Google's own carrier offering definitely has appealing features.
If you're an Android enthusiast, you likely know about Google Fi. But that doesn't mean you necessarily know everything about it. And now that the service has opened up to everyone with an unlocked phone, there's a lot to get caught up on. So we're here to give you the high-level view at the carrier option that comes directly from Google. Namely, just what the heck it is, how it works compared to other carriers and maybe a few reasons why you'd want to try it.
- How does Google Fi Work?
- Does Google Fi support 5G?
- Which phones make the most of Fi
- What if I need support?
- Switching to Google Fi
No surprises
Google Fi
Let your phone pick the best network
Thinking about your phone carrier usually isn't good but Google Fi manages to be an afterthought with network switching and a great app. Google Fi eliminates overages and makes international travel a breeze. It's the perfect balance for average data users.
How does Google Fi work?
How much does the network work?
At the highest level, Google Fi is a phone carrier operated by Google. In the US, it gives you data service on three mobile networks (T-Mobile, Sprint and U.S. Cellular), which your phone will intelligently switch between — it also uses Wi-Fi to make calls and send texts whenever available.
What are the plans?
Google Fi has an unlimited plan and a flexible plan. With the Flexible plan, you start with unlimited talk and text for $20 per month for one line. You only get charged for the data you use at a rate of $10 per 1GB. Once you've used 6GB of data in a month, your data charge is capped at $60 for the rest of the month, but you continue to get data service. You can use as much data as you want for the month without paying over $80 total ($20 base + $60 data). The only caveat here is that once you hit 15GB of total data usage, your speeds are slowed to 256kbps — alternatively, at the 15GB point you can choose to start paying $10 per GB again for full-speed data if needed.
If you know you are going to be using more than 15GB regularly, you can go with the unlimited plan starting at $70 per month with one line. You don't pay per gig on this plan but your speeds will be slowed at 22GB of usage. You get all of the benefits of the flexible plan plus free calls to more than 50 countries and 100GB of cloud storage with Google One.
You can save some money on your plan if you have multiple lines with the cost per line on the unlimited plan coming down with each additional line up to four, up to five on the flexible plan. You can have six lines total but your cost per line will be the same as four. Additionally, you can add a data-only SIM for free so you can share your data with another device without needing to create a hotspot.
| Lines | Unlimited | Flexible |
|---|---|---|
| 1 line | $70 per line ($70) | $20 per line (Minimum bill $10) $10 per GB, Protection at 6GB (Maximum bill $80) |
| 2 lines | $60 per line ($120) | $18 per line (Minimum bill $35) $10 per GB, Protection at 10GB (Maximum bill $135) |
| 3 lines | $50 per line ($150) | $17 per line (Minimum bill $50) $10 per GB, Protection at 12GB (Maximum bill $170) |
| 4 lines | $45 per line ($180) | $17 per line (Minimum bill $65) $10 per GB, Protection at 14GB (Maximum bill $205) |
| 5 lines | $45 per line ($225) | $16 per line (Minimum bill $80) $10 per GB, Protection at 16GB (Maximum bill $240) |
| 6 lines | $45 per line ($270) | $16 per line (Minimum bill $95) $10 per GB, Protection at 18GB (Maximum bill $275) |
How does Google Fi work with your phone?
If you have a phone that is Designed for Fi then you will be able to access the entire Google Fi network. This mostly includes Google's Pixel series as well as the older Nexus phones. When you activate service on your phone with the Google Fi app, your phone will be able to seamlessly switch between T-Mobile, Sprint and U.S. Cellular towers for the best coverage without your input. It will be like you're using one large network.
If your phone isn't on the Designed for Fi list, you'll only be able to get service on T-Mobile's network, which will still work for many people.
As with any carrier, be sure to check your coverage before committing.
You get the power of three mobile networks, plus Wi-Fi, in a single SIM
In addition to the three traditional mobile networks, Google Fi also leans heavily on Wi-Fi whenever possible, whether you're around a known network or not. As you move around, your phone will use the "Wi-Fi assistant" to constantly search for and connect to open Wi-Fi networks, using a database of known good networks that can provide a solid connection. Whenever your phone connects to Wi-Fi, the connection is routed through a VPN for your safety — and you won't notice anything different in the phone experience, except that you are no longer paying for mobile data.
Calls and texts work on Wi-Fi just as they do when you're on mobile data, and you can continue your phone call as your phone switches between networks.
When you use Google Fi, you also get some of the same features that have made Google Voice popular over the years. You can forward phone calls to your Fi number to any phone you want, as well as view voicemail, make calls and send texts with that number from any device using the Hangouts app and website.
What about international usage?
Google Fi works internationally in over 200 countries around the world with no additional cost for data use or texting, which is one of its biggest differentiators from other carriers. You can call at a flat rate of $0.20/min to any number while on the cellular networks abroad, or pay much lower rates when calling on Wi-Fi. You can also call back home to the U.S. on Wi-Fi for free. Data used internationally is charged the same way it is at home depending on which plan you have.
The only catch is that speeds can vary depending on the country you're in, which is to be expected. In our experience, we've found full LTE speeds in a variety of countries around Europe and Asia, with the occasional hiccup as the phone switches between roaming partners.
Does Google Fi support 5G?
T-Mobile took the lead in the 5G race with its rapid deployment of low-band 5G and its continued focus on 5G expansion. Since T-Mobile provides a large chunk of Google Fi's network, if you bring an unlocked phone that is compatible with T-Mobile's 5G network to Google Fi, you can get connect to this new network. With T-Mobile's 600MHz 5G paving the way towards a faster and more reliable network, it's reassuring to know that Goolge Fi is ready to support it. It will be interesting to see how 5G on Fi continues to evolve as T-Mobile completes its purchase of Sprint including its 5G assets. U.S. Cellular is also hard at work bringing preparing to launch its own 5G.
Which phones make the most of Fi?
Designed for Fi
Google's approved phones give the best experience but Fi still works great with an unlocked phone.
You get a truly first-class experience with Google Fi on Google's Pixel series of phones. These phones have an eSIM inside that's pre-programmed for Fi, and you can set up an account and connect to its network without putting in a SIM card. Then there are other phones "designed for Fi" you can buy to get the same experience such as the Moto G7, Moto G6, Android One Moto X4, LG V35, and LG G7. You will need to check to make sure your specific version is supported. Design for Fi phones have full network switching capabilities, meaning they can seamlessly move between Fi's network partners T-Mobile, Sprint and US Cellular, plus make smooth transitions between Wi-Fi hotspots and mobile networks using a Google VPN service.
Compatible with Fi
But starting in late 2018, Google Fi now works with any unlocked phone, with some limitations. Unlocked phones won't be able to take advantage of Fi's network switching, so you'll be using the T-Mobile network primarily, and you don't get Fi's always-on VPN option. But you do get the same great international roaming, plus all of the other Fi features like the great Fi app and simple billing. Yes, that unlocked support also includes iPhones, which is a massive step for Fi. Google Fi even supports iMessage using your Fi number.
You can easily check if your phone model is supported on Google Fi's compatibility page if you are unsure.
How to finance a phone with Google Fi
So long as you qualify (up to Google, based on a credit check), you can purchase a new phone and pay for it in monthly installments. There's no down payment required and no interest; the cost of the phone of your choice is just spread out over 24 months.
You can pay off the balance at any time, but if you decide to leave Google Fi, you'll have to pay out the total cost of the phone then and there. You have 30 days to activate Google Fi service from when you buy your phone. If your Google Fi service isn't active within 30 days, Google will charge you the full amount for the phone.
Full Google Fi for less
Google Pixel 3a
$320 at Amazon $399 at Walmart
A great mid-range option with tons of value.
The Pixel 3a offers the core Google software experience, and the same exceptional camera as the more expensive Pixel 3, for hundreds of dollars less. No, the screen and hardware aren't the best, but it's an incredible overall value and works with all of Google Fi's networks and features.
What if I need support?
If something is wrong?
Talking to tech support is one of my least favorite activities and being in a store that will just try to sell you an upgrade or accessories doesn't make it any more fun. With Google Fi, if you need help, your best bet is the app. And this might be the best carrier app you've ever used. You can download the Google Fi app for Android or Apple iOS and get access to 24/7 phone, chat, or email support.
If your phone is having problems or you just want to chat on a device with a proper keyboard, you can freely access Google Fi's support page for the same options.
I just need to see usage and billing
The same app and sites for support work great for showing you your real-time usage and how much it will cost you. The widget on Android keeps you constantly informed on how much data you are using. You will have to open the app on iOS to see this information but a data warning can be set to send a notification when your data usage gets high. With these tools, your bill should never be a surprise.
How do I cancel Google Fi service?
Very simply. All you have to do is head to the Google Fi website or app:
- Click or tap on the Account tab.
- Click or tap on Manage Plan under Your Plan.
- Click Cancel service.
- Follow the instructions.
Can I use my Google Fi phone with another carrier?
Provided it works with that particular carrier (chances are it will), yup. Google clearly states that your phone is not locked to Google Fi service.
Switching to Google Fi
Simplicity in the service and billing is paramount to the experience.
If you're okay with the inherent hassle of switching carriers and porting your phone number, you don't have many other hurdles to jump over now that Google Fi is open to just about any unlocked phone. You can sign up for Google Fi online in minutes, and you can either buy a phone at the same time (and cash in on some nice discounts and incentives) or Google will send you a SIM card to put in your existing phone. (Or if you already have a Pixel, you can get up and running in minutes with the eSIM.)
Google Fi is worth your consideration.
There are lots of cool features that make Google Fi a good choice, like dramatically simplified billing, Bill Protection to cap your charges every month, seamless international data and calling, and improved network coverage through the use of three carriers and Wi-Fi networks. Each one will have a different amount of draw for different people, but that's a pretty compelling package.
Google Fi's pricing isn't dramatically lower than other carriers out there, and whether it makes a good choice financially for you depends on your data usage and which features you want. We encourage you to do your pricing research before choosing which carrier is the best.
No surprises
Google Fi
Let your phone pick the best network
Thinking about your phone carrier usually isn't good but Google Fi manages to be an afterthought with network switching and a great app. Google Fi eliminates overages and makes international travel a breeze. It's the perfect balance for average data users.
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