Google Fi users with Pixel phones are about to face a more complicated process for managing their VPN. The mobile carrier is shifting how its virtual private network service is accessed, adding extra steps for Pixel owners. Instead of a simple toggle in the Google Fi app, users will now need to dig into their phone’s settings to control the privacy feature.
Until now, Pixel users could enable or disable the Google Fi VPN directly through a switch labeled “Protect your online activity” in the Fi app’s privacy settings. Starting May 22, that toggle will disappear. A banner in the app warns users that VPN controls are moving to the device’s settings menu. Tapping the option will redirect Pixel owners to a separate “VPN by Google” section under their phone’s general settings. The change was first spotted by 9to5Google, which noted the shift in a recent app update.
The move ties Pixel devices more closely to Google’s in-house VPN tool, which launched last year. The “VPN by Google” service replaced the older Google One VPN and was initially exclusive to Pixel 8 devices before rolling out to older Pixels and the Pixel Tablet. While the VPN itself isn’t new, the extra steps to access it have sparked frustration. Users must now navigate away from the Fi app and into their phone’s settings each time they want to adjust VPN preferences.
Not all Google Fi subscribers are affected. The change applies only to Pixel 7 and newer phones, along with the Pixel Tablet. Testing on Samsung devices showed the original Fi VPN toggle remains intact for non-Pixel users. Google has not confirmed whether it plans to extend the “VPN by Google” setup to other Android phones, but company documents now list it as a Fi benefit, hinting at possible future changes.
While the company insists there’s no functional difference, the new setup removes a layer of convenience. One silver lining: Pixel users gain access to a VPN quick-toggle tile in their notification shade, letting them enable or disable the service without opening any apps. As the May 22 rollout nears, Pixel owners on Fi may want to brace for a slightly more involved VPN experience.
Dwayne Cubbins
1368 Posts
My fascination with Android phones began the moment I got my hands on one. Since then, I've been on a journey to decode the ever-evolving tech landscape, fueled by a passion for both the "how" and the "why." Since 2018, I've been crafting content that empowers users and demystifies the tech world. From in-depth how-to guides that unlock your phone's potential to breaking news based on original research, I strive to make tech accessible and engaging.
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