If you're an enthusiast of the operating system, you're probably aware of the limitations of the service. You may be more interested now that it's possible to use any unlocked phone. We're here to give you a high-level view of the carrier that comes directly from Google, and maybe a few reasons why you would want to try it.

Google Fi plans on a phone

(Image credit: Samuel Contreras)

A cell phone carrier is operated by a company. It gives you data service on two mobile networks in the U.S. It uses the internet to make and receive calls.

What are Google Fi's plans?

Two unlimited plans and a flexible plan are offered by the company. You can get unlimited talk and text for $20 a month with the Flexible plan. You only have to pay $10 for the data after that. Your data charge is capped at $60 for the rest of the month, but you still get data service, even if you use less data.

If you want to use as much data as you want for the month, you don't have to pay over 80 dollars. Your speeds are slowed to 128kbps once you hit 15 gigabytes of data usage. If you choose to do so, you'll have to pay $10 per gigabyte for full-speed data again.

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You can go with the Simply unlimited plan if you know you're going to use more than 15 gigabytes a month. You don't pay for every gig you use, but your speeds will be slowed. There are no international travel benefits and no data option in Fi's plan. 5 gigabytes of mobile hotspot data is what you get.

The Flexible plan is $65 per month and comes with 50 gigabytes of high-speed data and travel benefits. The option for a free data sim is also included. Free calls to more than 50 countries are included in the plan.

You can save money on your plan if you have multiple lines, with the cost per line on the unlimited plan going down with each additional line. You can have six lines, but your cost per line will be the same. You can add a data-only sim for free if you want to share your data with other devices.

LinesUnlimited PlusSimply UnlimitedFlexible
1 line$65 per line ($65)$50 per line ($50)$20 per line (Minimum bill $10)

$10 per gigabyte, protection at 6 gigabytes.

2 lines$55 per line ($110)$40 per line ($80)$18 per line (Minimum bill $35)

$10 per gigabyte, protection at 10 gigabytes.

3 lines$45 per line ($135)$25 per line ($75)$17 per line (Minimum bill $50)

The maximum bill is $170 for protection at 12 gigabytes.

4 lines$40 per line ($160)$20 per line ($80)$17 per line (Minimum bill $65)

The maximum bill is $205 for protection at 14 gigabytes.

5 lines$45 per line ($200)$20 per line ($100)$16 per line (Minimum bill $80)

The maximum bill is $240 for protection at 16 gigabytes.

6 lines$45 per line ($240)$20 per line ($120)$16 per line (Minimum bill $95)

$10 per gigabyte, protection at 18 gigabytes.

Does Google Fi support international usage?

Google Fi Sim on map

Source: Samuel Contreras / Android Central (Image credit: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)

One of the biggest differences between the two carriers is the fact that they don't charge extra for texting or data use in over 200 countries. When calling on the cellular networks abroad, you can pay a flat rate of $0.20/min, while on the internet, you can pay less. You can make free calls back to the U.S. on the internet. Depending on your plan, international data is charged the same way at home.

It is expected that speeds can vary depending on the country you are in. We've found full LTE speeds in a variety of countries around Europe and Asia, with the occasional hiccup as the phone switch between roaming partners.

What are the best phones for Google Fi?

Pixel 6 Pro lockscreen Material You Music widget

(Image credit: Alex Dobie / Android Central)

You will be able to access the entire network if you have a phone that is designed for Fi. Your phone can be switched between T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular towers for the best coverage without you knowing. It will be similar to using a large network.

The S22 series is one of the phones included in the design for fi phones. Many people will still be able to get service on T-Mobile's network if your phone is not on the Designed for Fi list. If your phone supports T-Mobile's 5G bands, you will have access to the carrier's huge 5G coverage.

You get the power of two mobile networks, plus Wi-Fi, and a VPN in a single SIM.

In addition to the three traditional mobile networks, Google Fi also leans heavily on the internet whenever possible. As you move around, your phone will use the "Wi-fi assistant" to constantly search for and connect to open wi-fi networks, using a database of known good networks that can provide a solid connection You won't notice a difference in the phone experience except for the fact that you are no longer paying for mobile data when you connect to the internet with your phone.

When you're on mobile data, calls and texts work the same as when you're on wi-fi.

Some of the same features that have made Google Voice popular over the years can be found when you use the service. You can forward phone calls to your Fi number from any phone you want, as well as view voicemail, make calls, and send texts with that number.

Which phones are Designed for Fi?

Google's approved phones give the best experience, but Fi still works great with an unlocked phone.

You can get a first-class experience with the phones from the company. You can set up an account on these phones and connect to its network without having to put in a sim card.

There are other phones that are designed for Fi that you can buy, such as the Moto G Power. The Z flip 3 is designed for Fi and the Z fold 3 is only compatible with it. If phones are popular enough, they should be updated with support.

Fi phones have full network switching capabilities that allow them to move between T-Mobile and UScellular and make smooth transitions between wi-fi and mobile networks using a virtual private network.

The best phones will work with the full network.

Which phones are compatible with Fi?

OnePlus 10 Pro on box

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Any unlocked phone can now be used with Google Fi. Unlocked phones can't take advantage of Fi's network switch, so you'll have to use the T-Mobile network. All of the other features like the great Fi app and simple billing are the same. It's a huge step for Fi to have unlocked support for the iPhone. You can use your Fi number to send and receive text messages.

One thing to keep in mind is that even phones that aren't designed for Fi get the majority of the coverage. Most of us will be able to get by on T-Mobile's coverage even though US Cellular has great coverage in some areas.

The phones with 5G support will be able to use the internet. The newest iPhones won't have access to 5G on the internet. Not at this time.

Does Google Fi support 5G?

The Samsung Galaxy S22 shows 5G connectivity

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

T-Mobile's 5G network is compatible with Fi phones that are designed for it. The best possible 5G connection will require your phone to support band n 71 and n41.

The phones that are designed for Fi 5G are thePixel 4a 5G, thePixel 5, thePixel 5a, and thePixel 6. The Note 20 series, S22 series, and A71 5G phones will work with the complete network of the internet service provider. All three networks have access to its full array ofLTE.

Some of the best 5G phones aren't on the designed for fi list. You can still use 5G on T-Mobile's network if your phone is compatible with Fi.

How to finance a phone with Google Fi

You can purchase a new phone and pay for it in monthly installments if you have a good credit rating. The cost of the phone is spread out over 24 months and there is no down payment.

You can pay off the balance at any time, but if you leave, you'll have to pay the entire cost of the phone. When you purchase a phone, you have 30 days to use the service. If your service isn't active within 30 days, you'll be charged the full price for the phone.

What if I need Google Fi support?

What happens if something goes wrong with my Google Fi phone?

Talking to tech support is one of the least enjoyable things to do and being in a store that will just try to sell you an upgrade or accessories doesn't make it any more fun. If you need help, you should use the app. This may be the best carrier app you have ever used. You can get access to a variety of phone, chat, and email support with the app.

If you want to chat on a device with a proper keyboard, or if your phone is having problems, you can access the support page at the same time.

I just need to see my Google Fi usage and billing

If you want to know how much it will cost, you can use the same app and sites for support. You can keep an eye on how much data you use with the app on your phone. When your data usage gets high, a data warning can be set to send a notification. Your bill shouldn't be surprising with these tools.

How do I cancel Google Fi service?

It's very simple. The only thing you have to do is open the Fi app on your phone.

  1. Click or tap on the Account tab.
  2. Click or tap on Manage Plan under Your Plan.
  3. Click Cancel service.
  4. Follow the instructions.

If you want to keep your number when you switch carriers, you need to set up your new plan first.

Can I use my Google Fi phone with another carrier?

Chances are it will work with that carrier. The phone is not locked to the service, according to the company.

Switching to Google Fi

If you're okay with the hassle of changing carriers and getting a new phone number, you don't have to worry about other things. If you sign up for the service online, you can either buy a phone at the same time as you sign up, or you can get a sim card for your existing phone. If you already have a Pixel, you can use the eSIM in minutes.

T-Mobile bought Sprint. Does that affect Google Fi?

On April 1, 2020, the two networks were taken over by T- Mobile. T-Mobile has unified the two networks and moved the remaining customers from the other network to the T-Mobile network. It is possible that some rural customers will see some changes, hopefully positive, as a result of this result.

Even unlocked phones that support T-Mobile's 5G will be able to use 5G with Google Fi in the future. T-Mobile stated that it will continue to supportMVNOs.

T-Mobile is shutting down its own 3G network in order to make room for 5G. Most users won't notice a difference in coverage when this shuts down in mid-2022. Most of the phones that have been sold in the last few years support the newer version of Long Term Evolution, or lte.

Google Fi: Should you buy?

Dramatically simplified billing, Bill Protection to cap your charges every month, seamless international data and calling, and improved network coverage through the use of three carriers are just a few of the cool features. It's a prettyCompelling package that each one has a different amount of draw for different people.

Whether or not it makes a good choice financially depends on your data usage and which features you want. We want you to do your pricing research before you make a decision.