How to enable Google's free VPN on your Pixel phone – it's easy

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

Pixel 7 and newer devices include a built-in free Google VPN.
VPN by Google encrypts your traffic to protect you on public Wi-Fi.
You can pause the VPN, add a quick tile, or exclude specific apps.

If you have a Pixel phone, you don’t need to pay for a mobile VPN.

Google offers a free VPN, called “VPN by Google,” on Pixel 7 and newer devices. It encrypts the internet traffic leaving your phone so others on the network can’t easily see what you’re doing. This especially matters on public Wi-Fi, like at airports, hotels, and coffee shops, where it can be surprisingly easy for someone with the right tools to intercept your unprotected data.

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Google’s free VPN service not only protects your data from eavesdropping on public Wi-Fi networks, but it also hides your browsing activity from internet service providers. It doesn’t change your location to bypass regional restrictions. Still, it adds a layer of privacy for everyday browsing by making it harder for bad actors, sites, apps, and providers to monitor your activity.

How to use the free VPN on your Pixel

What you’ll need: You need a Google account, an internet connection, and a Pixel 7 or newer device. Google’s free VPN is also available on the Pixel Tablet. It’s built directly into Android and can be enabled in your settings.

Start by opening the Settings app on your Pixel device. You can find it in your app drawer (long press on your home screen, tap App list, and search for it). You can also find it by using the search bar on your home screen.

Also: The best Android VPN services of 2026

1. Open the Settings app — Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

2. Go to Network and internet — Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

3. Open the VPN menu — Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

Tap the VPN by Google option to open it.

The first time you access it, your Pixel will show information about how the VPN works and what permissions it needs. Google says it will set up a “VPN connection via Android that routes your device’s network traffic through Google’s VPN service,” and then it asks if you want to switch on a “Use VPN on mobile network” toggle.

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Below that, Google explains the VPN helps “keep your network traffic private, protecting your data from hackers or other actors.” It says it does not “associate the traffic with your account or identity” and that it will “never use your VPN connection to track, collect, or sell your online activity.”

4. Select VPN by Google — Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

Tap Use VPN to activate Google’s free VPN service.

Your Pixel will connect instantly, and Google says it will automatically reconnect each time you join a network. A key icon appears at the top of your screen to show the VPN is active and encrypting your internet traffic.

From this same screen (Settings > Network and internet > VPN > VPN by Google), you can tap the “Pause” or “Resume” button to control the VPN. There is also an option that lets you pause the VPN on select networks.

Also: When you should use a VPN – and when you shouldn’t

If you pause it, the VPN stays off until your device auto-connects to a different network. So you can disable it on your home Wi-Fi, for example, while still having it activate on other networks when you leave the house.

5. Turn on the VPN — Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

If you want faster access to the feature from anywhere on your device, such as when you want to pause or resume your VPN connection, you can add a VPN control tile to your Quick Settings panel.

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Pull down the notification shade twice to expand Quick Settings. Tap the pencil icon to edit it, then select the VPN by Google tile to add it to Quick Settings. You can now tap the tile anytime to control the VPN.

6. Add the VPN tile to quick settings — Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

Some apps work better without a VPN connection.

If you want to keep Google’s free VPN enabled but still need to use a specific app without it interfering, you can exclude that app under Settings > Network and internet > VPN > VPN by Google > Exclude selected apps.

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Any app you add to this list will send traffic directly to the internet without passing through the VPN. This can reduce latency or fix compatibility issues while keeping the rest of your traffic protected.

7. Exclude apps from the VPN — Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

What is a VPN?

A VPN, also known as a virtual private network, is a security service that creates an encrypted “tunnel” for your internet traffic, masking your IP address and location. This helps protect your data and hides your activity from others on the network.

Is VPN by Google really free?

Yes. VPN by Google is included at no additional cost on Pixel 7 and later devices, as well as the Pixel Tablet.

Also: The best free VPNs of 2026

Does this replace the free Google One VPN perk?

Yes. Google discontinued its VPN by Google One perk for Google One subscribers in 2024.

Does using a VPN slow down my internet?

Sometimes. A VPN can reduce your speeds and increase latency because it routes your traffic through additional servers.

Can I use the VPN when traveling?

Yes. If the VPN is turned on and your home country or region is supported by Google, it will continue to work when you travel to other locations that Google also supports.

Also: Best travel VPNs of 2026

Google lists all supported countries and regions here.

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