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How to activate your Google Fi eSIM
Google Fi is only available in the US so far, but if you’re lucky enough to have access, it can be one of the better providers for data thanks to its Flexible plan. It also supports eSIMs — here’s how to activate your first Fi eSIM, as well as transfer an existing eSIM to a new phone.
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How to activate your Google Fi eSIM
Compatible devices
The first thing to do is check compatibility. Currently, only select Apple, Google, and Samsung phones are supported on Fi, and there many catches for Google devices.
- Apple: iPhone XS, XR, SE (2020) and later
- Google: Pixel 2 (if bought with Fi service), Pixel 3 (if bought with Fi service), Pixel 3a (excluding phones bought with Verizon service or in Japan), Pixel 4 and later (excluding models bought from Verizon)
- Samsung: Galaxy S23 Series, S22 series except S22 Plus, S21 series, S20 series, Galaxy Note20 Series, Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Fold 4, and Galaxy Flip 3
On Android
Once you’ve signed up for a Google Fi plan:
- Make sure your phone is charged and connected to Wi-Fi.
- Download and open the Google Fi app.
- Sign in with the same Google account you used to get your Fi plan.
- When prompted to activate, tap Continue.
- If you’re porting a phone number from another carrier, enter that number when asked, along with its associated account info. If you don’t have the info handy, search for your most recent bill.
On iPhone
- If you haven’t already, sign up for Google Fi on the web, making sure to click Quick setup and Get set up in 15 minutes after you select a compatible iPhone model.
- Download and open the Google Fi app on your iPhone.
- Once it finishes compatibility checks, tap Get started.
- On a separate device, go to fi.google.com/ios/quicksetup and sign in. You should get a QR code to scan.
- Back on your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plans.
- Scan the QR code you were supplied, then follow onscreen instructions.
- Tap Add Cellular Plan.
- Next, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network.
- Enter h2g2 in the Cellular Data APN, LTE Setup APN, and MMS APN fields. For MMSC, enter http://m.fi.goog/mms/wapenc. MMS Max Message sizer should have 23456789. For Personal Hotspot APN, enter h2g2-t.
- Return to the Google Fi app and complete activation.
How to transfer a Google Fi eSIM to a new phone
If you’re switching to an Android phone, the process should be similar to first-time Android setup (above). The process is more complicated if you’re switching to a new iPhone:
- On a computer or tablet, go to fi.google.com/ios/quicksetup and sign in.
- Follow instructions there to scan a QR code using your new iPhone.
- On your iPhone, delete the Google Fi app and reinstall it if it’s already downloaded.
- Open the Fi app and sign in with your Google account.
- Tap Set up using eSIM and follow prompts.
FAQs
While Fi eSIMs can only be activated by US residents, all of the carrier’s plans cover calls, texts, and data within the US, Canada, and Mexico. If you’ve got a Flexible or Unlimited Plus plan, you get international data in over 200 locations at no extra cost. Those plans also get free texts outside North America, though phone calls are $0.20 per minute.
If you want to use two carriers, and your phone supports it, there’s nothing stopping you from using two SIMs simultaneously.
You should be able to, using the methods above.