Activate your Google Fi service

Are you a new Google Fi Wireless user in the United States having an issue when activating your service? We can help! Click the button below to use our troubleshooter:

Resolve activation issue

Important: To use Google Fi internationally, activate your service in the US first. US territories aren’t eligible. If your phone has more than one Google Account, the Google Fi account must be the admin or owner.

Military and State Department employees who serve overseas can qualify for an exception. Verify your eligibility.

Google Fi Wireless | Set up your service from home in the app

Check if your device works with Google Fi

Most popular phones work with Google Fi. To confirm, check your phone’s compatibility.

Use unlocked devices with Google Fi. If you bring your own device to Google Fi, it must be unlocked by your previous carrier. An activation error could mean your device remains locked. Devices that you buy from Google Fi or the Google Store are already unlocked.

If you’re unsure if your phone is unlocked, contact your previous carrier or the retailer where you bought it.

Important: eSIM activation requires Android 11 and above. You may experience issues attempting to activate on older versions on Android OS.

Set up Google Fi on Android

If you're bringing an Android device to Google Fi, you should update your Android OS before activating.

1. If you are setting up your device for the first time, follow the instructions, which include:
   1. Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
   2. Sign into your Google Account.
      • On some devices, you can set up Google Fi as part of your initial device setup. Follow the on-screen instructions.
      • If you upgrade from a device with SIMs for both Google Fi and another carrier, you may find an Android eSIM transfer screen for the other carrier. Skip this screen, since Google Fi doesn't support this feature.
2. After phone setup, download the Google Fi app from fi.google.com/app.
   • Tip: You only need to do this if you don’t already have the app.
3. Sign in to the Google Fi app .
   • Important: Do not scan a QR code at activation. It’s for iPhone users only.
   • If the Google Fi app is on your device, make sure it’s up to date. To update the app:
     1. On your device, open the Play Store app .
     2. At the top right, tap your Profile Manage apps & device Updates available.
     3. On the list, find the Google Fi app .
     4. Tap Update.
        • If you find "Open" instead of "Update" next to the app, the app is already up to date.
4. To activate service, follow the on-screen instructions in the Google Fi app.
   • To transfer your number to Google Fi, make sure your account with your previous carrier is active. You need your account number and PIN from them. Learn how to transfer your number to Google Fi.
   • If you want a new number, you can get it during activation. To change your number after activation:
     1. Open the Google Fi app .
     2. Tap Account Manage plan Change number.
5. Confirm device activation. Check for a "Your service is ready on this phone" push notification or a "Welcome" or "Connected" message in the Fi app.

Tip: Android setup activation works only on unlocked Pixel and Motorola devices. These devices preload the Google Fi app. All other Android device activations should follow the instructions in the Google Fi app.

Use physical SIM card

If you have issues activating with an eSIM, you can order a physical SIM card from the Google Fi website.

1. Once you sign up, be sure to order a SIM card.
2. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to:
   1. Remove the SIM card from your current device.
   2. Insert the SIM card into your new device.
3. To complete your setup, follow the on-screen instructions.
   • When you set up Google Fi, you can transfer your number to Google Fi.
   • If you want a new number, you can get it when you activate Google Fi.
   • To find your number, go to the "Home" tab of the Google Fi app or website.
4. Check that the activation was successful.
   • To confirm your device is activated, in the Google Fi app, find a "Your service is ready on this phone" push notification, or a "Welcome" or "Connected" message.

Tip: If you suspect your SIM card is faulty, you can order a new one from the Google Fi website.

Set up a new device with an old device

When you upgrade from an old device with Google Fi and another carrier, you may encounter an Android eSIM transfer screen. Google Fi doesn’t support this feature. You might encounter this screen during setup.

You can activate Google Fi:

• In the Google Fi app:
  1. Tap Use a different SIM.
  2. On the “Confirm your mobile network” screen, tap Google Fi Wireless.

This issue applies only if you had 2 separate carriers on your old device. If you’re a new Google Fi user or have a single carrier, you wouldn’t find this.

Related resources

• Troubleshoot Google Fi activation
• How to transfer Google Fi service to a new device
• How to add tablets and laptops to your Google Fi plan
• Insert a SIM card into a Designed for Fi phone