Google Fi Wireless

Notable Features

Shared Data Plans: Add up to 5 lines to your account to share data across devices and save on monthly plan fees.

Seamless, Secure Wi-Fi Coverage: Google Fi uses open Wi-Fi connections near you instead of mobile network connections whenever possible. All connections use an encrypted VPN to ensure you're secure. If you leave range of Wi-Fi while on a call, you'll automatically switch to mobile without dropping your call.

Faster, Consistent Speeds: Google Fi checks connection speeds regularly to ensure you're always on the fastest possible connection without having to switch settings yourself.

Awards and Recognitions

• Readers' Choice Award winner in PC Magazine's "Readers Choice Awards: Smartphones & Carriers" for 2016 and 2017.

How's the Network Coverage and Speed?

Predicting coverage and speed for Google Fi is tricky. Since it uses Wi-Fi when possible, your experience will depend on the quality of Wi-Fi networks in your area.

However, even on mobile networks, your experience will likely vary by location. This is because Google Fi uses three different networks to provide mobile access.

To check the speeds and coverage of the different networks used, check the carrier summaries below:

• T-Mobile
• U.S. Cellular
• Sprint

You can check coverage in your area across the various networks using Google Fi's coverage map.

Do They Charge Roaming Fees?

For domestic coverage, there is no need to worry about roaming. 

If you are travelling outside the US, roaming fees will depend on your destination. 

Google Fi offers flat-rate roaming in more than 135 countries around the world.

Data, text and Wi-Fi calling to US numbers are billed at the same rates as domestic usage in these countries. Calls to international numbers are subject to international calling rates. Calls over a mobile network are $0.20 per minute.

You can find a full breakdown on their International Call Rates page.

Outside of the 170+ countries supported, mobile data is not available. However, Wi-Fi text and calling will still work.

What About Long Distance Fees?

Calls to landlines and mobiles in the US and Canada are included with your plan.

However, calling other countries will result in a per-minute fee. Fortunately, Google Fi offers some of the best international rates available.

Per-minute rates vary by country starting at just $0.01 per minute.

You can find more about specific calling rates and options on the International Calling Rates page.

Does Google Fi Offer Wi-Fi Calling?

Yes. In fact, your phone will default to Wi-Fi calling whenever possible. It will also seamlessly transition between mobile network and Wi-Fi calling when needed.

How About Voice over LTE (VoLTE)?

Possibly.

VoLTE support is slowly rolling out to Google Fi subscribers with T-Mobile network coverage.

At the time of writing subscribers in the Sprint or U.S. Cellular coverage zones do not have access to the feature.

You can read more about the Google Fi VoLTE rollout on their subreddit.

Can I Tether My Phone?

Yes. Tethering or using your phone as a mobile hotspot is included at no additional charge. However, any data used by devices connected through tethering counts against your monthly data allotment. 

When tethering, track your data usage closely. Laptops, gaming consoles and other non-mobile electronics often consume more data than your phone or tablet will.

Can I Rollover Unused Data?

No. 

What Add-ons or Bundles are Available?

All Google Fi plans include voicemail, call waiting, conference calling and access to a suite of apps to manage your account and features. 

No add-ons or bundles currently exist to customize your service.

Can I Bring My Own Device?

Phone support for Google Fi is limited. 

They offer a phone compatibility tool to check how your phone is expected to perform with their service.

You'll also need to be sure the phone meets the following requirements:

• The phone must not be on the ESN/MEID/IMEI blacklist
• The phone must not be locked to another carrier network

Features available will depend on the device you plan to bring. Many phones not designed for Google Fi will not have the network switching features of phones designed for the service. This could lead to more dropped calls.

Do They Require a Credit Check?

Maybe.

There's no need for a credit check if you plan to pay for your phone upfront or bring your own phone.

If you want to take advantage of no-interest phone financing, they will check your credit.

At the time of writing, this is a "hard" credit check. This means the check will likely appear on your credit report.

To run the credit check, the carrier will need:

• Your name
• Current address
• SSN

In some cases, a government-issued ID -- such as a Driver's License, State Identification Card or Passport -- is required as well.

NOTE: Credit checks from carriers that pull your credit bureau report may impact your credit score. If you're not sure the best options for your credit profile, we suggest contacting the carrier directly before attempting to obtain service.

What About Activation and SIM Fees?

There are no activation or SIM fees for Google Fi.

Do They Charge an Early Termination Fee?

No.

However, if you have a remaining balance a device financing plan, the total is due at the time of cancellation.

Can I Port My Number To or From Google Fi?

Yes! They follow all Local Number Portability guidelines--allowing you to transfer numbers both in and out of your account.

Requirements include:

• The accounts your are transferring to or from must be active and in good standing.
• Local Number Portability rules must apply to the areas from which you wish to transfer the number.

This service is provided for free. However, if you are porting in a number after the line of service is already activated, you might incur number changing fees. There may also be fees for porting out from your other service provider.

You can find out more information at the Switching to Google Fi section of their FAQ.

Will They Unlock My Phone?

All phones sold through the Google Fi store are already unlocked!

---

For additional questions about pricing, features and coverage, be sure to check our Google Fi Mobile Q&A Forum. It’s filled with questions and answers from people like you looking to get the most out of their mobile service!

If you spot any errors or missing information, please let us know! It's appreciated and will help make this page better for everyone.