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 Android

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

Set up Google Fi:

1. On your new device, connect to a Wi-Fi network.
2. If you’re new to Fi, sign up for Fi.
3. Download the Google Fi app from fi.google.com/app.
4. Sign in to the Fi app.
   • If you already have the Google Fi app, make sure you have the latest version on your device. Update your app:
     1. On your device, open the Play Store app .
     2. At the top right, tap the profile icon  Manage apps & data  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:
   • 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.
   • If you have more than one Google Account on the phone, the Fi account must be the Admin or owner account.
   • When you set up Fi, you can transfer your number to Google Fi.
   • If you want a new number, you can get it when you activate Fi. 
   • To find your number, go to the Account tab of the Fi app or website.
7. Restart your phone.
   • You may get a request to install an update. When your phone installs the update and restarts, you can return to the app to continue the set-up.

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.

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:
  • S23 series
  • S22 series except for the S22+
  • S21 series
  • Galaxy Note20 series
  • Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Fold 4
  • Galaxy Flip 3
• Pixel:
  • Phones 4 and later
  • Select earlier versions of Pixel.
    • Check your phone’s compatibility with Google Fi.
• iPhone:
  • SE (2020 version)
  • XR
  • XS
  • XS Max
  • 11 and up

On iPhone 14, Google Fi only supports eSIM.

Related resources

• Troubleshoot Google Fi activation
• Transfer Google Fi service to a new device
• Use Google Fi on tablets and data-only SIMs