Set up eSIM & activate Google Fi trial

To join the trial, you must add the Google Fi network as an eSIM on your unlocked, eSIM compatible phone.

Tip: "pSIM" stands for "physical SIM" and "eSIM" for "embedded SIM."

Dual-SIM set-up & trial activation

These steps work for Pixel phones and may vary based on the device. For specific instructions, go to the manufacturer's support site.

Eligible Android devices

Your original SIM is a pSIM or you have a Pixel 7

Check out the tutorial for these eligible phones:

Activate Google Fi on your dual-SIM phone

You can have 2 SIMs active at the same time. When you sign up for the trial, you must connect to the Google Fi mobile network. This doesn't cancel the service with your current carrier.

  1. To give permission to use 2 SIMs, tap Yes.
  2. To use Google Fi for mobile data, tap Use Google Fi.
  3. After the activation is complete, you’re connected to Google Fi and your existing carrier:
Test your Google Fi service

From the top of your phone's screen, swipe down once or twice. Your other carrier must be displayed alongside Google Fi. When you make calls, send texts, or browse the internet, make sure Google Fi is selected.

Calls

  1. Open the dialer.
  2. Enter the phone number.
  3. The default SIM is displayed. Change it to Google Fi.

Texts

  1. Select existing text message or create new.
  2. In the chat box, click the SIM icon.
  3. Change it to Google Fi.

Browse the internet

  1. On your phone, open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Network & internet.
  3. Select Google Fi.
  4. Turn on Mobile data.
  5. Select the other carrier.
  6. Turn off Mobile data and then Wi-Fi.
  7. Stream a video or run a data speed test.

If Google Fi isn’t displayed alongside your other carrier, update your SIM settings.

Update default SIM preferences after activation

You can choose which SIM your phone uses for data, calls, and text messages by default.

  1. On your phone, open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Network & internet and then SIMs.
  3. For each network, set your preferences:
    • Data
      1. Turn on Mobile data.
        • Only one SIM can be the default for data.
        • Most data goes through the default SIM for that use type. During a phone call, all data goes through the SIM that makes the call.
    • Calls
      1. Tap Call Preference.
      2. Pick your default carrier or tap Ask me every time.
        • If you’re on a call, you can’t get a call through the other SIM at the same time. Calls to the other SIM go to voicemail.
    • Texts
      1. Tap SMS Preference.
      2. Pick your default carrier, or tap Ask me every time.

Your original SIM is an eSIM

Use these steps if your eligible Pixel or Samsung Galaxy has an eSIM. You can also check these tutorials:

Activate Google Fi on your dual-SIM phone

You can only have one eSIM active at a time. When you sign up for the trial, you’re asked to switch to Google Fi. Your current SIM is temporarily off but you can turn it back on in the phone settings anytime. This doesn't cancel the service with your current carrier.

  1. To temporarily turn off your current carrier, tap Yes.
  2. After the activation is complete, you’re connected to Google Fi. Your other carrier is temporarily off.
Test your Google Fi service
  • From the top of the screen, swipe down once or twice.
    • If Google Fi is displayed, you can:
      • Make domestic phone calls.
      • Send texts.
      • Stream music or videos.
      • Browse the internet.
      • Use apps.
      • Run a data speed test.
    • If the other carrier's name is displayed, you aren’t connected to Google Fi. Temporarily turn off the other carrier's SIM and turn on Google Fi's:
      1. On your phone, open the Settings app.
      2. Tap Network & internet and then Mobile network or SIMs.
      3. Select Google Fi's SIM.
      4. Tap Use SIM.
Switch between carriers after you activate

Since you can have just one active eSIM at a time, turn on the carrier you want to use and temporarily turn off the other one.

  1. On your phone, open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Network & internet and then Mobile network or SIMs.
  3. Select the SIM that you want to use.
  4. To turn on the SIM, tap Use SIM.

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