How to transfer Google Fi service to a new device

If you want to use a different phone, you can add it to your Google Fi account. Your service continues on your new phone and your phone number remains the same.

Your previous phone remains on your account as an inactive device. You can continue to use it with a data-only SIM.

How to transfer Google Fi service to a new iPhone

Important:

  • To restore an iPhone from a backup, you can also use the steps below.
  • With Google Fi, you can't transfer Apple eSIM between iPhones. Transfer and configuration is done through the Google Fi app on iPhone and iPad.

Start activation on the Google Fi app

Important: You must start your device activation within the app.

  1. On your iPhone, download the Google Fi app .
  2. The Google Fi app performs device and compatibility checks.

Tip: The iPhone out-of-box eSIM transfer experience isn’t supported by Google Fi. If you activate service on a new iPhone, skip the carrier step of the iPhone setup wizard. To set up service, download the Google Fi app.

To transfer an eSIM:

  1. On your old iPhone, delete the eSIM.
    1. Tap Cellular.
    2. Select the plan that you want to erase.
    3. Tap Delete eSIM.
  2. On your new iPhone, connect to a Wi-Fi network.
  3. Sign in to the Google Account connected with the phone number you want to use. 
  4. To set up your phone number, follow the in-app instructions.
  5.  Download an eSIM.
  6. To set up your connectivity, return to the Google Fi app .
  7. Update your network settings:
    1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
    2. Tap Cellular and then Cellular Data Network.
    3. In your “Settings” field, enter the texts below:
      • Cellular Data APN: h2g2
      • LTE Setup APN: h2g2
      • MMS APN: h2g2
        • MMSC: http://m.fi.goog/mms/wapenc
        • MMS Max Message sizer: 23456789
      • Optional: Personal Hotspot APN: h2g2-t

To transfer a pSIM:

If you’re on an older iPhone which isn’t eSIM-compatible, to transfer and set up service, order a physical SIM card.

  1. On your iPhone, remove the Google Fi SIM card.
  2. If you haven’t already, order a SIM kit.
  3. Insert the physical SIM into your new iPhone.
  4. Download the Google Fi app .
  5. To set up your phone number, follow the in-app instructions.
  6. Activate service on your physical SIM.
  7. To set up your connectivity, finish all instructions in the Google Fi app.
Resolve incorrect account sign-in
Make sure you sign in to your Google Fi account and not another Google Account. If you sign in to the wrong account, scan a new code:
  1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Cellular and then the plan you want to erase and then Remove Cellular Plan.
  3. Delete the current eSIM from the device.
  4. Sign in to the correct account.
  5. Scan a new QR code.
Fix QR code issues
If the QR code doesn't work:
  1. Delete the current eSIM.
  2. Reload the QR code page.
  3. Scan the new QR code.
Make sure your Google Fi service works
Test your calls, texts, and data:
  • Call someone.
  • Send a text.
  • Test your data.
    • To make sure your data works, turn off Wi-Fi.

If you’re transferring your number to Google Fi, it can take up to 24 hours before you can send or receive text messages.

If features don't work 24 hours after you finish activation and have a phone number with Google Fi, contact Google Fi support.

Enhance your Google Fi experience
To improve your Google Fi experience, some features work automatically behind the scenes.
  • We expand your coverage in places where the mobile network isn’t as strong so that you can make calls over Wi-Fi.
    • When this feature is in action, your device displays “Wireless .”
  • When you get close to or reach your monthly data budget, Google Fi sends you alerts to turn notifications on or off.

Learn more about Google Fi tips and tricks.

If you have more than one Google Account on the phone, the Google Fi account must be the admin or owner account.

How to check if the Google Fi app is up to date
  1. Click Google Fi .
  2. Select Update.
    • If there isn’t an “Update” button, your app is up to date.

To use Google Fi’s features, you need the latest version of the Google Fi app.

Frequently asked questions

How to download an eSIM
If you’re on iOS 17.4 and up, you can download an eSIM directly from the Google Fi app. If you’re on older iOS versions, you must navigate to the Google Fi app. This guides you through the eSIM download process. You can also scan a QR code.
How to know if my eSIM works
After you download an eSIM, to finish your connectivity setup, return to the Google Fi app. After you complete the in-app setup, it can take between 5–20 minutes for a device to connect to the network. To verify if the connectivity works, try to use data, place a call, or send a text.

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