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Google Fi: What plans does it offer and how can I subscribe?
Google's MVNO isn't for everyone, but it can offer substantial savings
Reliable mobile networks are a necessity, just as much as a reliable water supply. While the big three carriers (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) cover many users, sometimes the prices aren't great, which is where MVNOs come in. Companies like Mint Mobile and Ting piggyback off the big three to offer their own connections at much more affordable prices, and Google's Fi is one such carrier.
Google Fi just raised its prices for some unlimited plans
Simply Unlimited group plans are getting a little less simple
MVNO Google Fi is raising its prices for certain unlimited plans. According to new Google Fi support documentation, Simply Unlimited group plans with three or more members are getting more expensive. Prices aren't changing for plans with one or two members, and the features on offer are the same as before.
Mint Mobile vs. Google Fi: Which wireless is best for you?
Mint Mobile comes out ahead in terms of value, but Google Fi has some features that Android fans adore
Google Fi is certainly a compelling carrier option, especially if your phone runs Android. Google Fi has kept its pricing competitive and expanded to offer three plans with multi-line discounts, so just about anyone can find something with Google Fi that works for their needs.
How to forward your number on every major US carrier
Forwarding calls to another number is easier than you think
Call forwarding allows you to redirect calls to a different number. When you're unavailable or left your phone at home, you can forward calls to a partner, assistant, or office number. Though you've likely heard of call forwarding, you may not know that it's an easy-to-activate option available on most modern phones, including the latest Android devices. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Google Fi all support call forwarding. However, the method to turn it on is different for each. Read on and learn how to turn on call forwarding on your device, whoever your provider is.
Fi members will soon get easier access to Google One
You won't be billed separately for your Google One subscription if you have Fi Wireless
If you subscribe to several Google products and services, you might find yourself frustrated when you need to switch apps to manage your account. Even if you use the same account across multiple Google products, a lack of integration can make it difficult — if not impossible — to handle everything at once. Now, Google is looking to simplify matters for users of at least some of its services. Those who have Fi Wireless will soon be able to manage their Google One subscription from one account page.
Visible vs. Google Fi: Which carrier should you pick?
Google Fi has great features, but Visible's simplicity and low prices push it ahead.
Visible is known for its unlimited data; to that point, it's one of only a handful of prepaid carriers to offer truly unlimited data on its unlimited plans. By comparison, Google Fi's unlimited plans come with 35GB or 50GB of high-speed data before being throttled to 256Kbps. Even so, Google Fi rightly points out that this is more than enough data for most people, and Fi's strength really comes from something that Visible can't match — international roaming and Google services.
For many people, Google Fi provided them with a cost-effective alternative to the biggest carriers in the US. Its companion app allowed you to manage your lines in a simple manner, but with Google launching interface redesigns to many of its apps, like Home, it was time Google Fi Wireless followed suit.
You can now add your smartwatch to Google Fi’s network for free
Google Fi is also getting a slight name change
Google launched its MVNO service under the Project Fi moniker in April 2015. Initially, the network was limited to Nexus phones, but Google opened it up to a lot more devices, including iPhones, in November 2018. As a part of the upgrade, the company rebranded the MVNO service to Google Fi. Fast forward to 2023, and Google is giving Fi another makeover with a new logo, a slight name change, and new perks.
Google Fi 5G finally works on iPhones, and here's how to enable it
Google’s MVNO just flipped the switch on faster coverage for Apple phones
Google Fi used to be a complicated amalgamation of cellular networks, but that's all changed now that T-Mobile and Sprint merged, combining two of the three main service providers for Google's MVNO. The third network, US Cellular, was dropped by Fi earlier this month, meaning Google's cell service provider is now essentially just a reseller of T-Mobile connectivity. While we could lament about late stage capitalism and reduced coverage maps, there's one upside here: it's a lot easier for Fi to implement new features now that its infrastructure has been simplified.
Google Fi is test-driving a new 7-day free trial for eSIMs
The deal comes with unlimited calling and tethering
If you’ve been considering giving Google Fi a try, now might be the perfect time to take it out for a spin. The carrier is test-driving a trial program for new customers that would allow you to preview the service for a week for free using the eSIM on your device.
Google Fi just removed US Cellular as its ‘official’ network
The MVNO has so far relied on both T-Mobile and US Cellular to provide its services
Google Fi has long been a better — and cheaper — way to improve your cellular network experience on some of the top Android phones that are compatible with Fi. That has been possible because the MVNO has so far relied on two network providers, T-Mobile and US Cellular, to get you a strong signal wherever you are. It now looks like Google Fi is dropping US Cellular, at least as its official partner, but you have little to worry about.
T-Mobile's data breach also hit Google Fi customers
Your Google Fi connection details may have ended up with the hackers
T-Mobile suffered a massive data breach earlier in January, severely affecting close to 37 million customers. A lot of their sensitive personal data was compromised in this cyber attack. It now appears that the same breach also included customer data from Google Fi, which counts T-Mobile as one of its network providers.
Google Fi subscribers can now use 5G while roaming in more countries
iPhone users on Google Fi are finally gaining Wi-Fi calling support
Google Fi provides incredible value for money. The big G's MVNO relies on T-Mobile and US Cellular's LTE and 5G networks to offer unlimited texting, calling, and cheap mobile data. However, it has some drawbacks, like limited support for 5G networks when roaming internationally. iPhone users have it worst, as the service does not support Wi-Fi calling and mobile data hotspot outside the home country. Google Fi is now addressing some of these limitations with its latest updates.
Google Pixel Watch may be the first smartwatch to have Google Fi support
Google Fi app teardown suggests the network is adding support for the upcoming Pixel Watch
Google Fi is an MVNO carrier from Google that uses T-Mobile's and US Cellular's LTE and 5G networks. The service does not support the best Android smartwatches on the market today, despite many of them sporting the required hardware for cellular connectivity. It looks like this precedent could soon change, though, with the launch of the upcoming Pixel Watch.
How T-Mobile's 3G shutdown will impact Google Fi and older Pixels
In short: It's time to upgrade that old phone
The long and drawn-out death of carrier 3G services in the US is approaching its dramatic close, with T-Mobile next to flip the off switch on its legacy systems in July. Google Fi, being a T-Mobile MVNO, will also be affected when that happens, and the company has detailed exactly how subscribers will be affected.
Google Fi's subtle new Material You redesign is starting to land
Fi's Material You changes are so small, you might not notice them.
You should already know what Google Fi is, but whether you're a subscriber to Google's MVNO service or not, its Android companion app is finally catching up to other Google apps with its own Material You layout. It's not a total redesign (if that's what you were hoping for), with the app merely picking up support for dynamic color theming and small changes to the navigation bar interface.
Google Fi cuts prices and bumps data for Unlimited plans
Google's MVNO is now more competitive than ever
Just about a year ago, Google Fi introduced a new pricing tier. While this new Simply Unlimited plan looked like a straightforward way to package unlimited calls, texts, and data, we noted that it wasn't actually much of a bargain compared to plans from other carriers. But we might want to start rethinking that, as Google has just announced reduced pricing for its Simply Unlimited and Unlimited Plus plans, along with some extra benefits for each.
Google, a big fan of safety, expands Assistant Guest Mode to 9 other languages
Plus, more new safety features
Google is using Safer Internet Day, an initiative spearheaded by the European Union, to announce several expansions to safety features it has made available across its various platforms. After all, you might need them one day. Better them being more available than less so.
Google Fi's adding support for end-to-end encrypted calls
No one was (probably) snooping on your calls, but now you can actually be sure of that
If you want your private communication to stay private, end-to-end encryption is what you're looking for — the "end-to-end" bit means that even the company hosting the service can't read your messages while they're in transit. Popular messaging services like WhatsApp feature end-to-end encryption on messages, video calls, voice calls, and more recently, even backups. And more apps keep adding support for it, even including Google Messages not too long ago. If you're a Google Fi user, you'll be glad to know that Google wants to bring end-to-end encryption to your phone calls, too.
Google Fi is offering switchers $200 plus some Pixel Buds for their Pixel 6 pre-orders
Pixel Pass is also here, but you'll have to give and take on the promo
Everyone was busy jamming the Google Store trying to lodge their pre-orders in for a Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro. Another place you could have done it was at Google's own MVNO, Google Fi. And there's plenty of reason to do it here, too.