VPN by Google Not Working: Fix It Fast (Step by Step)

Short take: “VPN by Google” now means two different things. Google One’s VPN was shut down in June 2024, so it no longer connects. Pixel phones and the Pixel Tablet still have a built-in “VPN by Google” that works in supported countries.

If your VPN will not turn on or kills your connection, use the steps below to get it back on track.

How to Fix VPN by Google Not Working

1) Confirm Which Google VPN You Have

If you are trying to use the old Google One VPN, it no longer works. On Pixel, the supported VPN lives in Settings.

1. Open the Google One app.
2. Check if the VPN tile is still visible.
3. If it is gone, the service was shut down — see why the Google One VPN is not working.
4. On Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > VPN > VPN by Google.
5. Toggle the switch there to use the built in VPN.

2) Check Availability and Eligibility

Pixel VPN is only available on Pixel 7 or newer and the Pixel Tablet in certain countries.

1. Open Settings > About phone to confirm your model.
2. Make sure your Google account is not a supervised child account.
3. Try enabling the VPN again in Settings > Network & internet > VPN.

3) Update Android and Google Apps

Outdated builds can block the VPN from connecting.

1. Go to Settings > System > System update.
2. Install all Android and security updates.
3. Open Google Play Store > profile icon > Manage apps and device > Update all.
4. Restart your phone.
5. Try turning on the VPN again.

4) Toggle VPN the Right Way

Quick settings shortcuts sometimes get stuck.

1. Open Settings > Network & internet > VPN.
2. Tap VPN by Google.
3. Turn it off and wait 10 seconds.
4. Turn it back on and test browsing.

5) Rule Out Network Conflicts

Private DNS, other VPN apps, or work profiles can cause issues.

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Private DNS and set it to Off temporarily.
2. Close or uninstall other VPN or ad blocking apps.
3. Switch from your work profile to your personal profile.
4. Test with mobile data, then switch back to Wi-Fi.
5. On public Wi-Fi, log in to the captive portal before enabling the VPN.

6) Reset Network Settings

Broken network settings may block VPN routing.

1. Go to Settings > System > Reset options.
2. Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile, and Bluetooth.
3. Confirm and let the phone restart.
4. Reconnect to Wi-Fi and try the VPN again.

7) Check Device Integrity

VPN by Google blocks connections on rooted or unlocked devices.

1. If your bootloader is unlocked, lock it again.
2. Remove root and return to stock firmware if needed.
3. Leave Android Beta and install the stable build.
4. Retry the VPN connection.

8) Understand Server and Routing Limits

Pixel’s VPN does not let you pick a country. If you need specific locations, use a different service.

1. Turn on VPN by Google in Settings.
2. Know that it auto selects the nearest server.
3. If you need location control for calls or verification, consider providers from the best VPNs for Google Voice.

9) Switch if You Used Google One VPN

Google One VPN was retired, so you need another option or the built in Pixel VPN.

1. On Pixel, open Settings > Network & internet > VPN > VPN by Google.
2. If you use Google Fi, open the Fi app.
3. Enable the Fi VPN.
4. Test on both mobile data and Wi-Fi.
5. For performance details, read this Google Fi VPN review.

A Few Practical Tips Before You Call Support

These quick checks can save time.

1. Test both Wi-Fi and mobile data.
2. Restart your phone after every change.
3. Keep “Block connections without VPN” off while testing, then turn it back on once it works.

Recommended VPN Alternatives

If you find that the Pixel VPN or the old Google One VPN does not meet your needs, there are stronger and more flexible services that still work well even with Google services:

• ExpressVPN – A premium option with fast speeds and reliable servers worldwide. Great for streaming and bypassing restrictions.
• CyberGhost – Easy to use and budget friendly, with dedicated servers for streaming and privacy.
• Opera VPN – A free alternative built into the Opera browser, useful for quick protection when you do not want a full subscription.

These services give you more control over server locations and work consistently across apps, including Google Voice, Gmail, and YouTube. They’re also among the recommended tools to use when normal VPN won’t work on Google Chrome, leading to disconnects or endless captchas.

Get Pixel VPN Working and Move On

If you are on a supported Pixel, updates, resets, and clean toggles usually fix VPN by Google not working. If you used the retired Google One VPN, switch to the Pixel VPN or another provider that fits your needs.

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