Google VPN
Search, Gmail, Maps, Drive — you may use Google a dozen times a day. HZVPN encrypts those connections on public networks and lets you use a familiar server location while travelling. Now and then you'll meet an "unusual traffic" check; we explain why and what to do below.
Download HZVPN
What a VPN does when you use Google services
Google services estimate your region from your IP and use it to pick the language of search results, the default map area and some recommendations.
With HZVPN on, Google sees the IP of the server location you chose. That affects some results, and it keeps the local network from seeing which Google services you use.
Check email and upload files on public networks
When you use Gmail or upload to Drive on public Wi-Fi, HZVPN encrypts the whole connection, so the network operator only sees VPN traffic.
Google loading slowly? Try another road
If your network's route to Google's servers is poor, a nearby HZVPN location may make Search and Gmail load more smoothly.
Results take your location into account
Google adjusts results using the location it infers from your IP, so different server locations can give different local results. If you need results for a particular region, you can also change language and region in Google Search settings.
Search closer to normal on a trip
Abroad, Google switches language and results to match where you are. Connecting to your usual server location keeps web search closer to normal; map navigation uses your phone's location and isn't affected by IP.
Google and VPNs: three common issues
These are the three things people run into most when using Google over a VPN.
"Unusual traffic" checks
Many people share a VPN server. When Google sees lots of searches from the same IP, it may say it has detected unusual traffic and ask you to complete a check. Complete it, or switch to another server location.
Your Play Store country isn't set by IP
Your Google Play country is tied to your Google payments profile, and it can only be changed once a year. Connecting to a VPN doesn't change it.
You're not anonymous to Google
Once you're signed in, search and location history are linked to your Google Account. A VPN hides your IP, not your account. You can manage that history under Data & privacy in your Google Account.
Different Google services
Google offers many services, and a VPN affects each one differently.
Google Search
Results consider your location. If you keep getting checks, switching server location usually reduces them.
Gmail
We'd suggest connecting HZVPN when you read or send email on public networks. If your login location changes suddenly, Gmail may send a security alert to your phone or recovery email.
Google Maps
Navigation uses your phone's location (GPS), so a VPN doesn't affect it, though it may change the area the map shows by default.
Google Play
Your Play Store country is tied to your payments profile and isn't changed by a VPN. To change it, follow Google's process.
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 Google Search or Gmail to check they work normally. If you see an "unusual traffic" check, complete it or switch to another server location.
Why does Google keep asking me to verify on a VPN?
Google uses reCAPTCHA to tell people from automated programs. One of the signals is how many requests come from the same IP in a short time.
VPN servers are shared, so many people may be searching from the same IP at once. Seeing those requests, Google may ask you to pick images or tick "I'm not a robot".
What to do: completing one check usually lets you carry on. If checks keep coming, switch server location — for example between larger locations such as the United States (59 servers) or Japan (41).
If you're running large numbers of searches from scripts, being stopped by a check is Google's normal protection. Follow Google's terms of service and don't use a VPN to get around these limits.
HZVPN features that matter for Google services
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
43 server locations, 265 servers. Choose one close to where you actually are.
Switch locations any time, no limit
Hit a check or slow loading? Switch location — there's no limit on switches.
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).
Command-line client for macOS and Linux
A command-line client is available for macOS and Linux, for developers who live in the terminal. Follow Google's terms of service and don't use it for automated mass searching.
Frequently asked questions
Google says it detected "unusual traffic" while I'm on a VPN. What should I do?
Complete the check and you can carry on. If it keeps happening, switch to another server location.
Can a VPN change my Google Play country?
No. Your Play Store country is tied to your payments profile; change it through Google's process.
If I search through a VPN, does Google not know who I am?
If you're signed in to your Google Account, your searches are still linked to it. A VPN hides your IP address.
Gmail says there was a new sign-in. Is that because of the VPN?
It may be. Gmail can send a security alert when your login location changes; just confirm it was you.
Will a VPN affect Google Maps navigation?
It won't affect GPS navigation, but the default map area and some search results may change.
Should I use a VPN for Google on public Wi-Fi?
We'd recommend it. Google services already use encrypted connections, and a VPN also keeps the local network from seeing which services you use.
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.