Google on Thursday introduced a new perk for select Google One subscribers: access to a virtual private network, or VPN. If you’re on a Google One 2TB plan (which costs $9.99 per month), you can get access to an extra layer of network protection on your Android device — and it comes at no extra cost.
According to Google, the VPN by Google One is built into the Google One app on Android and encrypts all of your phone’s online traffic, no matter what app or browser you’re in. That means you can safely shop while on public Wi-Fi without putting your personal information at risk of theft.
If you’re unfamiliar with a VPN, it routes traffic through another network, enabling more secure use of public Wi-Fi or certain websites and services. People often use VPNs to spoof their location, allowing them to access regional content from around the world.
Along with the addition of a VPN, Google One subscribers with a 2TB plan also get access to Pro Sessions, which were originally made available for Pixel 4 users. Pro Sessions will allow users to schedule one-on-one sessions with a Google expert to learn about VPNs and also get tips for staying safe online. Pro Sessions are available in the U.S., the UK, and Canada. If you share a 2TB plan with your family (up to five additional people), everyone can enable the VPN on their own device.
The VPN by Google One is set to roll out in the U.S. in the coming weeks and is only available for Android at first. Google said it plans to expand to more countries in the coming months, as well as bring the VPN by Google One to iOS. In addition to access to a VPN and Pro Sessions, Google One subscribers get free phone backups as well as 10% in Google Store rewards on hardware purchases for those on a 2TB plan.
