Pixel VPN rollout hiccups: a frustrating transition

Key Points:

Gap Between Services: The shutdown of the old VPN by Google One and the rollout of the new Pixel VPN creates temporary access issues.
Uneven Update Distribution: A new system update delivering Pixel VPN hasn’t reached all devices yet.
Patience Required: Short-term wait anticipated for update and full functionality.

The recent transition from the VPN by Google One to the Pixel VPN has caused frustration for some Pixel users. On June 20th, 2024, the Google One VPN service officially ended. This coincided with the planned rollout of the Pixel VPN, a separate service integrated directly into Pixel devices. However, the update containing the Pixel VPN hasn’t reached all users yet, leaving them with a non-functional VPN and limited options.

While the “by Google One” version might still connect for some, it appears to be disabled or severely hampered in terms of speed. Ideally, a smoother handover process would have been implemented. A more staggered approach, with the introduction of the Pixel VPN in a June update and the shutdown of the Google One VPN in July, would have provided a buffer and minimized user disruption.

Unfortunately, at this point, patience seems to be the key. The update containing the Pixel VPN will likely reach all devices within a few days. This temporary inconvenience highlights the importance of thorough testing and well-coordinated rollouts during service transitions.