Activate your Google Fi service

Important: You must activate and use Google Fi in the United States (territories not included). After that, you can use Google Fi service internationally. We grant exceptions to military and State Department employees who serve abroad. If these exceptions apply to you, you can verify your government status.

Check whether Google Fi supports your phone model

Most popular phones are compatible with Google Fi. If you’re not sure whether you can use Google Fi on your phone, you can check your phone’s compatibility.

Unlocked devices must be used with Google Fi. If you bought your phone through Google Fi or the Google Store, your device is unlocked.

If you aren’t sure whether your phone is unlocked, contact your carrier or the place you bought your phone.

Set up Google Fi on iPhone

Start activation on the Google Fi app

Important: You must start your device activation within the app. After you download it, tap the Google Fi app to open it.

  1. On your device, download the Google Fi app.
  2. The Google Fi app performs device and compatibility checks.
    • If both are compatible, tap Get started.
    • If either are incompatible, you get an error. In this case, you can order a physical SIM card or upgrade your iPhone.

Start your eSIM activation

You should have a second device available for this process so that you can use your iPhone to scan a QR code.

Meet Google Fi

  1. On your device, connect to a Wi-Fi network.
  2. On a second device, like a computer or tablet, go to fi.google.com/ios/quicksetup.
  3. Sign in to the account of the user whose device you want to activate.
  4. On the Google Fi account:
    1. Open Settings.
    2. Select Cellular and then Add Cellular Plans.
    3. With the iPhone you want to activate Google Fi on, scan the QR code.
    4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
    5. Tap Add Cellular Plan.
  5. Update your network settings:
    1. On the device you want to activate, open Settings.
    2. Tap Cellular and then Cellular Data Network.
    3. Enter this text into your settings field:
      • Cellular Data APN: h2g2
      • LTE Setup APN: h2g2
      • MMS APN: h2g2
        • MMSC: http://m.fi.goog/mms/wapenc
        • MMS Max Message size: 23456789
      • Optional: Personal Hotspot APN: h2g2-t
  6. To get service, you must complete all steps within the Google Fi app. The app walks you through:
    • Plan activation
    • Phone number setup
    • Your preferences

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 Settings.
  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.

If the QR code doesn't work:

  1. Delete the current eSIM.
  2. Reload the QR code page.
  3. Scan the new QR code.

If you need help, you can contact us. If the QR code page is on a computer and you can't find the instructions, increase the size of your browser window.

Start your eSIM activation without a second device

How to activate a Google Fi eSIM on iPhone (QR code method)

If you don't have a second device:

  1. On the device you want to use Google Fi on, sign in to Google Fi.
  2. Select eSIM and then Don't have a computer?
  3. Follow the instructions on the Fi app.

Make sure your Google Fi service works

Test your calls, texts, and data:

  • Call someone.
  • Send a text.
  • Test your data. Turn off Wi-Fi and make sure your data works.

If you just transferred your number to Google Fi, it might 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.

Learn about Google Fi features

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 you can turn on or off.

Learn more about Google Fi tips and tricks.

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

Learn about SIM cards

Order a SIM card

You can buy your new Google Fi SIM kit from certain retailers or place an order.

To order a SIM card:

  1. On your device, sign in to the Google Fi website.
  2. Order a SIM card.
    • If you don't find the option:
      1. Open an incognito tab.
      2. Sign in again.
  3. On the review page, enter your payment and shipping information. Your shipping options are:
    • Ground shipping: The default for regular SIM cards. This method has no charge and takes 3–5 business days.
    • 2-day (2 business days) and next-day (1 business day): The prices for these options start at $11.99 USD.
      • Final shipping prices, plus any taxes, are based on the address. We charge these prices to the form of payment that you select.
  4. To complete the checkout, select Buy.

After you complete these steps, we send you a confirmation email. When the order ships, you get a separate shipping confirmation email with tracking info.

Insert a SIM card

Your SIM card tray is on the top left side of your phone when you have a phone compatible with Fi. You can find the eject button on the right side of the tray door inside a small hole.

To insert a SIM card:

  1. Turn off your phone.
  2. On your phone, find the small hole.
  3. Insert the SIM card ejection tool that came with your phone or SIM card.
  4. Firmly but gently, push until the tray pops out.
  5. Remove the tray.
  6. Put your SIM card in the tray.
  7. Gently push the tray back into the phone’s slot.
  8. Turn your phone back on.
    • On the phone’s right edge, press and hold the power button for 3 seconds.
  9. Open the Google Fi app to finish your activation.

Insert SIM card

Learn about eSIM

An embedded SIM, or eSIM, lets you talk, text, and use data without a physical SIM card.

An eSIM has many benefits, like:

  • Quick set up without the need to place a SIM card into the tray.
  • You can’t lose your eSIM.
  • You can reduce SIM card waste.
  • You can easily switch between your Google Fi eSIM and your carrier’s SIM card.

Devices that work with eSIM include:

  • Samsung:
    • S24 series
    • S23 series
    • S22 series
    • S21 series
    • Galaxy Note20 series
    • Galaxy Z Flip5 and Fold5
    • Galaxy Z Flip4 and Fold4
    • Galaxy Flip3
    • Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
  • Pixel:
  • iPhone:
    • SE (2020 version)
    • XR
    • XS
    • XS Max
    • 11 and up

Google Fi only supports eSIM on iPhone 14 and 15.

  • Motorola:
    • Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
    • Motorola Razr+

Tip: Google Fi doesn't support automotive eSIM.

Related resources

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Learn why Fi is a different kind of phone plan and how to get the most out of your Google Fi service. Get step-by-step guides and instructional videos on how to sign up, transfer your number, create a group plan, switch your price plan, etc.

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