Gmail VPN: Email With More Peace of Mind on Business Trips
On a business trip, your inbox is often the tool you can't do without: confirming flights, replying to clients, downloading contract attachments. Much of that happens on hotel and airport networks. This page covers how HZVPN helps with Gmail, and why you get "new sign-in" alerts with a VPN on.
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What a VPN does for Gmail
Gmail already uses an encrypted connection, so others cannot read your messages; on a public network, though, the operator can still see that you are using Gmail.
With HZVPN on, they only see one encrypted VPN connection. To Google, your sign-in location becomes the location of the server you chose.
Replying to clients from a hotel
Hotel and conference networks are shared by many people. Connect HZVPN before signing in to Gmail, and others on the same network cannot see which services you use.
Sending from Outlook or Apple Mail
Some public networks restrict the connections mail apps use, leaving messages stuck in the outbox. With HZVPN on, those connections go through the encrypted tunnel, so compare and see if it helps.
Getting a "new sign-in" alert
When your sign-in location changes, Google may send a security alert to your phone or recovery email. If it was you, just confirm; sticking to one server location means fewer alerts.
Pick a location near you
In Malaysia, try Malaysia (4 servers); in Thailand, try Thailand (5).
Gmail and VPNs: three things to know
A VPN encrypts the connection; it has no say over your account or the mail itself.
A new location may need verification
Signing in from a new location can make Google ask for 2-Step Verification or a confirmation on your phone. Before you leave, make sure your phone receives prompts and keep your backup codes safe.
A VPN can't stop phishing
Phishing emails posing as banks or couriers work by getting you to click a link and type a password. A VPN cannot tell real mail from fake; don't open suspicious links or attachments.
Attachment limits stay the same
Gmail limits attachment size, and larger files are sent as Google Drive links instead. That has nothing to do with your network, VPN or not.
Ways to use Gmail
The website, mobile app, mail apps and work accounts each have something to watch.
Website
Use Gmail in a desktop browser. The HZVPN app on Windows and macOS encrypts browser traffic.
Mobile app
HZVPN runs on Android 9+ and iOS 13+. When you move between Wi-Fi and mobile data, mail syncs once the connection is back.
Mail apps
Using Outlook, Apple Mail or another client, HZVPN routes its traffic through the encrypted tunnel too. For account setup, follow Google's Help Center.
Work email
A company Google Workspace mailbox may have access rules set by an admin. If you can't sign in with the VPN on, contact your admin.
Get started in 3 steps
Sign up and download
Create an HZVPN account on our website, then download the app for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS or Linux.
Pick a server location
Choose one of 43 server locations in the app and tap connect. If it doesn't feel right, switch to another any time.
Open the app you want to use
Open Gmail, check the inbox refreshes and send a test email; if you get a "new sign-in" alert, just confirm it was you.
Before a business trip, set up Gmail like this
1. On your usual network, turn on 2-Step Verification and download or write down backup codes, kept somewhere safe other than your phone.
2. Check that your recovery email and phone number are current; they are the most common way back in when Google asks you to verify.
3. Once you arrive, connect HZVPN on the hotel or airport network before opening Gmail, and stick to one server location to cut down on alerts.
4. If you get a sign-in alert that wasn't you, check the device list in your Google Account security settings and change your password straight away.
HZVPN features that help with Gmail
We only list features HZVPN actually has today. If a feature isn't listed here, please don't assume it exists.
43 server locations, 265 servers
265 servers in 43 locations, so you can pick one close to where you actually are.
One account, several devices
Your phone, tablet and computer can all sign in with the same HZVPN account. Devices online at the same time: 3 on VIP, 5 on SVIP (the app shows the current limit).
Switch locations any time, no limit
When a mail app won't send, switch locations to compare; day to day, stick to one.
Free servers once you sign up
Free routes are available once you sign up, so you can try Gmail with them before you travel.
Where the free servers are today
United States
Japan
Hong Kong
Singapore
Germany
Canada
France
Thailand
United Kingdom
Frequently asked questions
Why do I get a "new sign-in" alert when I open Gmail with HZVPN on?
Google sees your sign-in location as the server's location. If it was you, just confirm; sticking to one server location reduces alerts.
With a VPN on, can Google still see my email?
Yes. Your mail is stored on Google's servers; a VPN only encrypts the connection between you and the HZVPN server.
Outlook won't send Gmail messages on the hotel network. Will a VPN help?
Sometimes. Some public networks restrict mail app connections, so compare with HZVPN on; if it still fails, check the app's account settings.
Does a VPN protect me from phishing emails?
No. A VPN can't tell real mail from fake; don't open suspicious links or attachments.
I can't sign in to work Gmail with the VPN on. What now?
Company mailboxes may have access rules set by an admin; please contact your admin.
Ready when you are
Sign up for an HZVPN account to use the free servers. Upgrade later if you need more server locations or more devices online at once.
Server numbers come from our server list (43 locations, 265 servers). They change with maintenance; the app always shows the current list.