What Is Google Fi? How Does Google Fi Work?
Google Fi (formerly known as Project Fi) is a telecommunications service by Google. The company offers mobile devices and plans with talk, text, and data via cellular networks and Wi-Fi. Google Fi is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that uses T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular networks and compatible phones switch between the three networks depending on signal strength and congestion. It is also one of the few U.S. carriers to refund you for the data you don’t use. In addition, the provider offers support for RCS chat, T-Mobile’s 5G network, a Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) program, and an incredibly simple sign up process – you can either sign up online on their official website and they will send you a free SIM card, or you can buy a SIM card at Best Buy. Google Fi comes with no activation fees, no contracts, advanced security features
What Is the Difference Between Google Fi and Other Cellular Networks?
If we compare Google Fi with cellular networks, such as Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T, the main difference is that as an MVNO Google Fi doesn’t have its own network towers but has an agreement to use other providers’ towers instead. As such, Google Fi doesn’t have to spend any money or energy on network tower building and maintenance, but rather focuses on its services. However, like any other MVNO, Google Fi has to deal with deprioritization. In times of congestion, the customers of the network tower owners will have a slight advantage over MVNO customers and will get a better signal and reception.
The main difference between Google Fi and other MVNOs, on the other hand, is probably the fact that while several MVNOs have agreements with multiple carriers, only a few MVNOs offer their subscribers access to more than one network. Google Fi customers can access all three networks, but not all phones are optimized for the task of seamlessly and automatically switching between networks to find the one that offers the best coverage in a particular area. Unlike many other MVNOs, Google Fi also doesn’t have any stores but offers a strictly digital service. In addition, they offer some special benefits, such as a complete refund for unused data.
How Do I Know Is My Phone Compatible With Google Fi?
Google Fi offers a BYOP program and thus allows customers to bring their own phone if they have one that fits their needs.
Google Fi is compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones and the service is easy to set up at home. However, the service is only optimized for a few mobile devices. Using a Google Pixel or a Moto G phone will allow you to access all three networks (T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular) for the best and strongest possible service. Other devices, on the other hand, will only be able to access T-Mobile’s network. Therefore, Google Fi offers special promotional discounts on Moto and Google phones. Most iPhones should also be compatible with Google Fi, however, Google’s services are still in beta for iPhones and may need some adjustment to get started.
The best and the only way to know for sure whether or not your phone is compatible with Google Fi is by checking the device’s compatibility at fi.google.com/compatibility. To do so, simply select your phone’s manufacturer (Apple, Google, HTC, Huawei, LG, Motorola, Samsung, or other), select your phone model on the next slide, choose where the phone was purchased (from AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, Unlocked, International, I don’t know, or other), and then, the system will inform you if your phone is compatible with Fi or not. In addition, the system will also let you know exactly what to expect and whether or not your phone supports network switching and will allow you to get access to all three of their networks.
The Best Google Fi Compatible Phones List
The phones that will definitely work on Google Fi are the ones that were designed for Google Fi and are sold on their website. However, in addition to those devices (you can see the whole list of original Google Fi phones in the next chapter), Google Fi services are also compatible with a long list of other Android and Apple smartphones. All Android phones must run Android 7.0 and have LTE bands 2 and 4. All iPhones (as well as iPads) must run iOS 12 or higher. You can see a short list of the very best Google Fi-compatible phones below.

Note: while Google Fi’s original devices may support network shifting, Google Fi-compatible devices that were purchased elsewhere most likely do not support network shifting and will only allow you to access T-Mobile’s nationwide network.
List of Google Fi Compatible iPhones
- Apple iPhone 12
- Apple iPhone 12 Pro
- Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
- Apple iPhone 12 Mini
- Apple iPhone 11
- Apple iPhone 11 Pro
- Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
- Apple iPhone 11 Mini
- Apple iPhone 8/8 Plus
- Apple iPhone 7/7 Plus
- Apple iPhone 6S/6S Plus
- Apple iPhone 6/6 Plus
- Apple iPhone 5S
- Apple iPhone SE
- Apple iPhone XS
- Apple iPhone XS Max
- Apple iPhone XR
- Apple iPhone X
List of Google Fi Compatible Android Phones
- Google Pixel
- Google Pixel XL
- Google Pixel 2
- Google Pixel 2 XL
- Google Pixel 3
- Google Pixel 3 XL
- Google Pixel 3a
- Google Pixel 3a XL
- Google Pixel 4 series
- Google Pixel 5
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10/10 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A71 5G
- LG V35 ThinQ
- LG G7 ThinQ
- OnePlus 7T and 7 Pro McLaren
- OnePlus 8 Pro
- Motorola One 5G Ace
- Motorola Moto G Power (2020 and 2021)
- Motorola Moto G Stylus
- Motorola Moto G Play
- Motorola Moto G7
- Motorola Moto G6
- Motorola Moto X4
- Nexus 6P
- Nexus 6
List of Google Fi Compatible Flip Phones
Google Fi currently doesn’t support flip phones.
In addition to these phones, Google Fi is also compatible with most other Android and iOS smartphones. To make sure your phone is compatible with Google Fi services, do the compatibility test at fi.google.com/compatibility.
What Phones Are Designed for Google Fi?
The mobile devices that will surely work on Google Fi are the ones that were designed for Fi. Those are the devices that offer smarter coverage by allowing you to shift between multiple mobile networks and millions of Wi-Fi connections. Original Google Fi devices include the following.
- Google Pixel 4a
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
- Motorola One 5G Ace
- Moto G Power (2021)
- Google Pixel 5
- Google Pixel 4a (5G)
- Moto G Play (2021)
- Samsung Note 20 5G
- Samsung Note 20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung A71 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
What Other Carriers Are Compatible With Google Fi?
Given the fact that Google Fi runs on T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular’s networks, the provider supports both GSM (T-Mobile) and CDMA (Sprint and U.S. Cellular) technology, networks, and devices. However, as it has agreements with these three carriers, Google Fi may be most compatible with them. As such, bringing a phone from or to T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular may be most likely to work.
In addition to T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular, Google Fi may also be compatible with some of their MVNOs. Below, you can the entire list of MVNOs.
T-Mobile MVNOs:
- Consumer Cellular (AT&T, T-Mobile)
- Metro by T-Mobile (T-Mobile)
- Mint Mobile (T-Mobile)
- Net10 (T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, U.S. Cellular)
- Red Pocket (Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T)
- Republic Wireless (Sprint, T-Mobile)
- Simple Mobile (T-Mobile)
- Straight Talk (Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T)
- Ting (T-Mobile, Sprint)
- TracFone (Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T)
- Ultra Mobile (T-Mobile)
- US Mobile (T-Mobile, Verizon)
- Gen Mobile (T-Mobile, Spint)
- TextNow (T-Mobile, Sprint)
- Wing (T-Mobile, AT&T)
Sprint MVNOs:
- Boost Mobile (Sprint)
- FreedomPop (Sprint, AT&T)
- Net10 (T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T, Verizon)
- Pix Wireless (Sprint, AT&T)
- Red Pocket (Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T)
- ROK Mobile (Verizon, Sprint)
- Straight Talk (Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T)
- Tello (Sprint)
- TextNow (Sprint)
- Ting (Sprint, T-Mobile)
- TracFone (Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T)
- Twigby (Sprint, Verizon)
- Unreal Mobile (Sprint)
- Virgin Mobile (Sprint)
U.S. Cellular MVNOs:
- Net10
- Tracfone
What Are Google Fi Compatible Phone Plans
Google Fi offers three different no-contract plans – Flexible, Simply Unlimited, or Unlimited Plus. The price depends on how many lines you need. You can choose anywhere from 1 to 6 lines and the more lines you get, the less you pay for a single line.
- Flexible Plan comes with unlimited calls and texts, $10 a GB data with bill protection and slower data after 15 GB, data while traveling outside U.S., Canada, and Mexico at the same rate of $10 a GB, affordable calls and texts while traveling outside U.S., Canada, and Mexico, affordable calls from the U.S. to 200+ destinations (+ free to Canada and Mexico), high-speed hotspot tethering, data-only SIMs, privacy and security features, family features, no contracts, 24/7 customer support. It costs $20 + $10/GB for 1 line, $18 + $10/GB for 2 lines, $17 + $10/GB for 3 or 4 lines, and $16 + $10/GB for 5 or 6 lines.
- Simply Unlimited Plan comes with unlimited calls and texts, unlimited data with slower data after 22 GB, affordable calls from the U.S. to 200+ destinations (+ free to Canada and Mexico), privacy and security features, family features, no contracts, 24/7 customer support. It costs $60 for 1 line, $45 for 2 lines, and $30 for 3, 4, 5, or 6 lines.
- Flexible Plan comes with unlimited calls and texts, unlimited data with slower data after 22 GB, Google One membership, data while traveling outside U.S., Canada, and Mexico (+ free in over 200 destinations), affordable calls and texts while traveling outside U.S., Canada, and Mexico, affordable calls from the U.S. to 200+ destinations (+ free to 50+ destinations), high-speed hotspot tethering, data-only SIMs, privacy and security features, family features, no contracts, 24/7 customer support. It costs $70 for 1 line, $60 for 2 lines, $50 for 3 lines, and $45 for 4, 5, or 6 lines.
Is There Google Fi 5G?
You bet there is 5G. In fact, any unlocked mobile device that is compatible with T-Mobile’s 5G network will have access to 5G with Google Fi. Moreover, as T-Mobile offers the largest 5G network in the country, all Google Fi customers with 5G compatible phones will get access to the 5G network with the largest coverage.
However, as T-Mobile’s network towers are not equally distributed, you should make sure that there is good 5G coverage in your area. To do so, visit fi.google.com/about/coverage and enter your address or location in the search box.
How to Bring Your Own Google Fi Phone
Bringing a phone to Google Fi is simple. All compatible phones get great coverage, privacy, and advanced security features. In addition, all unlocked phones that are compatible with T-Mobile’s 5G network get access to the 5G network. However, only phones designed especially for Google Fi come with network-switching technology.
Google Fi works on most Android phones, however, make sure to check your phone’s compatibility at fi.google.com/compatibility.
When it comes to iPhones, Google Fi is still in beta. Bringing an iPhone to Fi may require some extra setup, however, Fi’s team of experts will guide you through the process.
To bring your own phone to Google Fi, first, make sure the device is compatible (fi.google.com/compatibility) and once you make sure it is, press ‘Join Fi’. You will be redirected to their ‘sign up’ page, where you will be able to select a plan, the number of lines, whether or not you wish to keep your phone number, and other details.
What Networks Does Google Fi Actually Use
Google Fi is an MVNO that uses multiple different networks, including T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular. Google Fi compatible phones will probably get access to T-Mobile’s huge nationwide coverage and the devices that support 5G networks, will also get T-Mobile’s 5G network.
However, the devices designed for Google Fi come with in-built network-switching technology, which allows customers to switch from one network to the other quietly and automatically without the customer even noticing, depending on which of these three networks offers the best coverage and strongest signal in any given location.
How to Register for a Google Fi Account
To register for a Google Fi account, simply follow the easy steps provided below.
- Go to fi.google.com/about and press the ‘Join Fi’ button located in various places, including the top right corner.
- Select how many lines you wish and choose a plan type (Flexible, Simply Unlimited, or Unlimited Plus). Once you have selected a plan that best fits your needs, press the ‘Continue’ button, located below.
- Afterward, you will get to choose the phone you’ll use. In this step, you will also be offered to trade in your old phone and get up to $500 worth of credit.
If you choose an original Google Fi phone, you will be redirected to the phone’s page, where you will be able to choose the color, storage, payment, device the protection feature, and the trade-in option. Once you choose everything, press ‘Continue’. You will be able to check if you are eligible for financing. To do so, provide the required info and press ‘Check my credit’.
If you choose ‘Bring your own phone’ instead, you will be redirected to a compatibility check. Once you choose both the brand and the model of your phone and if the phone proves to be compatible, you will be able to press ‘Continue with this phone’.
- Then, you will be asked to review the details of your cart. In the next step, you will be required to provide some personal information and you will be able to choose whether to bring your current number to Fi or to get a new one.
- Finish the registration process by simply following the on-screen prompts and providing the required information.
How to Configure Your Device With Google Fi
To use Google Fi service you will need Google Fi’s SIM card, which is designed for their service. In case you decide to purchase an original Google Fi phone, you will automatically receive the SIM card as well. On the other hand, if you choose to bring your phone, you can either order a free SIM card on Google Fi’s official website or purchase one at Best Buy. If your device supports eSIM cards, you will be able to use Google Fi’s services on your phone without inserting a physical card. In addition, if you decide to purchase an original Google Fi phone, you will be able to take it to another service provider whenever you please, as all Fi’s phones are unlocked.
Once you get both an original or compatible device and a SIM card, you can simply insert the SIM card into the device (you can skip this part if your phone supports eSIM cards), and activate the phone and service. To do so, simply visit fi.google.com/activate#:~:text=Step%201%3A%20Set%20up%20your%20phone&text=Open%20the%20Google%20Fi%20app,continue%20setting%20up%20your%20phone and follow the provided instructions.
How Google Fi Network Switching Works
Google Fi service and phones come with several interesting features. For one, you will get an integrated Wi-Fi assistant feature, which will make your phone constantly search for available Wi-Fi networks and connect via automatic VPN.
In addition, an original Google Fi phone is designed to automatically switch between the three available networks – T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular. This switching happens in the background and automatically, without the need for you to check your phone or do anything manually. The phone may even switch between cellular networks (and Wi-Fi services during a phone call and you won’t even notice it as it will cause no interruptions whatsoever.
Google Fi compatible phones, on the other hand, do not support network switching. However, you will still be able to enjoy T-Mobile’s nationwide network without Fi’s VPN integration. You will also be able to enjoy international roaming, billing, and other features.
Nonetheless, in order to use all of Fi’s features, you will either have to purchase an eSIM-enable Pixel or a ‘Designed for Fi’ smartphone.
How to Buy a Google Fi Phone
Google Fi doesn’t have any physical stores, therefore you can only purchase an original ‘Designed for Fi’ phone on their website at fi.google.com/about/phones.
You can purchase a Google Fi-compatible phone elsewhere (from any service provider or retailer) and bring it to Google Fi.
Google Fi Compatible Phones Others Thing You Should Know
Will I Actually Save Money With This Google Fi Service?
Google Fi offers relatively affordable plans, however, the service may be most inexpensive for users who tend to use relatively small amounts of mobile data with their Flexible plan. You can compare the prices and see if any of the plans meet your needs in the section ‘What Are Google Fi Compatible Phone Plans’ above.
What if I Live Outside of the U.S.? Can I Still Sign Up for Fi?
Currently, Google Fi services are only available in the United States. You will be required to activate the service within the U.S., use a U.S. address and credit card.
What if I Want to Put a SIM Card Into a Tablet, Laptop, or Other Connected Device? How Much Does Fi Charge for That Privilege?
Google Fi doesn’t charge anything for putting your SIM card into a tablet, laptop, or another connected device. The provider allows you to get up to 4 free data-only SIM cards for your account and use them on any device you want. You can order the SIM cards on their website and pay the same flexible rate, which means that all extra devices basically become extensions of your Fi phone.
Will Any Phone Work With Fi?
As we have mentioned before, most unlocked Android and iOS smartphones are compatible with Fi services. All Android phones must run Android 7.0 and have LTE bands 2 and 4 and all iPhones (as well as iPads) must run iOS 12 or higher.
However, only original Google Fi devices that have been designed for the provider will give a customer access to all of Fi’s special features (network switching, automatic Wi-Fi connections, and the always-on VPN protection). And as those features are precisely what makes Google Fi stand out from the rest of the carriers and MVNOs, it may be a shame to miss out on the opportunity.