Activate your Google Fi service

Important: Before you can use the service internationally, you must activate and use Google Fi in the US. Territories are not included for this service. Exceptions apply to military and State Department employees who serve abroad. If eligible, verify your government status.

Check if Google Fi supports your phone model

With Google Fi, most popular phones are compatible. If you’re unsure if your phone is compatible with Google Fi, check your phone’s compatibility.

Use unlocked devices with Google Fi. If you buy your phone from Google Fi or the Google Store, it’s already unlocked.

If you’re unsure if your phone is unlocked, contact your carrier or where you bought it.

Set up Google Fi on Android

Important: Before you begin the process, you must fully charge your phone battery. Keep your phone plugged in until you’re done with the setup.

  1. On your new device, connect to a Wi-Fi network.
  2. If you’re new to Google Fi, sign up for Google Fi.
  3. Download the Google Fi app from fi.google.com/app.
  4. Sign in to the Google Fi app.
    • If you already have the Google Fi app on your device, make sure you have the latest version. Update your app:
      1. On your device, open the Play Store app Play Store.
      2. At the top right, tap the Profile profile picture and then Manage apps & data and then Updates available.
      3. On the list, find the Google Fi app .
      4. Tap Update.
        • If you find "Open" instead of "Update" next to the app, the app is already up to date.
  5. Activate your SIM.
    Tip: For activation, do not scan the QR code because it's for iPhone users only.
    • Use an eSIM:
      • On Pixel 2 and up, the Google Fi app guides you through eSIM download.
      • For other devices, you can check if your phone model is eSIM compatible.
    • Get a physical SIM card:
      1. When you sign up, order a SIM card at no charge or buy a SIM card at a retail store.
      2. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to:
        1. Remove the SIM card from your current device.
        2. Put the SIM card into a new device.
  6. To complete your setup, follow the app’s instructions.
  7. Restart your phone.
    • You can get a request to install an update. When your phone installs the update and restarts, to continue the set up, return to the app.
Make sure your Google Fi service works
Test your calls, texts, and data:
  1. Call someone.
  2. Send a text.
  3. 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.

Manage your eSIM

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.
Check if your 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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