‘VPN By Google’ Is Replacing The 'Google Fi VPN' On Pixel

One of the Google Fi perks is access to a VPN. It now has a new name for all Fi subscribers, while Pixel owners are being switched over to the built-in “VPN by Google.”

The “Google Fi VPN” is now called “VPN by Google.” The company tells us that this is simply a name change to make branding more consistent with no technical or functional changes for most Android and iOS users. As always, you can enable or disable the VPN from the Fi Wireless companion app, which recently added a fifth tab for “Plan” in the bottom bar.

If you’re a Fi subscriber with the Pixel 7 or newer, the Google Fi VPN is being replaced by the built-in “VPN by Google” offering that all owners have access to. This was introduced on the Pixel 8 and came to all supported devices, including the Pixel Tablet, last year.

Going to Privacy & security in the Fi app explains how “VPN controls are moving: Beginning May 22, VPN controls are moving to Settings. To make sure your online activity is protected, turn on VPN by Google now.”

After tapping, the on/off toggle disappears and you just get a “Manage VPN in Settings” shortcut. VPN by Google, which is updated via the Play Store, offers a more integrated experience, with one upside being a Quick Settings Tile to quickly disable/enable.