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Today, Google announced that their phone service, previously called “Project Fi” is now out of project status and has been renamed to “Google Fi”. Even better, they now officially support many more phones than before, including modern iPhones and Samsung phones! This is particularly exciting to the travel community since Fi supports high speed data roaming around the world for no additional cost.
Background regarding Google Fi
In the US, Fi primarily uses the T-Mobile network, but with a Google Fi phone it is capable of actively switching among 3 networks to the one with the best service and speed in your current location. With non-Fi phones (such as iPhones), you’re stuck with T-Mobile only.
With Fi, there is no additional charge for high speed international roaming. You pay the same price regardless of whether you use the service within the US or abroad.
With Fi, there is no additional charge for additional data-only sims. This is an awesome feature! These can be placed into any unlocked phone or device that accepts sim cards and it enables high speed international roaming at no additional cost. Data used with data-only sims adds to your monthly data usage (and so can indirectly add cost if you wouldn’t reach your maximum otherwise).
Single person Fi pricing is as follows:
- Calls & Texts: $20 (there is an extra fee to make calls internationally – 20 cents per minute – but this is easily circumvented by placing calls through Google Hangouts)
- Data: $10 per GB (max $60 per billing cycle)
- Per month total: $20 to $80 (Depending upon how much data is used)
What’s New
Google Fi now supports many different phones! You can check if your phone is compatible here: fi.google.com/compatibility
iPhone support is in beta
When checking the compatibility of a new-ish iPhone (5S or newer), Fi displays this:
I’ve been using Fi on my iPhone for the past month and initially had trouble with texts and voicemail as indicated above, but I installed the Hangouts app and set it to handle texts and voicemail. With those settings in place, I haven’t had any issues with those features.
Most Android phones, other than “Fi phones” (Pixel, Moto, LG), will work fine too, but also won’t be able to switch networks or get automatic Fi VPN.
My Experience with Fi so Far
I’ve written a few posts about my recent experience with Fi. For my most recent report, please see: Google’s Project Fi abroad. 6 surprises: 3 good and 3 bad.
Refer a Friend
Referrals posted as comments on this blog post will not be accepted. If you’re looking for a friend referral or you want to share your own, please head over to this thread within our Frequent Miler Insiders Facebook group.
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[…] Google Fi now officially supports new iPhones, Samsung, and more […]
Hi, Greg,
I have Tmobil service and have a Samsung 8+ I bought unlocked on Amazon. I am a long time Tmobil customer. Since I have dual sim on my phone can I sign up for new service with Fi with a new phone number instead of transferring my old Tmobil number?
Kind of like when people go abroad and buy simcard in other countries but still be able to keep their home country’s phone number?
Do you know if I will have a minimum monthly payment either Fi even though I won’t be using them everyday- only when I travel?
Thank you for your help and time
Yes you can get a second phone number to use with Fi.
I don’t know if Fi will work with your dual sim. Does it allow physical sim cards or only e-sims?
There is no charge with Fi as long as you keep the service paused so your plan should work
[…] Google Fi now officially supports new iPhones, Samsung, and more […]
Hey Greg–any idea if I need to sign up for my wife separately to get the full gift card credit or if doing both together would trigger it?
I don’t know. It’s worth online chatting with them to see what they say (and keep a copy just in case)
Selfishly–if I sign up can I refer my wife instantly or do I have to activate the phone first, do you remember how quickly the referral functionality was available when you did it? Thanks for the help
Disregard that seems as though phone must be activated. Safest to use your link twice as the chat functionality seems down on their website
[…] Google Fi now officially supports new iPhones, Samsung, and more […]
Their one-day new phone promotion is amazing! literally get a new pixel for free, and more with trade in!