Looking for a secure and private way to browse the web on your Pixel Tablet? There might be good news on the horizon! While officially unavailable for the tablet yet, recent developments suggest Google's built-in VPN service, VPN by Google, may be nearing compatibility with the Pixel Tablet.
A Brief History of VPN by Google on Pixel Tablet
In June 2024, Google introduced VPN by Google as a free, built-in VPN service for Pixel 7 and later phones. However, the Pixel Tablet was noticeably absent from the list of supported devices. This caused some confusion, as Google hadn't explicitly mentioned VPN access during the tablet's launch.
Things took an interesting turn when the VPN by Google app briefly became installable on the Pixel Tablet via the Play Store. While the connection initially worked, Google quickly disabled the tablet's ability to sign in through a server-side update. The Play Store listing also reflected this change, marking the Pixel Tablet as incompatible.
A Glimpse of Hope for Pixel Tablet Users
Over the past week, a glimmer of hope has emerged for Pixel Tablet owners running the stable Android 15 November patch. Those who still have "VPN by Google" installed, or who sideloaded the app, have reported it functioning! Interestingly, the connection automatically establishes upon restarting the device, and the settings page appears to work flawlessly.
However, there's a catch: the Play Store continues to display a message stating, "This tablet isn't compatible with this app." This inconsistency adds another layer of mystery to the situation.
Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 Hints at Broader Compatibility
Adding another twist to the story, user reports suggest that the Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 pre-installs VPN by Google on the Pixel Tablet. Furthermore, these reports claim the Play Store listing for the service no longer lists the tablet as incompatible.
While the pre-installation aspect seems to be confirmed, replicating the Play Store change hasn't been successful yet. Additionally, the Pixel Tablet hasn't received the latest VPN by Google update (version 1.0.678725851) that's currently rolling out to Pixel phones.
What Does This Mean for Pixel Tablet Users?
These developments are certainly encouraging for Pixel Tablet owners who value online privacy and security. While official confirmation from Google is still awaited, it appears the company might be working on bringing VPN by Google compatibility to the tablet.
Here's a breakdown of the current situation:
- VPN by Google seems to be partially functional on some Pixel Tablets running the stable Android 15 November patch.
- Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 users report pre-installed VPN by Google and a compatible Play Store listing (needs further verification).
- The official Play Store listing still marks the Pixel Tablet as incompatible.
What to Do as a Pixel Tablet User
If you're a Pixel Tablet owner eager to try VPN by Google, you have a couple of options (but proceed with caution):
- Wait for Official Release: The safest option is to wait for Google's official announcement regarding VPN by Google compatibility for the Pixel Tablet. This ensures a stable and supported experience.
- Sideload the App (at Your Own Risk): You can attempt to sideload the VPN by Google app. However, this is not an officially supported method and might lead to unforeseen issues. It's crucial to only download the app from trusted sources.
Looking Forward: Will Pixel Tablet Get Official VPN by Google Support?
Based on the recent developments, it seems likely that Google is working on bringing VPN by Google to the Pixel Tablet. The pre-installation in the beta version and reports of partial functionality on the stable build are promising signs.
We expect an official announcement from Google soon, clarifying the timeline for full VPN by Google support on the Pixel Tablet. Until then, Pixel Tablet users should exercise caution and wait for a stable, officially supported solution.
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