle of iOS), culminating in a mostly happy marriage with Google's smart home ecosystem. Expect insightful articles and explorations of the ever-evolving world of Android and Google products coupled with occasional rants on the Nest smart home ecosystem.