Pixel phone users have a bit more insight into their VPN connection status thanks to a recent update to the Pixel VPN by Google app. The update, rolling out now, adds a status indicator directly to the Quick Settings (QS) tile, eliminating the need to open the full VPN app to check connectivity.
Previously, the 2×1 Quick Settings tile for Pixel VPN simply displayed “VPN by Google” twice, a somewhat redundant presentation. The updated tile now utilizes the second line to clearly show the current connection status. Users will see one of four states: “Connected” (with an active, filled tile and a rounded rectangle), “Paused,” “Connecting…”, or “Can’t connect.” This provides at-a-glance information without requiring a deeper dive into the app.
This change is particularly useful given the increasing reliance on VPNs for privacy and security. Having the connection status readily visible in the Quick Settings allows users to quickly verify their VPN is active, especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks or accessing sensitive information. The update also includes a helpful tip: a long-press on the Quick Settings tile will directly open the VPN app, bypassing the need to navigate through Settings > Network & internet > VPN.
The rollout of this update began with version 2025.12.19.x of the VPN by Google app, but Google notes that a server-side component is also involved. This means that even after updating the app, the new status indicator may not immediately appear on all Pixel devices. As of , the update is not yet universally available.
Beyond the VPN update, Google has also released small patch updates for the Recorder and Screenshots apps this week. However, these updates do not introduce any new features, focusing instead on stability and bug fixes.
The addition of the VPN status indicator to the Quick Settings tile is a small but welcome improvement to the Pixel user experience. It exemplifies Google’s ongoing effort to refine and streamline its software, providing users with more convenient access to essential information. The change highlights a trend toward greater transparency and control over network connections, a growing concern for mobile users.
This update arrives alongside broader changes to Quick Settings functionality on Pixel devices. A significant update released in September 2025, coinciding with the Android 16 QPR1 release, introduced a new method for organizing Quick Settings tiles. Users can now double-tap a tile within the Quick Settings editor to select it, and then tap an empty or occupied space to reposition it. This represents a departure from the previous drag-and-drop method, which some users found imprecise and cumbersome. As noted by Android expert Mishaal Rahman, the new tapping method minimizes the risk of accidentally placing tiles in the wrong location.
The Android 16 QPR1 update also brought a Material 3 Expressive design overhaul to the operating system, further refining the visual experience. While the initial release of Android 16 in June 2025 included many new features and design changes, Google held back on the Material 3 Expressive redesign until the QPR1 update. This phased rollout allows for more controlled testing and refinement of major UI changes.
The Pixel VPN update, while seemingly minor, demonstrates Google’s commitment to iterative improvements and responsiveness to user needs. By providing a clearer and more accessible way to monitor VPN connections, Google is empowering users to take greater control of their online privacy and security. The combination of this update with the broader Quick Settings enhancements in Android 16 QPR1 underscores Google’s focus on creating a more intuitive and customizable mobile experience for Pixel users.
