What you need to know

• Google Fi users are facing a 'SIM card is no longer active' error, causing mobile data to stop working unexpectedly.
• The outage started late March 31, with users reporting issues across devices and regions without a clear pattern.
• Google has acknowledged the issue and says it is actively working on a fix.
• A temporary workaround involves disabling and re-enabling international calling in the Fi app to restore service.

If you're a Google Fi user and seeing a 'SIM card is no longer active' error, with mobile data not working, you're not alone. Thankfully, there's a fix you can try.

Late Tuesday night (March 31, 2026), several Google Fi users began reporting issues with the service. Many Reddit users say (2) they can't access mobile data and are seeing the 'Your SIM card is no longer active' message, even though everything should be working normally.

Google has officially acknowledged the issue on its support page, stating: "Due to a high number of contacts, wait times are longer than normal. If you get the message "Your SIM card is no longer active": We're aware of this issue and working to resolve it as soon as possible. Please check back later for any updates."

The banner was still visible early Wednesday, April 1, 2026, around 4:10 AM ET, suggesting the outage is ongoing for some users.

There's no clear pattern in terms of affected regions or devices, and the issue seems to be impacting users randomly. Given that Google Fi is considered one of the better carrier services in the U.S., this is a significant problem, although Google appears to be actively working on a fix.

According to Reddit users, some Google support agents have suggested a workaround. The fix involves disabling and then re-enabling calls to international numbers, after which service reportedly returns to normal.

If you're facing this issue, you can try the following: go to the Fi app, head to the Home tab, tap Calls to non-US numbers under International features, disable it, wait a minute, and enable it again.

For now, it looks like Google is still working on a proper fix. We'll update this as soon as the outage is resolved, but until then, this workaround might help get things working again.

Android Central's Take

I haven't heard from my colleagues in the U.S. facing this issue yet, but it does seem pretty widespread online. Sure there's a simple fix that you can try, but I hope Google rolls out a proper fix soon.

What you need to know

• An AI-powered upgrade for Google Fi launching in mid-November will scrub background noise like wind and traffic from all calls, making every conversation clearer by default.
• Coming in early December, users can send high-res photos, videos, and messages right from their browser without needing their phone nearby.
• Pixel 5a and newer devices will automatically link to secure premium Wi-Fi networks at airports and major public spots, with VPN protection built in.

Google Fi is getting a significant overhaul this fall, with a raft of AI-powered features aimed at improving call clarity, messaging flexibility, Wi-Fi reliability, and bill transparency.

Starting around mid-November, Google said in a blog post that Fi subscribers will automatically benefit from what the company calls AI-enhanced audio. In practice, this means conversations — including calls to landlines or older devices — will have background noise such as wind, traffic or construction filtered out, and voices on both ends will sound clearer. The feature is enabled by default, though users will have the option to disable it if they prefer.

Another major upgrade: Google Fi’s web interface for calls and messages gains full support for RCS (Rich Communication Services). That means users can send high-resolution photos and videos and enjoy richer threads from a browser even if their phone is not within reach. The rollout for this is expected in early December.

To tackle weak indoor signals, Google Fi is expanding its Wi-Fi Auto Connect+ feature. For select devices (currently Pixel 5a and newer) the service will automatically connect to premium Wi-Fi networks at no extra cost and secure the connection via VPN. This expanded capability will cover tens of millions of locations including major airports (LAX, ORD, JFK) and participating retail malls and stores. On such networks you’ll see a “W+” icon in your status bar.

Bills you can actually understand

In-app support is getting smarter too. The Google Fi app will now generate AI-powered summaries of your monthly bill: what you were charged, what changed since last month, and how any plan adjustments might affect your future costs. This aims to reduce the confusion around mobile bills and avoid needless calls to support.

To go along with the feature rollout, Google Fi is offering a limited-time promotion: new subscribers bringing their own phone and signing up for either the Unlimited Essentials or Unlimited Standard plans will receive 50% off for 15 months. The offer ends November 4, 2025.

If you’re already on Google Fi with a compatible device, the upgrades are mostly automatic and won’t cost extra. Google is weaving AI deeper into its mobile service as functional enhancements that address real frustrations: noisy calls, patchy indoor connectivity, browser-based messaging limitations, and opaque bills.

What you need to know

• Google Fi has launched the Unlimited Essentials plan for $35 per month, offering unlimited calls, texts, and 30GB of high-speed data.
• On the other hand, the Simply Unlimited plan is now dubbed Unlimited Standard and gives users 50GB of data, a significant bump from 35 GB.
• New customers can receive the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel Watch 3 with significant discounts and bill credits.

Google Fi is celebrating 10 years of its inception on Tuesday (Apr 22), and has announced a new affordable plan alongside some enhancements to its existing plans.

The new plan is dubbed Unlimited Essentials, and as the name implies, it covers the essentials of a carrier plan — like giving users unlimited calls, texts, and data — with 30GB of high-speed data for the U.S. region. The search giant announced through a blog post that one connection will cost $35 per month.

While that makes it the entry-level offering of Google Fi, the other unlimited plans are also getting some love for the existing price. For instance, the Simply Unlimited plan is now dubbed Unlimited Standard and gives users 50GB of data, a significant bump from 35 GB. It also includes 25GB of hotspot tethering, which is up from 5 GB. Additionally, the consumers also get coverage in Canada and Mexico, alongside having full connectivity on select smartwatches.

Similarly, Unlimited Plus is renamed to Unlimited Premium, which comprises 100GB of data, up from 50 GB. Plus, 50GB of high-speed hotspot tethering is also included. Other perks of the plan include six months of YouTube Premium, 100GB of Google One cloud storage, and connectivity for tablets and laptops without any additional cost.

Google has also announced that it is broadening its access to its data-only SIMs to data-only eSIMs, which means users “can quickly and easily connect newer, eSIM-compatible devices like Android tablets and iPads with data on the go, without needing a physical SIM card.”

Google Fi 5G international coverage is expanding to more than 92 global destinations for users on the Unlimited Premium and Flexible plans. And, the company is doubling the 5G network by adding 54 countries, which makes it available on iPhones, next to Android phones.

In the coming weeks, iPhone users can listen to voicemails directly on the phone app instead of the Fi app for those on the Google Fi network.

The 10th anniversary celebrations of Google Fi don’t stop there, as the company is also launching limited-time promotions for new and existing Fi users.

“For new customers, we're offering the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel Watch 3 on us. You’ll get $300 off the Pixel 9 Pro instantly and the remaining $699 back over 24 monthly bill credits. After the phone ships, we’ll email you a code for Pixel Watch 3 to get $100 off instantly and $349 back over 24 monthly bill credits. This offer is available until April 29, or while supplies last.”

Existing customers, on the other hand, will get even deeper instant rebate discounts across all Pixel 9 series phones. Users can check their Fi account for these new offers.

• Carrier deals: Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | Visible

Welcome to Ask Jerry, where we talk about any and all the questions you might have about the smart things in your life. I'm Jerry, and I have spent the better part of my life working with tech. I have a background in engineering and R&D and have been covering Android and Google for the past 15 years.

I'm also really good at researching data about everything — that's a big part of our job here at Android Central — and I love to help people (another big part of our job!). If you have questions about your tech, I'd love to talk about them.

Email me at askjerryac@gmail.com, and I'll try to get things sorted out. You can remain anonymous if you like, and we promise we're not sharing anything we don't cover here.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Is there anything I need to do to make sure my phone works while travelling (and doesn't cost me a lot of money)?

T.J. asks:

I'm taking a vacation to Turkey, Greece, and Italy for a few weeks and this is the first time I'll be travelling without my work phone. Will my Galaxy S23 work without costing me an arm and a leg in international roaming fees from AT&T? Is there anything i should do before I leave to make sure?

Thanks

Hi T.J.! I'm jealous that you'll be catching the Mediterranean sun while I'm fighting the snow and slop here on the East Coast. You couldn't have picked a better place to spend a few weeks and I'll bet you have a great time.

For a quick answer to your question — you might be able to pop a local pre-paid SIM card in your phone and bypass those uber-expensive international roaming fees at the cost of not having your normal phone number for a few weeks. It all depends on if your phone is region-locked.

Unless you specifically bought an unlocked phone (something you should always do when you can) from your carrier (there are ways to check if your phone is unlocked) it's likely to have several of the radio bands locked in the firmware. They are still there and capable of working, they just need the lock removed.

Your carrier can do this in a store with technicians and the correct software, but getting them to do so can be difficult; they would rather you pay roaming fees or buy an international plan add-on.

That's actually not a bad idea in this case. If your phone is region-locked to North America spending an extra $10 or so per day is the easy way to use your phone almost anywhere without huge roaming fees. It's certainly less intimidating than unlocking the radio bands yourself through the phone's service menu.

If you're like me though, you'd rather mess with things than give AT&T extra money. The good news is that this has all been figured out and you can find complete instructions to do it yourself. Once this is done, you can pop a local SIM in and go. You might not have the fastest network connection, but everything will work.

What you'll be doing is entering a "secret code" into the phone's dialer to reach a technical menu that allows you to lock and unlock radio frequencies. It's not difficult, but it can be intimidating. That's why I mentioned how much easier adding a daily international add-on to your plan is. You can either pay $100 or so per week or go through a tedious and intricate set of instructions.

There is a third option — Google Fi. If your phone is carrier-unlocked (a different type of lock than region-lock; phone makers and carriers love locking things, apparently), you can buy a month of Google Fi service, which works with no extra fees in all three countries you mentioned. You don't have to sign any sort of contract, and when you're done, you just don't renew it.

You'll have a different number, just like you would if you used a local SIM card, but you won't be paying a bunch of surprise fees or a daily fee to use your phone without roaming charges.

Other than making sure you've enabled some sort of network connection, there isn't anything else to do. Your phone will automatically adjust things like the time and get its new location without doing anything and it should work exactly the same way it does back home.

Now, have fun in the sun for all of us stuck here in the winter weather!

What you need to know

• Google Pixel 8a was spotted in an advertisement ahead of its expected launch.
• The device can be seen in two colorways with a matte finish frame.
• The Pixel 8a is expected to launch at Google I/O 2024 on May 14 with a Tensor G3 chipset.

The Pixel 8a is Google's next highly anticipated product launch, and it's expected to appear at Google I/O in May. However, a recent Google Fi ad appears to give us an official look at the Pixel 8a in two different colorways.

As seen on YouTube and reported by GSMArena, the ad showed the Pixel 8a in what appears to be Porcelain and Bay color variants, similar options to what we've seen on the current Pixel 8 devices.

While the ad doesn't specifically say that the showcased phones are the Pixel 8a devices, the curved corners, and thinner camera visor seem to match what we've seen in previous renders of the device, which are quite different from the Pixel 8 and even the Pixel 7a. GSMArena also points to the rear mic placement, which seems to differ from other Pixel models and is not visible on the camera visor, as seen in earlier renders.

While it's possible the rear phone could be the Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel 8a renders seems to show a matte frame, whereas the Pixel 8 Pro comes with a glossy finish. The signs seem to point to this being the Pixel 8a, especially since the Pixel 8 is not available in blue (it's exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro), although for now, you should take this with a grain of salt until the official launch.

Overall, the upcoming Pixel 8a is expected to be pricier than its predecessor. Underneath, the Tensor G3 chip will likely power it, and some of the recent certifications have assured that the Pixel 8a would sport a bigger battery as well.

The Google I/O is slated for May 14, 2024, when we might get our first official look at the Pixel 8a alongside other devices.

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

What you need to know

• Google Fi recently hiked prices for its Simply Unlimited plan, impacting users with three or more lines.
• The price adjustment only affects the Simply Unlimited plans, with no changes for individual subscribers or those with two lines.
• Fortunately, the Flexible and Unlimited Plus plans remain unaffected and maintain their existing rates.

Prices for certain Google Fi unlimited plans just went up, and if you're already on board, you'll only feel the pinch after April 4.

Google announced via a support page that Fi's Simply Unlimited plan is getting pricier if you have three or more lines (via 9to5Google). New members felt the hit on March 5, but if you're already in, the price hike kicks in on your first bill after April 4, 2024.

Fortunately, there's no price increase for individual subscribers or plans with two lines. On the other hand, three lines now cost $90 a month, four lines jump to $100, five lines climb to $125, and six lines set you back $150 per month.

Google adds that only the Simply Unlimited plans are experiencing a price hike. The Flexible and Unlimited Plus plans remain at the same rates.

You don't have to worry if you're still getting promotional credits or paying off a device financed before March 5. Google says you'll stick with the old rate as long as those commitments are in play.

If someone bails on the account, they lose their credit. Members who are still on the original account, however, will continue to receive plan credits.

Google Fi Wireless justifies the price shift, saying it's crucial to maintain high-quality product offerings and features.

Google Fi, once called Project Fi, gained popularity as an MVNO carrier, partly due to its competitive plan prices. However, it's now raising the cost and becoming even pricier than other MVNOs.

Even though Google Fi's Simply Unlimited is digging deeper into your pockets now, the plan's features stay put. In a nutshell, you'll only feel the pinch if you have more than three lines on this particular plan.

If it's too steep, consider snagging a plan with more bang for your buck or exploring some of the top alternatives to Google Fi Wireless.

If you're an Android enthusiast and live in the United States, you must've heard about Google Fi at some point in the past, but it didn't interest you that much. However, the prepaid service provider has come a long way over the past years and now ranks as one of the best MVNO carriers out there. So, if you're planning to switch carriers soon, we're here to give you a detailed overview about the Mobile Virtual Network Operator that comes directly from Google. Read on to find out what is it, how it stacks up against the competition, as well as to know a few reasons why it might be worth your attention.

• Carrier deals: Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | Visible

What is Google Fi, and how does it work?

In the simplest of terms, Google Fi Wireless is a carrier owned and operated by Google. However, unlike mainstream carriers (e.g., AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile), Google Fi doesn't have any network infrastructure of its own. Instead, it's an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) that leases network infrastructure from T-Mobile to offer its services.

What are Google Fi's plans?

Google Fi keeps things relatively simple with a total of four plans, of which three are unlimited. Starting off, you have the 'Flexible' plan that costs $20 per month for a single line. It offers unlimited talk and text, and the high-speed data costs $10 per 1GB. This plan comes with a unique 'Bill Protection' feature that ensures you don't incur any extra charges even after using lots of data. For a single user, the 'Bill Protection feature has the data level at 6GB, which means the monthly bill will not exceed $80 ($20 for the base plan and $10*6 for data). It's also worth noting here that this data level varies on the number of lines that you have, and a maximum of six lines can be configured with one account.

The only caveat here is that once you hit 15GB of data usage, the data speeds are slowed to 256 kbps. Alternatively, you can simply pay $10 per 1 GB to restore full-speed data access, in case you need it within a billing cycle.

If you're sure you'll be using more than 15GB per month regularly, you can just go with one of the three unlimited plans. First is the 'Unlimited Essentials' plan, which costs $35 per month (for one line) and includes 30GB of high-speed data. It also includes affordable calling to international destinations, but no usage in Mexico and Canada. You don't get any hotspot tethering functionality either.

Then there's the 'Unlimited Standard' plan, which gives you 50GB of high-speed data, along with 25GB of hotspot data, data usage in Mexico and Canada, as well as connectivity with select smartwatches at a single-line price of $50 per month.

Lastly, there's the top-tier 'Unlimited Premium' plan, which comes with 100GB of high-speed data, 50GB of hotspot data, full usage in Mexico and Canada, as well as calls to more than fifty international destinations. This plan also gives you six months of YouTube Premium, and 100GB of cloud storage via Google One. All of this costs $65 per month for one line.

Do note that while all the above prices are before taxes and fees, you can avail multi-line discounts (for a maximum of six lines per account) with all the plans.

Are there Google Fi deals?

Of course! There are tons of great Google Fi deals worth checking out, and these get even better around the holiday season. Although majority of these offers are only available to new customers who bring over their number to Google Fi, but they still present an easy way to save some cash on some of the newest and best Android phones without having to trade in an old device or sign up for some prohibitively expensive wireless plan.

For instance, if you purchase the latest and greatest Google Pixel 10 Pro as a new customer, you can get a flat discount of $350, plus $450 back over 24 monthly credits. That's a fabulous deal, provided you sign up for the Unlimited Premium plan. You can check out Google Fi's official store offers page to find out more about the current deals.

Does Google Fi support international usage?

Google Fi's Flexible and Unlimited Premium plans work internationally in more than 200 countries with no additional cost for data use or texting, which is one of its biggest differentiators from other carriers. You can also call at a flat rate of $0.20/min to any number while on cellular networks abroad or pay much lower rates when calling on Wi-Fi. You can also call back home to the U.S. on Wi-Fi for free. All data used internationally is charged the same way at home, depending on your plan.

The only catch is that speeds can (and do) vary depending on the country you're in, something that's to be expected. In our experience, we've found full LTE speeds in many countries in Europe and Asia, with the occasional hiccup as the phone switches between roaming partners.

What are the best phones for Google Fi?

If you have a phone that is 'Designed for Fi', you will be able to access the entire Google Fi network. For the most part, 'Designed for Fi' phones include Google's own Pixel series and a handful of Samsung Galaxy phones, including the latest Galaxy S25 lineup. If your phone isn't on the 'Designed for Fi' list, you'll only get service on T-Mobile's network, which is still going to be fine for many people. 5G is supported on both Designed for Fi and 'Compatible with Fi' phones, so you'll have access to T-Mobile's massive 5G coverage if your phone supports T-Mobile's 5G bands.

In addition to traditional mobile networks, Google Fi also leans heavily on Wi-Fi whenever possible, whether you're around a known network or not. 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. Whenever your phone connects to Wi-Fi, the connection is routed through a VPN for your safety — and you won't notice anything different in the phone experience, except that you will no longer be paying for mobile data.

Calls and texts work on Wi-Fi just as they do when you're on mobile data, and you can continue your phone call as your phone switches between networks.

When you use Google Fi, you also get some of the same features that have made Google Voice popular over the years. You can forward phone calls to your Fi number to any phone you want, as well as check voicemail, make calls, and send texts with that number from any device using Google Messages.

Which phones are Designed for Fi?

You get a truly first-class experience with Google Fi on Google's own Pixel series of phones. These phones have eSIM functionality inside that's pre-programmed for Fi, and you can set up the account and connect to the network without even putting in a SIM card.

Then there are other 'Designed for Fi' phones that you can buy and use to get the same experience, like the Samsung Galaxy S25 line-up or the Moto G Stylus 2025.

Even if they aren't technically Designed for Fi, most of the best Android phones should work well with Google Fi's full network.

Which phones are compatible with Fi?

Google Fi Wireless now works with just about any unlocked phone — with some limitations. Unlocked phones can't take advantage of Fi's network switching, so you'll be using T-Mobile's network primarily, and you won't get Fi's always-on VPN option. But you do get the same great international roaming, plus all of the other features such as the fabulous Fi app and simple billing. Yes, that unlocked support also includes iPhones, which is a big advantage with Google Fi. It even supports iMessage using your Fi number.

One thing to keep in mind is that T-Mobile has been integrating Sprint's towers into its network, so even phones that weren't designed for Fi can now access the majority of Google Fi's coverage.

Android phones with 5G support also get 5G on Google Fi. But iPhones, even the newest iPhone 17 series, don't support features like network switching and end-to-end encrypted calls.

Does Google Fi support 5G?

Google Fi now supports 5G on its Designed for Fi phones as well as Compatible with Fi phones that support T-Mobile's 5G network. This means your phone will need to support bands n71 and n41 for the best 5G coverage on the T-Mobile network.

Designed for Fi 5G phones include the latest Google Pixels, as well as numerous unlocked Samsung models. In addition, Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7 phones will work with Google Fi's full network. This also includes access to its full array of LTE as well on all networks.

How to finance a phone with Google Fi

As long as you qualify (up to Google, based on a credit check!), you can purchase a new phone and pay for it in monthly installments. There are also flat discounts available, and no interest is charged either; the cost of the device of your choice is spread out over 24 months.

You can pay off the balance at any time, but should you decide to leave Google Fi, you'll have to pay out the total cost of the phone then and there. You have 30 days to activate Google Fi service from when you buy your phone. If your Google Fi service isn't active within 30 days, Google will charge you the full amount for the device.

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 our least favorite activities and being in a store that will just try to sell you an upgrade or accessories doesn't make it any more fun. With Google Fi, if you need help, your best bet is the official app. And it just might be the best carrier app you've ever used. You can download the Google Fi app for Android or iOS and get access to 24/7 phone, chat, or email support.

If your phone is having issues or you just want to chat on a device with a proper keyboard, you can freely access Google Fi's support page for the same options.

I just need to see my Google Fi usage and billing

The same app and website for support also work well for showing you your real-time usage and how much it will cost you. The widget on Android keeps you constantly informed on how much data you are using. You will have to open the app on iOS to see this information, but a data warning can still be set to send a notification when your data usage gets high. With these tools, your bill should never be a surprise.

How do I cancel Google Fi service?

It's very simple. All you have to do is head to the Google Fi website or open up the Google Fi app:

• Click or tap on the Account tab.
• Click or tap on Manage Plan option.
• Click or tap the Cancel service option, and then just follow the on-screen instructions.

If you're switching to another carrier and want to keep your number, you should set up your new plan first to successfully port your number over. When closing account with Google Fi, you get your port-out number and PIN.

Can I use my Google Fi phone with another carrier?

Provided it works with that particular carrier (chances are it will), yup. Google clearly states that your phone is not locked into the Google Fi service.

Switching to Google Fi

If you're OK with the inherent hassle of switching over carriers and porting your phone number, you don't really have many other hurdles to jump over now that Google Fi is open to just about any unlocked phone. You can sign up for Google Fi online in minutes, and you can either buy a phone at the same time (and avail some nice discounts and incentives), or Google will send you a SIM card to put in your existing phone. Or, if you already have a Pixel, you can get up and running in minutes with the eSIM.

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

On April 1, 2020, T-Mobile officially completed its purchase of Sprint, bringing the two networks under the ownership of T-Mobile. T-Mobile has unified the two networks and moved the remaining Sprint customers to its network. As a result, Google Fi customers likely won't see a significant change in their service quality, although it is still possible that some rural customers might see some changes, hopefully positive.

Compatibility with T-Mobile's infrastructure is solid going forward, as most of the unlocked phones that support T-Mobile's 5G will be able to use 5G with Google Fi. T-Mobile has stated that it will continue to support MVNOs, which isn't likely to change any time soon.

T-Mobile has also shut down its own as well as Sprint's 3G networks to free up space for 5G, and most users will never notice a difference in coverage. The vast majority of phones sold in the last several years all support LTE and will continue to work fine on Google Fi.

Google Fi: Should you go for it?

There are numerous cool features that make Google Fi a compelling choice, like dramatically simplified billing, Bill Protection to cap your charges every month, seamless international data & calling, and improved network coverage through the use of carrier infrastructure and Wi-Fi networks. Of course, each of these will have a different amount of draw for different people but overall, it's quite a solid package.

Now, Google Fi's pricing isn't dramatically lower than many other carriers in the country, and whether it makes a good choice financially for you depends a lot on your data usage and which features you want. Therefore, we encourage you to do your research before choosing which carrier is the best.

• Carrier deals: Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile | Mint Mobile | Visible

What you need to know

• Google Fi is allowing new customers to trial the service for a up to seven days.
• Users with phones that support eSIM will have access to unlimited data, calls, and texts in the US.
• Hotspot tethering, spam blocking, and VPN will also be included in the service.
• The trial is in beta, and only available to a limited number of users.

Google Fi is one of our favorite carriers thanks to its relatively low cost, great service, and extra benefits. However, switching carriers can be a nerve-wracking thing because you never know if a carrier is right (or not) for you until the deed is already done. Well, Google Fi wants to help ease the pressure by offering a free seven-day trial for its service.

For now, Google Fi is only testing the trial, meaning it will be available only to a limited number of users in the United States. But the idea is that you'll be able to try the network out for a week to see if it's a good fit for you.

During the trial, users will have access to unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S., up to 10GB of hotspot tethering, and access to other Google Fi perks like enhanced security and privacy, plus spam blocking and VPN.

In order to take part in the trial, your phone must support eSIM. Fortunately, there are a growing number of eSIM-compatible Android phones out there, so that shouldn't be a problem for many users, especially if you own a Galaxy S23.

According to Google, users will be able to sign up for the trial on the Google Fi website starting Thursday, and a compatibility tool will be available to ensure your device will work.

If you do decide to stick with the service, Google Fi's plans start at $20 for a single line on the Flexible plan. Unlimited plans start at $50 with 10GB of tethering and limited international features. The $65 Unlimited Plus plan comes with unlimited tethering, a year of free YouTube Premium, 100GB of Google One storage, expanded travel features, and more. Per-line prices decrease with additional lines added, so meaning you can get a plan as low as $16 per month per line, depending on the number of lines.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

What you need to know

• Google Fi has dropped U.S. Cellular as one of its two support networks.
• This change now leaves T-Mobile as Google Fi's only officially supported network.
• Subscribers will still be able to utilize the U.S. Cellular network when roaming with no additional charge for doing so.

Google Fi has dropped one of its two supported carriers for subscribers, but it isn't a cause for alarm.

The recent change to Google Fi's supported cellular networks was essentially stumbled upon by a subscriber's conversation with customer support shown on Reddit (via 9to5Google). The Redditor was attempting to connect to the U.S. Cellular network, but their phone wouldn't even try to establish one stating there was "no subscription." After a short conversation with support, they were told that "U.S. Cellular is no longer an official network for Google Fi."

This was later confirmed by 9to5, making T-Mobile is now the only officially supported network on Google Fi, particularly since Sprint merged with T-Mobile.

Those who have relied on the U.S. Cellular network connection shouldn't worry about this too much. Google Fi's customer support informed the subscriber that U.S. Cellular can still be connected through its Extended Network (roaming). A lone bright spot with this change is that users won't be charged for using the U.S. Cellular network during roaming times.

However, it does seem as though even if both networks are working perfectly fine, users will still be tossed over to the T-Mobile network since that is now the only supported service.

While Google has yet to properly draw attention to the sudden drop, the subscriber was assured by the service's customer representative that we should expect an official update from Google soon.

•  MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

What you need to know

• Google Fi extends its eSIM support to multiple Galaxy devices.
• These include the latest Galaxy S23 series and the foldable Galaxy phones.
• Google Fi debuted eSIM support with Pixel 2 series.

Google Fi is one of the prominent carrier services in the U.S. While offering physical SIM cards, the network also allows embedded SIMs, also known as eSIM. However, the latter's availability has been limited to select Pixel devices up until now.

Google has silently added a Google Fi support page (spotted by 9to5Google) indicating that it's extending support to non-Pixel devices, which comprise Galaxy devices.

The page has a dedicated section to check Android device compatibility, and it mentions the latest Galaxy S23 series next to its predecessors, the S22 series, the S21 series, and the S20 series. They are followed by the Galaxy Note 20 series, and foldables like Galaxy Flip 4, Fold 4, and Galaxy Flip 3 are also said to work with Google Fi's eSIM.

The 9to5 report also implies that it is still being decided whether Samsung or Google will extend the support to more Galaxy devices in the future. That's because the quietly announced Google Fi eSIM compatible list already includes nearly 18 Galaxy devices released since 2020, which is quite a significant number to begin with.

Furthermore, these said Galaxy devices are likely required to run on the latest software version, Android 13, in order to support Fi's eSIM. As mentioned earlier, the eSIM of Google Fi was limited to select Pixel devices. All Pixel 4 and above released devices come with eSIM support. Verizon's Pixel 3a and units released in Japan didn't support eSIM. The Pixel 3 units bought in the U.S. and Canada with different carriers other than Google Fi also didn't work with eSIM. The same has been the case with Pixel 2 series as well.

It is good to see OEMs other than Google getting Fi's eSIM support in the U.S. Other than Android, Fi subscribers who transitioned to select iPhone models have also been able to subscribe to Fi's eSIM through iOS System settings.

•  Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T 

In all of my years of using smartphones, I’ve had a tendency to regularly move my SIM card between whichever iPhone or Android phones I owned at the time. Sometimes, I prefer using the iPhone for its simplicity and incredible battery life. Other times, I want to be able to have my Galaxy Z Fold 4 with its foldable screen just because I like having a bigger canvas to play games or even get some work done when I’m away from home.

When Apple announced that the iPhone 14 lineup was going to completely ditch the physical SIM card, opting for eSIM-only, I didn’t really think too much of it. I would just convert my primary SIM to eSIM for my iPhone 14 Pro Max and continue using my Galaxy Z Fold 4 as a secondary device. 

However, one of the problems that I’ve grown tired of trying to solve is iMessage. As has been well-documented, you still can’t use iMessage on Android, without the help of third-party apps such as AirMessage or BlueBubbles. There’s even another potential alternative that could be on the horizon, but we’ll save that for another day.

Before you grab the pitchforks, I’m not going to go into how I feel about Google’s nonstop attempts to get Apple to adopt RCS. That’s not the point of this piece, instead, it’s about how it’s actually impossible to easily switch between the best Android phones and an iPhone if you only have an eSIM.

The actual process of switching is annoying, at best

Late last year, I wanted to see just how annoying the process would be if I wanted to move my primary eSIM over to the Galaxy Z Fold 4. On paper, it shouldn’t be much of a problem, as both phones support eSIM, as does my wireless carrier (Verizon). 

What ensued, was an absolute shitshow. 

Instead of being able to log into my Verizon Account Manager page and simply enter the eSIM numbers, I was met with a roadblock. I went through the traditional steps of switching between devices, culminating in a page that says “To complete eSIM activation do the following steps.” The first step is easy enough, as both devices need to have an active Wi-Fi or cellular connection. But the second step is where the frustration comes in.

In order to “have the eSIM provisioned on the account,” I need to call Verizon’s customer service line. This means that you need to call the number, wait for all of the robotic prompts so that you can try and skip all of them, and then keep trying to get through to an actual person. And if you’re lucky, you’ll get a representative that knows what you are trying to do, and can process the request right then and there. 

Oh, and I almost forgot. Make sure you are calling from another phone entirely. If you try to call from the phone that’s already activated on your account, you’ll end up getting cut off at some point as the proverbial “flip” is switched.

But you might also find yourself getting bounced around until someone on the other end can actually provision the eSIM on the new device. Of course, this could be quickly remedied simply by going to your local Verizon or Best Buy, but there’s no guarantee that they will do this without charging you some type of fee. And no, I’m not going to pay an activation fee or whatever just to switch over to a different phone.

Try going 24 hours without your phone number

When I began writing this piece, I went through the steps on Verizon's website, just to make sure that something hadn't changed since the last time I tried. However, it seems that I went too far in the process, as I left the house only to find that my iPhone's network connection was gone.

Thankfully, I'm in a position to have a secondary line so that I wasn't completely cut off from the world while out and running my errands. But not everyone else is so fortunate, and I ended up going about 24 hours without having access to my primary phone number. 

You might be thinking, "couldn't you have just called customer service?" The answer is no, because Verizon's customer service line for consumers is only available until 7 PM ET, and I didn't discover my misfortune until after the line was already closed. 

Fast forward to the next morning, I made the call to Verizon's customer service line, had to yell "operator" at the robot, and then finally was connected. But the fun doesn't stop there, as the first level of customer service had me go through a bunch of steps which included resetting Network Settings, and restarting my iPhone a bunch of times, only to still have the little "SOS" indicator in the status bar. 

It wasn't until I reached level two tech support that the problem was solved. After being told to turn off my Wi-Fi by the first customer service representative, the second rep told me to connect to my Wi-Fi, and restart it. Upon restart, voila! The prompt appeared to finish the eSIM setup process. 

Not having your phone number for 24 hours isn't an ideal scenario, and thankfully, I didn't miss any important or emergency phone calls or messages. But the fact that the consumer has absolutely ZERO control over being able to switch between devices is absolutely asinine and absurd. 

It doesn't need to be this way

So after waiting on the phone, getting through the robotic prompts, and getting bounced around for a while, you could end up looking at an hour of wasted time. And what really makes my brain spin is that you don’t have to do any of this if you’re upgrading or simply moving between Android devices. As Android Central's Jerry Hildenbrand so eloquently pointed out, managing Android devices on Google Fi is a breeze. 

That’s where my confusion about this entire process comes in. One could make the argument that carriers are just as user-hostile as ISPs, again, here in the States. And this is about as user-hostile as it gets. 

I just want to be able to switch between phones without needing to jump through a bunch of hoops. Part of the problem is definitely with Apple making the decision, to begin with. But the blame should also be placed on the shoulders of carriers. We don’t have many options or alternatives, so we’re just left at the mercy of these enormous corporations to do whatever they want.

The holiday is just a few days away, which means the Black Friday deals are coming in hot. We've seen loads of historic price drops and creative promotions over the last few weeks, but we just found an Amazon deal that deserves a special mention. Right now, you can get a Google Fi Simply Unlimited SIM kit for 30% off, a discount that brings the price down to just $35 — in other words, the cheapest that the SIM kit has ever been.

With Google Fi's Simply Unlimited plan, you get a full month of unlimited calls, text, and data throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, plus a built-in VPN and 5GB of high-speed hotspot tethering. All you need to do is insert the SIM card into your Google Fi-compatible phone, make an account, and use the Google Fi app to set up your number. There's no fine print or contracts to sign, so once the month is over, you get to decide whether or not you want to stick with Google Fi or try one of the other great MVNO carriers out there. 

This offer is just one of the many great Amazon Black Friday deals that we've seen so far this year. Everything from smartphones and laptops to TVs and wearables have been selling for record low prices all month long, and we'll continue to track down all of the best tech deals of the season so you don't have to.

Looking for a new phone to pair with your new wireless service? A Google carrier deserves a Google phone, so take a look at our list of the best Google Pixel 7 deals to see if you can get the flagship device for cheap.

What you need to know

• Google Fi Unlimited Plus users are in for some new perks.
• They get YouTube Premium subscription service for free (for one year) if they opt for the said plan.
• Users who choose an individual or family plan of the service are eligible for the offer.

Last week, Google began offering a new perk for users on its Google Fi Unlimited Plus plan. The additional perk is notably the one-year free service of YouTube Premium, which appears to be a value add-on.

Google’s global PR lead for Stadia, AR, and Project Starline, Patrick Seybold, reportedly confirmed the new add-on to The Verge via an email. The YouTube Premium service is said to have been in action already for the existing Google Fi’s Unlimited Plus users alongside new members since last week. It eliminates the need to pay $119 for the one-year subscription fee, which includes access to one of the best music streaming services on Android.

The added benefit of the new add-on is that users of the aforementioned Google Fi family plans will no longer need to split their YouTube Premium subscription with other family members since each person will receive a personal one-year subscription.

"Wireless consumers are increasingly opting for unlimited plans to fuel growing appetites for media, games, and other high-bandwidth applications on-the-go," Seybold confirmed with The Verge. 

"Now, we’re offering a simple, single subscription to Fi that provides connectivity, cloud storage and entertainment for the entire family."

Currently, the Google Fi plan is priced at $160 for four members and includes perks like 50GB of high-speed data, unlimited hotspot tethering, 100GB of Google One cloud storage, and international data.

YouTube recently increased its Premium Family plan to $22.99 per month from $17.99. Considering this, if you’re a Google Fi user or planning to switch, the Unlimited Plus service plan might be a viable option. Alongside the already great network, you would get the perks of YouTube without ads, YouTube Originals, YouTube Music service, and YouTube Kids. In addition, you get access to other abilities like offline downloads, for example.

Comparing Visible vs. Google Fi is no simple task, since both Mobile Virtual Network Operators offer some great plans. Google Fi's coverage isn't the best fit for everyone but with T-Mobile's growing network and expansive 5G coverage, it'll keep on getting better. Google Fi also stands out on international roaming, being the best carrier for those who travel abroad. On the other hand, Visible is a strong choice that gives you access to Verizon's reliable domestic network. You also get unlimited data, hotspot use, and blocking of spam and robocalls.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

Visible vs. Google Fi: Get the right network

The biggest difference between these two prepaid carriers is the network. Visible is one of the best MVNOs that uses Verizon's network. It uses this network to great effect, with LTE and 5G support on selected devices. That said, Visible has no support for 3G or roaming, so you won't have a fallback option if you're in an area with spotty Verizon coverage. Luckily, Verizon's LTE network is one of the strongest in the nation, with great density and reliability. Long story short, Verizon (and by extension, Visible) most likely has you covered.

Google Fi Wireless takes a different approach and gives you three plans to pick from. Smartphones specifically designed for Google Fi can fully utilize the T-Mobile LTE and 5G networks, choosing whichever is best in an area. If you bring in your own unlocked GSM phone to Google Fi, you will connect with just the T-Mobile network.

Both networks now include 5G coverage. While T-Mobile still reigns supreme as a leader in 5G, Verizon's C-band 5G network has been making rapid progress in terms of expansion into suburban and rural areas.

Google Fi's plans

Google Fi Wireless has three plans, with the major distinction being the amount of data you get and international features. The entry-level Flexible plan costs $20 per month for unlimited calling and texting. Beyond that, high-speed data is $10 per GB, which includes a mobile hotspot. Data is added as needed automatically until you hit the 'Bill Protection' threshold.

Bill Protection on Google Fi is a feature that stops charging the standard data rate at 6GB of usage, and nothing changes unless you hit 15GB. After 15GB of use your data is throttled, but you can add high-speed data at, you guessed it, $10 for 1GB.

Google Fi also has two unlimited plans that come with 35GB or 50GB of high-speed data. After you use up your data, the speeds will be reduced until the next billing period. The cheaper Simply Unlimited plan comes in at $50 per month for a single line and includes 5GB of hotspot data.

If you want all of the perks of the Flexible plan with more data, Unlimited Plus comes with 50GB of data and adds unlimited hotspot tethering. You can also order a data-only SIM to put in another device. You get 100GB of Google One cloud storage, one year of YouTube Premium, and free calling to more than 50 countries. All three plans also come with free calls to Mexico and Canada.

For each of these plans, you can bring up to six additional lines with shared data and plan savings available on up to four lines.

Visible's plans

Visible has long been known for having a single simple plan, but the carrier recently expanded its offering with two unlimited plans. The cheaper Visible plan is the most similar to the old plan, with unlimited talk, text, data, and hotspot data at 5Mbps. Its speed and service will look very similar to the old Visible plan we tested in our Visible review. You also get calls to Mexico and Canada.

Access to 5G is there, though you won't get access to the network's full speeds. Even so, it's plenty fast for just about anything you do on a phone, so if you're looking for ways to save, this is a good plan to start with.

Visible Plus takes things up a notch with 50GB of premium data, faster 5G access, as well as more robust international features. Visible Plus users can call 30+ countries for free and text 200+ countries too. This plan also gets unlimited talk, text, and data while roaming in Mexico and Canada.

If you're on the old Visible plan and are thinking about which new plan to switch to, the best choice will really depend on your personal experience with the carrier. Both plans will see a slight uplift in their responsiveness, thanks to a shift to Verizon core resulting in better pings for many people. Visible Plus may be worth it if you live in a congested area and have often noticed speeds not keeping up in peak times.

Phone support

Google Fi Wireless supports most unlocked phones utilizing T-Mobile's GSM network. If you're ready for a new phone, you can buy one from Google Fi that will work with the carrier's network switching. Alternatively, you can bring one of the best Android phones unlocked if you have solid T-Mobile coverage.

Visible's phone support is more limited due to Visible's nature as an all-digital carrier requiring phones to support Verizon's VoLTE network. The device list is growing and includes the most popular Android phones, such as the Galaxy S23 series and the Pixel 8 series. Most recent iPhones are supported as well.

Needless to say, a smartphone on Visible will need to be compatible with Verizon's LTE network. Visible will guide you through checking your phone's IMEI before you pay for the service. If you're ready for a new phone, you can buy one directly from Visible or even swap an old Android for a new one with Visible Swap.

Visible vs. Google Fi: Which MVNO carrier is best?

Google Fi is a top choice for many users, especially those with multiple lines. It also has solid phone compatibility which makes it easy for just about anyone to switch. The unique international roaming features won't make sense for many, but for the right user(s), they're unmatched.

For most users, especially those who only need one line, Visible is still the better choice. Even compared to Google Fi's multi-line plan discounts, Visible has one of the cheapest plans around. Its growing phone support makes it an excellent carrier for just about anyone with a new smartphone.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

What you need to know

• Google has unveiled a new Fi feature that adds extra protection for mobile traffic on Pixel phones.
• The new feature is designed to automatically encrypt all browsing activities on Pixel devices while connected to a Fi network.
• This feature is available to the Pixel 7 series down to the Pixel 4 line.

Google Fi plans already include privacy and security features like spam and robocall blocking, but the service is beefing up security for Pixel phone owners with a new feature that safeguards mobile traffic from prying eyes.

Google has announced that, starting today, Fi automatically encrypts all mobile data traffic for many of its best Android phones, from the Google Pixel 7 line down to the Pixel 4 series running Android 12 or higher. This means that your Google Fi mobile connection is private by default, with no additional steps required on your part. 

For the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, in particular, the new security feature complements the built-in VPN that comes with the latest and greatest Pixel phones at no extra cost to consumers.

This automatic encryption feature also applies to Wi-Fi connections. You only need to turn on the Fi Virtual Private Network (VPN), which is available on any smartphone as well as the Pixel lineup. The service is designed to protect your browsing activity from attackers if you're on an insecure network, such as public Wi-Fi networks.

The latest Fi feature beefs up the security infrastructure already in place for Android phone users on Fi. Late last year, Google Fi launched end-to-end encryption for phone calls on its network.

Google notes that these privacy and security features are powered by Protected Computing, which includes a technology toolkit for data processing in a secure environment.

In conjunction with this announcement, Google has also rolled out passkey support to Android and Chrome as part of the Cybersecurity Awareness Month observance. Passkeys are the cornerstone of an industry-wide effort to bring passwordless sign-ins across apps and websites to the mainstream.

What you need to know

• Select Google Maps users are receiving a new offer for free Google Fi service.
• The offer is being extended to Local Guides, users that contribute reviews, photos, and more to Google Maps.
• The offer provides up to three months of free Google Fi service.

In a rather surprising move, select Google Maps users are being offered free Google Fi service for the remainder of 2022. Emails seemingly started arriving over the weekend, informing users that they were eligible for the offer.

Android Central's Nicholas Sutrich was among the users who received the offer, and Mishaal Rahman also retrieved a screenshot of the offer from another user. According to the email, the free Fi service is offered to Local Guides for their "contributions to Google Maps." There's a button to redeem the offer and instructions on how the guide works.

Per the email, users select "Redeem" to choose their Google Fi plan. The offer is available for any of Google Fi's unlimited plans, which can cost as much as $65 per month for an individual line (although that price decreases depending on how many people are in your plan).

The credit will be applied at checkout, and users can either opt-out at the end of the trial or continue the service with a plan of their choosing. However, it's worth noting that the offer requires users to port in their numbers. You must also be a first-time Google Fi user (Nick could not grab the offer due to this requirement).

That said, if you haven't tried Google Fi, it may be worth giving it a go. It offers excellent service (thanks mainly to T-Mobile) and relatively affordable prices, and it's often regarded as one of the best mvno carriers around for its many perks.

For those unaware, Local Guides on Google Maps are users that contribute to the service by submitting reviews for places of interest, uploading photos, and editing certain information about businesses based on their personal experiences. Participating is easy — you have to navigate to the "Contribute" tab in Google Maps to get started.

Eligible users have until October 31 to redeem the offer.

What you need to know

• Google is expanding its 5G coverage at an international level.
• Pixels and Galaxy S22 phones are able to take advantage of 5G speeds while traveling to the 39 supported countries.
• Other Android users can still enjoy full-speed 4G access in over 200 countries on Google Fi.

Google has announced several enhancements to its Fi coverage to stay connected with all kinds of smartphones across regions. In an announcement blog post, the search giant stated that it is tripling its international 5G network coverage with 26 additional countries added to the current list.

So far, it seems this expanded coverage is limited to select Android phones from Samsung and Google, like the Pixel 6. Existing Google Fi users on a Flexible or Unlimited Plus plan, also bearing a compatible Pixel or the latest Galaxy S22 series smartphone, can enjoy 5G speeds in 39 countries. And users who don't own either of these phone models will get full-speed 4G coverage in over 200 countries.

The best part is that anyone on the Unlimited Plus plan can still access up to 50GB of high-speed data while traveling. Meanwhile, Android users on Flexible and Unlimited Plus plans can use hotspot tethering while abroad, which may be helpful for getting work done while on the go.

Google Fi is also expanding features for iPhone users. iPhones can now utilize international hotspot tethering, and Google is also bringing Wi-Fi calling to the iPhone, a feature already available for Android phones. This feature is particularly useful as it can reduce calling costs while traveling abroad.

Google says it plans to expand 5G coverage on its Fi network to more countries over time.

Fortunately, these new updates to Google Fi won't change its pricing. Early this year, Google announced reduced pricing, making Fi plans start at as low as $17 per month depending on your needs, with three main plans to choose from.

Both T-Mobile and Google Fi will give you excellent coverage, international service, and 5G access. But for most smartphone users T-Mobile's unlimited data plans will have more appeal. Each plan comes with several perks and a "third line free" offer that will bring your monthly bill down significantly while still letting you consume tons of data. Google Fi also has exceptional coverage thanks to its ability to switch between networks with some coverage via Wi-Fi partners. Unlike T-Mobile, you can opt for a plan that lets you pay for what you use but you still have a couple of unlimited options.

Google Fi vs. T-Mobile: Fi's unlimited plans are more limited than T-Mobile's

It can be daunting to see the word "unlimited" used so often to describe cell phone plans, only to be followed by a paragraph describing limits. T-Mobile's plans have no hard high-speed limit, but the Magenta and Magenta MAX plans come with premium data. That means that, on a crowded tower, premium data is first in line and will have higher speeds in general. Still, even the cheapest T-Mobile plan will be fast enough for most people, with 50GB of premium data on the Essentials plan.

All unlimited plans come with unlimited 3G-speed hotspot data with Magenta including 5GB of high-speed hotspot data and Magenta MAX taking that up to 40GB. T-Mobile's Magenta plan also comes with Netflix included if you have at least two lines. 

Google Fi handles its data quite differently, with high-speed data available until a specific limit is reached. The Flexible plan slows data after 15GB, with Simply Unlimited taking that up to 35GB. Unlimited Plus takes the high-speed data up to 50GB. All plans include some hotspot data, with Flexible and Unlimited Plus sharing hotspot data with primary data usage. Simply Unlimited is limited to 5GB of hotspot data to use.

Flexible and Unlimited Plus also allow users to get a data-only SIM card that shares data with the associated line. This is a good pick for someone with a tablet or laptop that needs to get online without relying on the battery-hungry mobile hotspot feature on your phone.

Still, lighter users can save a lot with Google Fi's Flexible plan. With a simple $10 per gig structure, it's easy to do the math on your bill. While expensive for heavier users, if you only use a gig or two per month, it could be a good option. You may even be able to reduce your usage by using your home Wi-Fi and public Wi-Fi as much as possible. Luckily, Fi makes switching your plan type in the app quick and easy if you find that one of the unlimited plans will simply give you a better value.

Google Fi vs. T-Mobile: How does it add up?

With T-Mobile, you know your bill at the beginning of the month, since there isn't much that you'll need as an add-on service, plus taxes and fees are already included with Magenta plans. International travel may lead to some extra fees. 

Still, with unlimited international texting, service in Canada and Mexico, and 2G speed data in 210+ countries (with Magenta and Magenta MAX plans), you'll have enough speed to stay connected. Calls are enabled for $0.25 per minute in most countries, but the data speeds should be capable of voice chat on apps like Google Hangouts or Facebook Messenger, which won't use minutes.

When it comes to data on Google Fi's Flexible plan, you'll have bill protection —meaning that you won't be charged per gig once you've reached $60 worth of data, or 6GB. If you regularly use this much data, it's not a good value compared to an unlimited plan, but if your average monthly data is much lower, it can be a good option.

If you're bringing a family, an unlimited plan will likely make the most sense, with multi-line discounts making the prices a lot more competitive. Google Fi's Simply Unlimited plan is a great value at just $20 per line with four lines. While the data amount is technically lower than T-Mobile's Essentials plan, at 35GB, it should be enough for most people. Still, for truly heavy users that need more than 35GB or 50GB, T-Mobile is the only one of the two carriers to offer a solution.

Google Fi vs. T-Mobile: What's up with coverage?

T-Mobile's coverage has grown a ton in recent years, with a huge focus on 5G. Its LTE network has also had some nice coverage upgrades, such as band 71 support and general upgrades to the underlying connection. If you haven't checked your T-Mobile coverage, you might find it has improved. But Google Fi's coverage should also be impressive since your phone will automatically switch between T-Mobile and other available towers, as well as some Wi-Fi coverage in dense areas. 

Before you get excited about Google Fi's coverage, it's important to note that there are two tiers of supported phones. The preferred tier of phones is Designed for Fi, which indicates that the phone will be compatible with Google Fi's network switching. Designed for Fi phones also get 5G as long as they support T-Mobile's 5G bands (n41 and n71 for sub-6). Fi has been quick about adding Android phones to its list with the Pixel series, Galaxy S series, and more working with the full network.

The second tier of phones is Compatible with Fi. This includes all unlocked phones that work with the T-Mobile network and includes 5G support on the T-Mobile network. However, compatible with Fi phones won't be able to take advantage of Fi's network switching. Still, nearly any unlocked 5G phone will work with T-Mobile's network, so most people will have more than enough coverage with solid speeds.

Google Fi vs. T-Mobile: What if you just want a reliable connection?

For some people, having a great connection is worth far more than the cost of service. If that's the case, Google Fi will likely be the better candidate for you thanks to its large network availability, both inside and outside of the U.S. With the choice between the Flexible plan and two unlimited plans, Google Fi is a good fit for just about anyone. However, Google Fi does tend to be the more pricey option, especially when it comes to multiple lines.

For most, a T-Mobile plan is the better value option overall and offers plenty of coverage and great savings if you're signing up for more than one line. While its full network isn't as big as Google Fi's, it isn't far off, and you'll still be able to use data abroad with its top two core plans — just at slower speeds. T-Mobile's data-only SIM option on its premium plan can also be a great option for those using multiple phones or with a mobile-enabled tablet.

Mint Mobile and Google Fi are two of the best MVNO carriers you can get. For people that spend most of their time in the U.S. in an area with T-Mobile coverage, Mint Mobile can save you some serious money. However, Google Fi makes a lot of sense for people who travel internationally with no change in data cost in more than 200 countries worldwide. Still, the costs can add up quickly, with Google Fi charging $10 per gigabyte of data on its least expensive plan.

It's also worth noting that T-Mobile recently began the process of formally acquiring Mint Mobile. No changes have been made to the wireless service yet, but that could change in the coming months. Will that affect the outcome of this battle of MVNOs? Only time will tell. 

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket 

Mint Mobile vs. Google Fi: Mint trims the fat

Mint Mobile has focused its efforts on the most important aspects of a smartphone plan creating just four simple data plans with unlimited talk and text. The smallest plan comes with 5GB of high-speed data with larger 15GB and 20GB options available. For heavier users, Mint has an unlimited plan with 40GB of high-speed data and 10GB of hotspot data. Despite its simple plans, Mint keeps performance high on the T-Mobile 5G network. As we saw in our Mint Mobile review, it should be more than adequate for most people.

While once one of the simplest and most unique carriers, Google Fi has moved towards a more standard layout of plans with two unlimited options in addition to its original Flexible plan. Google Fi has multi-line savings with up to six lines, so you have the option of bringing the whole family to Fi for a reasonable price. If you bring four lines to Fi's middle Simply Unlimited plan, it's just $20 per line, which is cheap compared to any carrier. It also comes with 35GB of high-speed data, which matches Mint's unlimited plan.

Fi has managed to be competitive with its basic unlimited plan while still offering some compelling features on its Unlimited Plus option. This plan takes the high-speed data up to 50GB and hotspot data intact and the option for international travel like the original Flexible plan. It's the best of Google Fi's features, but it's priced much more like a postpaid plan. Still, if you need some of Fi's international perks with a lot of data, Unlimited Plus may well be worth the extra cost.

Mint Mobile vs. Google Fi: Mint Mobile's Plans

Mint Mobile has a dozen different options for its customer, but you only need to decide how much data you need and how many months you are willing to pay for. Of course, your monthly price is lower if you commit to a full year of service, but you will have to pay the full amount upfront. So if you are interested in Mint, it makes sense to try out three months at the introductory rate before opting for the full year.

To find out how much data you need, you can look at your previous phone bill or check your usage in the settings menu on your phone. It's also possible to reduce your usage if you take advantage of Wi-Fi for downloading music and videos to your phone. If you find you still need more data than the plan you chose, you can either upgrade to a bigger plan or add data by the gigabyte.

Talk and text are included and unlimited with Mint Mobile, so you only need to consider how much data you need. You can also use your data as a hotspot to get another device connected, like a laptop or tablet. The Unlimited plan only comes with 10GB of hotspot data, however.

You can add more high-speed data at a rate of $10 for 1GB or $20 for 3GB if you run out. Even if you don't, your data won't get cut off, just slowed down.

Mint Mobile vs. Google Fi: Google Fi's plans

Google Fi's original plan is now called the Flexible plan with unlimited talk and text. This plan comes with up to 15GB of high-speed data billed at $10 per GB (6GB maximum), starting at just $20 per month. If you're a light user, this can be a solid plan with some nice international perks and coverage. If you're regularly using more than 2GB of data, though, the Simply Unlimited plan may be a better choice.

Simple Unlimited on Google Fi comes with 35GB of high-speed data and 5GB of hotspot data. This matches Mint Mobile's Unlimited plan in terms of data, but you still get access to Fi's network switching. While one or two lines will be more than Mint Mobile, at three lines, it is cheaper. This plan does give up most of Fi's international features to get this low price.

If you're looking for the full Fi experience with a lot of data, Unlimited Plus has 50GB of high-speed data, mobile hotspot usage, and all of the international perks from the Flexible plan. It also adds 100GB of cloud storage with Google One, which can be handy for international travelers who want to make sure they have a backup of everything on their device.

When it comes to international features, all plans come with calling to Mexico and Canada, but Unlimited Plus customers can call 50+ destinations in total. For traveling outside the U.S., both the Flexible plan and Unlimited Plus can use data in 200+ destinations for no additional charge. Calls abroad are $0.20 per minute, and texts are free.

Mint Mobile vs. Google Fi: Which phones work best?

Mint Mobile operates on T-Mobile's network and works with any phone compatible with that network, including most GSM phones. You can check your phone on Mint Mobile's website to be sure, and you can also check with the Mint Mobile app. If you're ready for something new, you can purchase or finance a phone directly from Mint Mobile online when you sign up. The online store sells a wide variety of phones, including Android devices and iPhones, and quite a few Mint Mobile compatible phones are available unlocked.

Google Fi's phone compatibility is a bit more complex. Nearly any unlocked device can utilize the T-Mobile portion of Google Fi's service, but if you want to take full advantage of the service, you'll need one of the Designed for Fi-approved devices. These phones will be able to dynamically switch between all available towers to ensure the best possible coverage.

Google's own Pixel series of phones is one of the best ways to get the most out of Google Fi, although there are a few other options like Samsung's Galaxy S23. You can buy an unlocked Google Pixel phone like the mid-range Pixel 6a, which will activate with Google Fi's full LTE and 5G capabilities. You can also purchase or finance phones directly from Google's store. These are some of the best phones for Google Fi.

Mint Mobile vs. Google Fi: Google Fi has the edge on coverage

Both Google Fi and Mint Mobile utilize T-Mobile's network, including full LTE and 5G, which covers most Americans. Of course, it's always important to check your coverage before signing up for a new phone plan, but if you live in an urban or suburban area, both carriers have you covered with the chance of dead spots if you travel outside of cities often. Even so, T-Mobile's network includes much of Sprint's coverage, so most people should have great coverage.

If you have a phone that's fully compatible with Google Fi's network, you should have service in most of the United States, though you still might see 3G speeds between cities. For the most part, coverage and network performance should be very similar.

Both carriers support 5G on T-Mobile's network, though you will need an unlocked 5G capable device that works with T-Mobile's network. Again, look for support for bands n71 and n41 for the best results. Luckily, most of the best Android phones support T-Mobile's full network, and any of the 5G Designed for Fi phones will support this network, including the Pixel 6a and Pixel 7, as well as the Galaxy S23 series.

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Mint Mobile vs. Google Fi: Which is better for you?

Mint Mobile and Google Fi both have some of the best cell phone plans you can get today. Mint Mobile's simple plans and solid data packages make sense for a lot of people and with Mint Family, it's also a solid pick for those with multiple lines. Mint also holds its lead with smaller plans like its 5GB and 15GB options. Still, when it comes to the unlimited plan, Google Fi pulls ahead with three or more lines.

Google Fi is overall a great phone service for many people, especially if you use a Pixel phone and travel outside the country frequently. Google Fi has also continued to improve its coverage beyond T-Mobile coverage with Wi-Fi partners. If you need to use your phone internationally or have more than two lines on your account, Google Fi ends up being the stronger pick of the two.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket 

Comparing Tello vs. Google Fi makes quite a lot of sense, as both are among the best prepaid carriers available out there. Not just that, both these Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) use T-Mobile's network infrastructure to offer a diverse range of perks, including high-speed 5G access, unlimited talk and text, and more. That being said, this is where the similarities largely end. 

Tello Mobile has a customizable plan structure that lets you decide exactly what you want (and don't want) with your wireless service. Conversely, Google Fi Wireless has three plans that offer everything from international usage benefits to premium data. Although Google Fi's plans are quite loaded, Tello's plans are ridiculously affordable. Let's take a closer look at both these prepaid carriers and see which one is right for your needs.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Google Fi Wireless

Pay only for what you use

Tello and Google Fi look quite similar with their flexible plans, but how they save you money can be quite different. Google Fi's base plan is much more expensive, but the prices get a lot closer to Tello's if you have multiple lines. Google Fi also leads with its international usage benefits, although Tello's support in that regard is still a lot more significant than many other prepaid carriers.

Many people won't touch the 35GB limit, but it's still worth keeping in mind if you're a heavy user. Some other best cell phone plans offer truly unlimited data but if you are a Google Fi user, you'll need to upgrade to the Unlimited Plus plan to get 50GB of data. Visible, as an example, offers unlimited high-speed data though it's a priority over most other carriers.

If you run out of this unlimited data allotment with either of the two MVNOs, it's not a big deal as you'll still have connectivity, albeit at a reduced speed. Even then, stuff like messaging, email, and even simple web browsing should work without issues. If you're hitting the usage limit frequently, then you'll probably going to want to check out another carrier.

What kind of coverage you'll get?

Both Tello and Google Fi use T-Mobile for majority of their coverage, which includes both LTE and 5G access. The only catch is that you'll need a 'Designed for Fi' phone to take advantage of Google Fi's network switching. If your phone isn't compatible, it can still be used with Google Fi, but you'll only connect to the T-Mobile network. With Tello, you'll always connect to the T-Mobile network.

Still, with all Pixels as well as many Galaxies and even some Moto phones supported, there are plenty of choices if you want to make sure you're connected to the entire network. Some of our best Android phones like the Google Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra work with the entire Google Fi network.

Tello Mobile's plans

Tello really only has a single plan with multiple configurations. This approach allows you to pick exactly what you need so you don't end up wasting money on unwanted stuff, like unlimited calling. You can choose how much data you want or how many talk minutes you need, or even skip one of these altogether. Do note that free texts come with any plan that has talk time minutes.

Tello's data choices start with no data, 1GB, 2GB, 5GB, 10GB, 15GB, and unlimited. Minutes start with none, 100, 300, 500, and unlimited. Tello's unlimited data has a cap of 35GB after which speeds are reduced, but at a monthly price of $25, it's still a great option for many users.

If you're unsure, you can simply start off with one of Tello's pre-configured plans for a month and make adjustments based on what you end up using in that month.

Tello includes some basic international features that should be more than adequate for most customers. You get free calling to more than 60 countries, including most popular destinations like Mexico, India, and Canada. If you need to make many calls abroad, Tello can save you some money over many other prepaid carriers.

Google Fi Wireless' plans

Google Fi Wireless has three plans, starting with the 'Flexible' plan. This costs $20 per month (for a single line) and offers unlimited talk and text, with data available at $10 per GB. You only pay for what you use with Google Fi so if you only use 500MB of data, you only pay around $5 for it. While this plan can get expensive quickly, 'Bill Protection' kicks in at 6GB of usage, and data is free. However, your data speeds are reduced after 15GB of usage with this plan.

The 'Unlimited Plus' plan has all of the base features of the Flexible plan, as well as up to 50GB of high-speed data. This plan costs $65 per month for a single line. Also, both these plans also come with hotspot usage and data-only SIM support. A data-only SIM can be used with another device that only needs data service. This can be especially useful if you travel abroad and need a reliable internet connection for multiple devices.

Still, most people don't need these international features. and this is where the third 'Simply Unlimited' comes into the picture. It costs $50 per month for a single line and gives you 35GB of high-speed data. You have to give up most international features, including roaming, but you get more than 200 international calling locations for free. International roaming is not included. Hotspot is included, but it's capped at 5GB.

While Google Fi Wireless is pretty expensive for a single line, things change when you bring the family along. You can add up to six lines to your Fi account, and each new line gets you more discount. For example, the Simply Unlimited plan comes down to $30 per line with three lines, and the Unlimited Plus comes down to $45 per line with three lines.

Tello vs. Google Fi: Phone compatibility

Both Tello and Google Fi carriers will work with nearly any unlocked phone. So long as you have an unlocked device with support for T-Mobile's LTE or 5G network, you can get connected. Tello sells a modest selection of Android phones as well as a few iPhones. Although many are refurbished or pre-owned, there are some new options too.

Google Fi Wireless is a bit more complicated, with two tiers of phone support. The first is 'Compatible with Fi'; this level uses the T-Mobile network and works with most unlocked phones. The second is 'Designed for Fi'; this level includes phones that use both Google Fi's coverage partners and a few extra features like a Google VPN for an automatic Wi-Fi connection. Google's Pixel phones obviously come under the latter category, and you can check your phone's compatibility before signing up on Google Fi's website anyway.

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Tello vs. Google Fi: Which should you get?

As tough as it is to pick one between Tello vs. Google Fi, we can say that the latter is a good choice for many users, even if they never leave the country. The simple billing structure and multi-line savings on the unlimited plans are great, and the fact that you only pay for the data you use is also a nice addition. If you need the international features, no other carrier offers the same roaming functionality, with even postpaid carriers struggling to match Google's offering.

On the other hand, Tello sticks to the basics and is ideal for users who simply want a no-fuss wireless service without all kinds of bells and whistles thrown into the mix. Even if you just want a light plan with only talk time minutes and don't care about data, Tello can give you that. Of course, you do get things like international calling to more than 60 countries for free. No matter how you customize your plan, you'll save quite a lot with Tello.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Google Fi Wireless

What you need to know

• Google Fi's W+ uses Wi-Fi networks in public areas such as malls and airports to give Google Fi customers better coverage than LTE or 5G connections alone.
• W+ is first available to Google Pixel users running the latest update of Android 12 with W+ enabled in settings.
• Data on W+ is treated the same as any other data on the Fi network and counts towards your plan's data usage unlike using a standard Wi-Fi connection.

One of Google Fi's best tricks has always been its ability to switch between multiple networks on the fly so its customers could get better coverage than any single network could provide. While the number of phones that support network switching has continued to grow, Pixel users have a new trick available to them with W+.

As identified by 9to5Google, W+ uses Wi-Fi in participating public areas as cellular coverage automatically when LTE or 5G coverage isn't at its best. This is most common in places like airports, malls, or stadiums.

Despite improvements in coverage from traditional LTE and 5G connections, there are some areas where these technologies aren't the most efficient way to deliver data and don't live up to the expectations of mobile users. Google has addressed this by allowing phones to automatically connect to these participating Wi-Fi access points. Once connected, you should never notice the difference from the standard Fi network apart from a W+ symbol replacing LTE or 5G at the top of your screen.

According to Google Fi's help page on W+, you must be using a Pixel phone like the Google Pixel 6 with the latest version of Android 12 to be able to use this connection. While some of the other best Android phones can use Google Fi's network switching, for the time being at least, W+ is limited to Pixel phones.

As far as security goes, this isn't like connecting to any old public Wi-Fi network. Google Fi uses its VPN to keep your data secure when passing through these unknown networks. This is in addition to only using only trusted Wi-Fi connection in the first place.

Even so, this isn't a full replacement for Wi-Fi and there still are some benefits to using your own home Wi-Fi or trusted hotspots. W+ usage, for example, counts towards your data usage on your Google Fi plan the same way data on LTE or 5G would. This is more significant if you're on Fi's Flexible plan that charges by the gig for usage. Luckily, your phone will prefer a saved Wi-Fi connection, like the one at your home, if you are within range.

If you've got the latest Android 12 update on your phone and it has been determined that W+ will provide the best connection, there's nothing else for you to do to get connected. If you find that W+ isn't giving you a good quality connection, however, you can disable it.

You can temporarily switch off W+ by turning off your Wi-Fi connection on your phone or by connecting to another Wi-Fi point. If you want to disable it altogether, you can switch it off in your settings. To turn it off, open settings, tap Network & Internet, then SIM, Google Fi, and toggle the option for W+ Connections.

W+ is an innovative way for Google Fi to improve its coverage without investing in building a single new cell phone tower or spending billions at FCC auctions.

With a low starting price and affordable unlimited family plans, Google Fi is a better value than ever. Factor in its excellent global roaming, nationwide coverage, and billing feature that credits back whatever data you don't use, and you have an even more appealing purchase. Fi works with almost any unlocked phone, but certain features, like intelligent network switching, are only available for certain phones with "designed for Fi" software. The Google Pixel 7 Pro is the best phone for Google Fi thanks to its excellent network support, powerful hardware, and frequent software updates straight from Google.

Make the most of your Google Fi plan with the right phone

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is not just the best phone to get on Google Fi, but one of the best Android phones you can get for any carrier. It has the powerful Tensor G2 CPU under the hood keeping Android 13 running along smoothly and a gorgeous 120Hz OLED screen. While unlocking with your face isn't as smooth as we'd like, our Pixel 7 Pro review confirms that the fingerprint sensor works great and is much improved over the Pixel 6 Pro.

Of course, anyone following the Pixel narrative knows that this phone's biggest trick is the cameras. Google's camera software makes the most of the main 50MP camera, the 12MP ultrawide camera, and the 48MP telephoto camera. Producing some of the best images of any phone you can buy right now, Google's software generates sharp images with plenty of contrast that look great on social media.

The Pixel 7 Pro is also first in line with its smaller sibling to get the latest versions of Android so you can be confident you've got all of the latest features for years to come. To add to that, Google Assistant is even more powerful on Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro with some exclusive features like Pixel Call Assist. Naturally, this phone works with Google Fi's full network including 5G and network switching so you should get strong data speeds and coverage as well.

Many of Samsung's Galaxy phones have been fully compatible with Google Fi's network for a few generations and that continues with the excellent Galaxy S22 Ultra. As we saw in our S22 Ultra review, this phone is blazing fast thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 with included S Pen making the device even more useful. This really is the ultimate Galaxy phone and it works on Google Fi's entire network thanks to its Designed for Fi designation. You can even set it up with an eSIM on Fi.

The cameras on the back are some of the best available with great colors and sharpness on the main 108MP camera with two more cameras for optical zoom and an ultra-wide camera so you're ready for any situation. Of course, this phone supports 5G including C-band and Wi-Fi 6E out of the box.

One of Samsung's biggest strengths with the S22 line is its plans for software updates. Samsung has committed to upgrading this phone through to Android 16 with five years of security updates. While the initial investment is high on this flagship phone, you can rest assured you'll be able to keep using it for years to come.

The Google Pixel 6a lives up to the Pixel name with everything you've come to expect from a cheaper Pixel phone and some features you might not expect. As we saw in our Pixel 6a review, one of those features is the same powerful Google Tensor CPU from the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. That means this phone has plenty of speed for running just about anything you can download from the Play Store. It also means that you've got support for 5G and Wi-Fi 6E so you can get the best network speeds av available just about anywhere you go.

The Pixel 6a also gets Google's excellent camera software to help get every bit of color data out of the 12MP main and 12MP ultrawide rear cameras. In fact, the Google Pixel 6a did very well on MKBHD's blind camera phone challenge for 2022 confirming that you don't need the very best hardware to take great photos. If you want a camera that you can rely on to get a great shot without fiddling with settings, you can count on the Pixel 6a just as much as any other Pixel.

This affordable Pixel is also at the front of the line for the latest software updates straight from Google and should work great with all of Google Fi's features. With mid-band, 5G support, Wi-Fi 6E, and a large 6.1-inch display, this phone has everything most of us look for in a top-tier flagship, for half the price.

The Pixel 7 is one of the best Android phones you can buy thanks to its powerful Google Tensor G2 CPU, powerful cameras, and excellent software update schedule. Unfortunately, you can say that about every PIxel on sale today so what helps the standard Pixel 7 stand out in one of the most gifted families of phones? One thing we noted in our Pixel 7 review is the flat OLED display on the front which runs at 90Hz. While a curved screen looks great, it can make edge gestures more difficult for some and makes screen protectors pricier as well.

Compared to the Pixel 7 Pro, you give up the telephoto camera but still get the excellent 50MP main shooter for excellent photos in a wide range of conditions. While some people will prefer Samsung's colors, there's no doubt that the Pixel 7 outputs some of the best images ever taken on a mobile phone. If your social media photographer, you won't be disappointed with this phone.

The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is one of the best mid-range phones money can buy, with a beautiful AMOLED display, a large battery, 5G support, and enough power to handle the majority of apps with ease. Speaking of power, this phone has a 5,000mAh battery which can easily take you to the end of the day with heavy use. The phone can also be charged at 25 watts, though you'll need to provide your own charging brick as there isn't one in the box.

As we saw in our review, the cameras produce nice and sharp images with plenty of contrast for social media and sharing with friends. While it's not quite on the level of the S22 series, not much is. You get IP67 water and dust resistance so you don't need to sweat if you get stuck in the rain. 

Finally, the most surprising thing about this phone is its amazing software support. Samsung has promised four major Android updates and with this device starting out on Android 12, you can be sure you'll be up to date for years to come. For phones in this price range and even compared to some flagship phones, Samsung's promised updates are second to none.

The Samsung Galaxy A13 5G is an impressively capable budget phone, with a large 6.5-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate. With 4GB of RAM and powered by the MediaTek MT6833 Dimensity 700 CPU, this phone has enough power to handle day-to-day takes with sub-6 5G built in so you can use T-Mobile's vast 5G coverage through Google Fi. Not only that but it supports Google Fi's network switching so you can be sure you're on the best connection possible.

This phone has three cameras on the back with a 50MP main camera for most of your photos alongside a 2MP wide-angle camera and a 2MP depth camera. You can also take plenty of photos with 64GB of storage onboard and a microSD card slot. The battery should also last you all day with a 5,000mAh power pack included that can charge at 15 watts.

This phone launched with Android 11 and Samsung has committed to 2 Android OS updates so you won't be stuck with an aging operating system for too long. While two updates don't meet the standard of more expensive Galaxy phones, compared to other budget phones, it's reasonable. Especially when you consider that this phone will get four years of security updates.

Use your Google Fi plan to its fullest

To get the most out of your Google Fi service, it's best to get a phone that has been "designed for Fi." This means that it has the necessary software to automatically switch to the network with the best signal no matter where you are in the country. You can still use any of the best Android phones on the T-Mobile network with Google Fi, but you may not get the same consistency in coverage as other phones.

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is the ultimate Google Fi phone with all of the best features Google offers, including some of the best cameras on any phone and 5G support. The phone comes with a great display running at an ultra-smooth 120Hz, and you can rest assured that Google will keep the phone up to date with the latest version of Android as soon as it's ready.

What you need to know

• Google Fi has reduced the price on its two unlimited plans, Simply Unlimited and Unlimited Plus.
• Unlimited Plus starts at $65 per month for one line and Simply Unlimited starts at $50 per month.
• High-speed data allocation has also been updated to 35GB from 22GB.
• The entry-level Flexible plan has not been changed.

Google Fi has cut the price of its two unlimited plans making the carrier more competitive. As reported by 9to5Google, Google Fi has reduced the cost of its Simply Unlimited plan by $10 to $50 per month for a single line. The more expensive Unlimited Plus plan has been reduced by $5 to $65 per month. These plans are also eligible for multi-line savings with discounts when up to four lines are added to the plan. Simply Unlimited comes down to just $20 per line with four lines.

Google has also seen fit to update its high-speed data amount for unlimited users. Previously, Google Fi users would have their connection speeds throttled if they used more than 22GB in their billing period. This has been increased to 35GB on Simply Unlimited and 50GB on Unlimited Plus. 

Google has also added 5GB of hotspot data to the Simply Unlimited plan so users can share their connection with other Wi-Fi devices like a tablet or a laptop. Unlimited Plus still shares hotspot data with the main usage pool, but with 50GB, there's a lot more to play with. 

Google Fi is well known for offering simple data plans with excellent international roaming options. In fact, if you're traveling out of the U.S. and want to keep using your phone, Google Fi is the best cell phone plan you can get. If you're looking to try Google Fi, it's best to use a phone that's fully compatible with the carrier's network switching. You can check your phone when you sign up, but one of the best phones for Fi is the Google Pixel 6, with great support out of the box.

Picking one of the best Google Fi alternatives can be a bit tricky, considering how many great options are available out there. An MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) utilizing T-Mobile's network infrastructure, Google Fi offers three feature-laden unlimited plans and a value-for-money flexible plan that you can choose from. The unlimited plans are targeted at heavy users who want lots of premium data, along with hotspot use and international usage benefits, whereas the base plan is suited for users who simply want reliable network coverage, but with some data thrown into the mix.

However, if none of those phone plans interest you, you can check out one of the many Google Fi alternatives available out there. These pack everything from high-speed 5G access to plan customization to bulk discounts, all at fairly affordable prices. Mint Mobile continues to be our top pick, as it's fully owned and operated by T-Mobile and lets you save by offering its service in bundles of three, six, or 12 months. We also quite like Visible, which is fully backed by Verizon and gives you three feature-packed plans to choose from. There are many other options too, so read on to see which one is the best for your requirements.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

At a glance

Best overall

While most of the wireless service providers bill you monthly, Mint Mobile takes a different approach by requiring you to purchase three, six, or 12 months of service upfront at a time. Of course, this means you have to pay more initially, but it lets you save significantly over time as well.

Mint Mobile's data plans come with unlimited talk and text, and (depending on your choice), 5GB, 15GB, 20GB, or unlimited (with no data caps, but reduction in speeds after 50GB of use) of 5G/4G LTE data. If you find you need additional data for a month, you can get it at a starting price of $10 for 1GB. You also get shared mobile hotspot usage with all but the top-tier plan, which has 20GB of dedicated hotspot data. All the plans also have free calls to Mexico, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Do note that video streaming is limited to 480p (SD) resolution with all plans.

As a new customer, you can save by getting any of Mint Mobile's plans for at least three months. If you like the service, you can renew it for six months at a slightly higher prices, or lock-in the introductory prices by signing up for an entire year of service. With Mint Mobile, the longer your duration of service, the more you stand to save. The unlimited plan is a solid choice, since it no longer has any data caps.

Mint Mobile is owned and operated by T-Mobile, and uses the latter's LTE and 5G networks, which means you can bring over just about any unlocked phone and it'll work on the network. This also makes Mint Mobile a good way to test out the largest 5G network in the country.

Best for simplicity

Visible is arguably the simplest and most straightforward prepaid wireless carrier in the United States. From setting up the device to getting a plan, it makes just about everything a cakewalk. Visible has three unlimited plans, each coming in with lots of practical benefits. The base plan (called Visible) is similar to what we tested in our Visible review and gives you high-speed 5G and 4G LTE connectivity, along with unlimited shared hotspot use at 5Mbps. You also get 480p (SD) video streaming, and talk and text to Mexico and Canada, all at a standard price of $25 per month.

Moving up, the middle-level plan (called Visible Plus) upgrades your 5G access to Verizon's 'Ultra-Wideband' network for even better speeds. It also enables shared hotspot use at 10Mbps and 1080p (Full-HD) video streaming, along with roaming perks in Mexico and Canada, at a regular price of $35 per month. Lastly, the top-tier plan (called Visible Plus Pro) offers you 2160p (4K) video streaming, unlimited shared mobile hotspot use at 15Mbps, full Mexico and Canada use, calling to over 85 countries and texting to more than 200 countries, smartwatch service, and a lot more, all at a price of $45 per month.

It's worth mentioning that Visible's prices are inclusive of taxes and fees, and you also have the option to pay yearly for more savings. Moreover, there are deals and promotions running almost every time, and those can help you save even more.

Best for customization

US Mobile offers three main unlimited plans worth checking out. The two higher plans (Unlimited Starter and Unlimited Premium) have monthly prices of $25 and $44 (before limited-time promotional discounts), respectively, and these include unlimited talk and text, hotspot use, international use perks, and more. The third plan (Unlimited Flex) is available as an annual option only, with an effective price of $17.50 per month. It offers 10GB of high-speed data and 5GB of mobile hotspot data. Among the best MVNO carriers, US Mobile is interesting because it uses the networks of all the 'Big Three' carriers; you can select the same when signing up for the service.

In addition to these, US Mobile has a lightweight plan that you can get for only $10 per month. It offers 2GB of premium data and international calling as an add-on, and you can save by signing up for a full year. You also have 'By the Gig' plans that let you buy chunks of data (e.g., 2GB for $10 per month) that can be shared across multiple devices and lines. Each plan's price also includes the first line, and extra lines can be added at a price of $8 per line.

If you sign up for at least three lines with the highest plan, you can add one of the pre-configured bundles that include subscription services such as Audible, Hulu, and Xbox Gamepass. Each of these bundles costs $15 per month.

Best for families

As the name suggests, Metro by T-Mobile is owned by T-Mobile. Consequently, it has some of the better prepaid options if you prefer the carrier's network. Metro offers excellent compatibility with phones that work with T-Mobile and has good multi-line discounts that you can take advantage of as well.

Metro by T-Mobile allows you to choose from three unlimited plans that all have unlimited talk and text with 5G access, 'ScamShield' for preventing scam calls, as well as access to the 'T-Mobile Tuesdays' promotions. The two higher plans also include dedicated mobile hotspot data, 100GB of cloud storage via Google One, and more. The base plan is web-exclusive and costs $40 per month, whereas the higher plans discussed above cost $50 and $60 per month. All prices are inclusive of taxes and fees and are backed by a five-year price guarantee.

With the top-of-the-line plan, you also get international texting to more than 210 countries and destinations, along with Amazon Prime, and 1080p (Full-HD) video streaming. Apart from these, Metro by T-Mobile also has an online-exclusive plan (priced at a mere $25 per month) that's perfect if you bring your current device to the network.

Best international perks

As AT&T's prepaid brand, Cricket Wireless might not tick every box for those who want an alternative to Google Fi, but it comes in quite close. For example, you get reliable nationwide 5G network access, unlimited talk and text, and good phone compatibility. Cricket Wireless has done away with the speed caps that it had in place a while back, and its revamped plans now offer a lot better value for money.

Cricket Wireless has a base plan that costs $30 per month for one line and packs 10GB of high-speed data, but not much more. Next up, there are three unlimited plans that have monthly prices of $35, $45, and $55 for one line (and with autopay discounts). With these, you get unlimited talk and text, up to 50GB of hotspot data, (with the highest plan), and unlimited texts to more than 200 countries and territories around the world with the top two plans. The top-tier also comes with HBO Max (with ads), as well as 150GB of cloud storage. With the lower unlimited plan, you get 100GB of cloud storage. You get multi-line discounts with all but the base plan, and there are two multi-month plans available too.

Lastly, Cricket Wireless offers data-only plans that are perfect if you don't require calling functionality and mostly depend on messaging apps for communication.

Best on a budget

Tello is a prepaid carrier that you might not have heard of before, but perhaps it's now time to know about it. One of the more interesting players out in the mobile space, it's a Google Fi alternative that offers a lot to like. The biggest highlight of Tello is its online 'Build Your Own Plan' tool, which lets you configure exactly how much data and/or talk time minutes you need. From no to unlimited data (with a high-speed cap of 50GB), and from zero to unlimited talk time minutes, you can mix and match things as you like.

If all that sounds too cumbersome, you can simply pick from one of the four pre-customized plans that offer good bang for your buck(s). Of these, the 'Economy' plan comes with 2GB of data, unlimited talk and text, as well as shared hotspot usage, all for $10 per month. You can also opt for the top-of-the-line 'Data' plan, which includes unlimited talk and text, 50GB of high-speed data, and more, for $25 per month. All of Tello's plans include free international calling to more than 60 countries, including popular destinations such as Canada, Mexico, and India.

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Lots of options

Get the Google Fi alternative that's best for your needs

It probably won't be an exaggeration to say that there's no carrier in the United States quite like Google Fi Wireless. Sure, it might be a bit more expensive than others, but goodies like roaming benefits to 'Bill Protection' make the extra cost almost seem justified. Many of the best Android phones will work with Google Fi's network with full 5G access, so it's the ideal choice for many users.

That said, there's no shortage of awesome Google Fi alternatives in the U.S., with our best overall pick being Mint Mobile. This MVNO is owned and operated by T-Mobile and requires you to pay for multiple months of service in advance. While this does mean you pay more from your pocket initially, you end up saving a lot in the long term. Mint Mobile offers high-speed 5G access, free mobile hotspot use, and a number of other features. Plans start at $15 per month (with a minimum of three months), and there are typically plenty of great Mint Mobile deals that can help you save some extra cash when buying a new smartphone like the Google Pixel 10 Pro through the prepaid carrier.

Then there's Visible, which is backed by Verizon and makes stuff super simple by letting you choose from three fully loaded plans. While the starter plan will more than suffice for everyone's needs, the higher plan comes with benefits such as access to Verizon's 'Ultra-Wideband' 5G network, international usage perks, and a lot more.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

Signing up with one of the best MVNOs that use T-Mobile's network allows you to benefit from reliable and consistent wireless coverage throughout the United States, that too at (fairly) affordable prices. With its nationwide high-speed 5G and the even faster 'Ultra-Capacity' 5G network easily among the best in the country, it's no wonder T-Mobile is the preferred choice for some of the best MVNO carriers to base their services on. You also get incredible smart device compatibility, which means just about any of the best unlocked phones will work flawlessly.

There are quite a few alternative prepaid carriers out there, but Mint Mobile still remains our top overall choice as far as MVNOs based on T-Mobile's network are concerned. It's fully owned and operated by T-Mobile and lets you save money by offering service in chunks of multiple months for which you're required to pay in advance. You can also take a look at Metro by T-Mobile for better multi-line discounts, or Google Fi Wireless if you travel overseas quite a lot, and there are many other alternatives as well.

At a glance

Side-by-side look

Best overall

Having used T-Mobile's network for many years to provide reliable coverage, Mint Mobile is now completely owned and operated by the 'Un-carrier' and continues to be a top-tier pick. If you're willing to buy up to a year of phone service upfront, you can get 15GB of monthly data for as little as $20 per month with a single line. Apart from that, you get hotspot usage with every plan. The unlimited plan now comes with no data caps (although speeds are still reduced if you use more than 50GB in a month) and is ideal if you find yourself running out of data quite often. This plan is perfect for data-heavy users.

However, Mint Mobile's best rates come via its smaller plans, with the starter 5GB option coming in as low as $15 per month. The 15GB plan costs just a bit more, at a starting price of $20 per month. Then there's the 20GB plan, which starts at $25 per month. Thus, you can save a lot with Mint Mobile as a light user. Note that all these prices are before any limited-time discounts and regular promotions, that allow you to save even more.

Still, Mint's Mobile's best savings require you to pay for an entire year of service in advance, which can be daunting, especially if you plan on bringing multiple lines. For multi-line customers, Mint Family offers 12-month pricing, but payments are only required every three months. This makes bringing your family members or friends to the carrier easier, even if you can't afford to pay for a year of service for multiple lines in one go.

To learn more, check out our Mint Mobile review.

Best for multi-line discounts

Metro by T-Mobile has a trio of primary unlimited plans, with the base plan being available only online at a price of $40 per month. Then you have the next $50 per month unlimited plan having unlimited data on T-Mobile's network, along with 8GB hotspot data, as well as scam call protection. Furthermore, you get 100GB cloud storage via Google One, phone upgrades, and more. It's perfect for heavier users who don't want to worry about how much data they use.

Lastly, there's the $60 per month (after autopay discount) plan with 25GB hotspot data, all other benefits of the cheaper plan detailed above, along with unlimited texting to more than 210 countries and destinations across the world. With this plan, you also get Amazon Prime, HD quality streaming, and some other perks. You can also get the base plans at an effective price of just $20, provided you sign up for six months in advance. You can also get a few affordable plans if you bring your own phone. If All plans come are backed by a five-year price guarantee, and you can also avail multi-line discounts for up to four lines. All of the prices include relevant taxes and fees.

Best international perks

Google Fi Wireless doesn't try to have the lowest prices around; instead, it keeps the focus on making things simple and easy. If you have a top-tier device such as the Google Pixel 10 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, or even one of the several affordable Android phones, you can not only get T-Mobile's network coverage but enjoy intelligent switching to secure Wi-Fi connections if they're available. This is a unique approach that lets Google Fi Wireless consumers stay connected across most of the United States with little to no effort. Even if you don't have one of the smartphones needed for this feature, you'll still be connected through T-Mobile's network anyway. 5G access is available for both 'Designed for Fi' and 'Compatible with Fi' phones, and you even get to travel to over 200 international destinations without having to worry about data prices.

Among Google Fi Wireless's refreshed plans is the 'Flexible' plan, which costs $20 per month for one line. For every 1GB used, you have to pay $10 until you hit 6GB. After that, the cost freezes at $80 per month with the 'Bill Protection' feature. Do note that the total cost and data consumption will vary based on the number of lines on the plan. Then there's the 'Unlimited Essentials' plan, which costs $35 per month and offers 30GB high-speed data, but not many international features. If you need those, you'll need to sign up for either the 'Unlimited Standard' or the 'Unlimited Premium' option. The 'Unlimited Standard' plan costs $50 per month and offers 50GB premium data, 25GB high-speed mobile hotspot data, as well as usage in Mexico and Canada. Lastly, the 'Unlimited Premium' plan costs $65 per month and includes 100GB premium data, 50GB high-speed mobile hotspot data, and free international calls to more than 50 destinations. You also get 50GB roaming data in more than 200 countries, as well as 100GB free cloud storage via Google One and six months of YouTube Premium.

To learn more, check out our detailed Google Fi overview.

Best ultra-affordable

Tello is designed in a way so that you can configure the plan to have just the right amount of data and/or talk time minutes as you need. If you're a very light user, it is almost impossible to beat Tello's 2GB 'Starter' plan, which bundles in unlimited talk and text for just $10 per month. There are no fees or contracts either, so you won't be getting any billing surprises. A fully unlimited 'Max' option costs a mere $25 per month and packs in 50GB high-speed data, along with 10GB dedicated mobile hotspot data. You can set up to four lines with an account if you want to bring over friends or family members, but there are no additional discounts. You also have a nice selection of pre-configured plans to choose from, including the two picks detailed above.

Tello is a great option if you have family or friends in Canada, Mexico, or India, as you get free calls to these three and more than 60 other countries. For the other destinations, you'll need to pay by the minute, with the prices being lower than one cent per minute.

You can bring in your own phone as well, as long as it's unlocked and compatible with the T-Mobile network. You can check your device's IMEI number to be sure. Tello sells a few phones through its website, including refurbished flip phones as well as affordable smartphones. If you want something a bit more high-end, such as one of the best Android phones, you'll need to buy one yourself.

To learn more, read our Tello review.

Best for customization

US Mobile has a trio of unlimited plans and some basic options, so you'll be able to find something that suits your requirements and budget. The starter plan has unlimited talk and text, and 2GB high-speed data at a mere $10 per month. From there, you can move up to the 10GB 'Unlimited Flex' plan that's only available as an annual option, as well as two unlimited plans. These are usually priced at $25 per month ('Unlimited Starter') and $44 per month ('Unlimited Premium'), even though there are almost always some promotional discounts available. The top-tier plan also packs in multi-line subscription benefits. It allows you to have over ten streaming and gaming services (e.g., Audible, Hulu, and Xbox Game Pass) as you get up to $15 per month for a service of your choice, provided you sign up for at least three lines on the highest plan.

Another interesting offering by US Mobile are its 'By the Gig' plans, which let you have a specific amount of monthly data that can be shared between any number of devices. The 'pool' of data to be shared also covers one line with unlimited talk and text, at no additional charges. Additional lines can be added to this plan, at a cost of $8 per month. There's no restriction on the amount of data you can buy to add to the pool for sharing, with data packs being available in capacities of 2GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB.

To learn more, take a look at our US Mobile review.

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How to choose

Save on wireless service with the best T-Mobile MVNOs out there

There are many great MVNOs using T-Mobile's network that offer a wide range of plans, with everything from just a few minutes of talk time to fully unlimited data thrown into the mix. As such, many of these prepaid carriers are also some of the best MVNOs overall. While more and more wireless consumers are using up large amounts of data via their smartphones these days, availability of Wi-Fi continues to get better too, allowing many users to get by with cheaper plans. If you don't require lots of data, there's a certainly a plan available with most prepaid carriers having just a few GBs of data, at a fantastic price.

Now a subsidiary of T-Mobile, Mint Mobile continues to offer lots of data for most users with a pricing structure that immediately makes quite a lot of sense. Mint Mobile's unlimited plan isn't the most feature-laden but for most customers, it's going to be more than enough. Then there's Metro by T-Mobile, which offers a variety of plans having multi-line discounts, bundled subscription services, and a lot more.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Metro by T-Mobile | Google Fi Wireless | Tello | US Mobile

What you need to know

• Google Fi is launching end-to-end encryption for phone calls on its network.
• Calls between Fi customers will include a special tone and symbol when protected.
• The new end-to-end encryption is rolling out first on Android phones.

Google announced that its Google Fi service is enabling enhanced protection for calls with end-to-end encryption on the best Android phones.

In Thursday's blog post, Google says that the feature will work between smartphones on its network, and will include audio and visual cues so that users know immediately that their calls are end-to-end encrypted. That means no one should be able to listen in on your calls and that your private conversations can stay that way.

When making a call to another Fi customer using Google's Phone app, users will hear a unique ring sound to indicate that the call is encrypted. There will also be a lock symbol on the call screen to visually indicate that your call is protected. Similarly, the person on the other end will see the same icon.

Google already provides end-to-end encryption for its Messages app, and recently, WhatsApp backups to Google Drive have also gained an extra level of protection. Google Fi also provides a free VPN service for customers and other security benefits.

However, the feature will only work for calls between Google Fi customers, meaning calls to other carriers won't get the same level of protection.

Google says the feature will arrive on Android devices on its Fi network "in the coming weeks." Support for iOS devices was not mentioned.

What you need to know

• Google Fi is offering an upgrade program for the Pixel 5a.
• The phone is discounted over a two-year period and includes device protection.
• After two years, you get to keep the Pixel 5a and upgrade to a new device.

Google Fi is at it again with great deals on new smartphones. The carrier continues to offer its subscription program for phones, with the offer now being extended to the new Google Pixel 5a.

While the Pixel 5a normally costs $449, Google's Fi's subscription would bring that cost down to just $15 per month, or $360 over a two-year period. That's with the optional $6 device protection, which you would probably want. However, without protection, the phone only costs $9 per month.

After the two-year period, you own the phone, although you won't be able to trade it in for your next device. According to Google, "you decide if you want to stay in the program and receive the next device in the subscription program as an upgrade," after which you start another two-year term.

Last year, Google offered the same program for the Pixel 4a, but if you didn't get in on the subscription then, now might be a good time to jump on so you'll be prepared to upgrade to whatever Pixel becomes available at that time. Not only that, but you'll have access to one of the best 5G networks thanks to Google Fi's reliance on T-Mobile.

At its original price, the Pixel 5a is already fairly enticing as an affordable alternative to some of the best Android phones, but Google Fi's offer makes it even more of a steal. The phone has already proven itself to be a beast when it comes to battery life, and because it's a Pixel, you're set to get new features and the upcoming Android 12 update before anyone else.

This isn't the only offer from Google Fi that we've spotted recently. The carrier is also offering up to $400 off the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 if you preorder by the 26th. If you're in the market for a new phone, either deal sounds like a no-brainer.

Head over to Google Fi for more details about the Pixel 5a subscription, or you can preorder the phone from Google below.

What you need to know

• Google Fi is giving a $400 bill credit to customers who preorder the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3.
• The deal is available to both new and existing customers under certain conditions.
• The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the first foldable phone to be available on the Fi store.

Samsung finally took the wraps off the Galaxy Z Flip 3 on Wednesday with a powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset and a lower price point, making it a worthy competitor to the best foldable phones. While there are many places where you can snag the phone for less, Google Fi is offering one of the best deals for the device.

If you've already subscribed to Google Fi or are planning to switch, you can get a $400 discount to your monthly bill if you preorder the Galaxy Z Flip 3 (via 9to5Google). To snap up the deal, you need only to preorder the phone from the Fi store and activate it on your plan within 30 days of the shipment confirmation. The credit, however, won't apply to data-only lines and is nontransferable.

For new Fi customers, you'll need to port your number to a qualified Fi account from your current provider within 30 days. You must also have never subscribed to a Fi service within the last 180 days before applying for the promotion. Existing customers can also take part in the deal if they have active Fi service at least within the last 180 days.

The $400 credit is on top of the $150 credit you'll get from Samsung if you preorder or purchase a device before August 26 via its online marketplace or the Shop Samsung app. You must also register in the app between August 25 and September 26, with the credit valid only until November 9. The discount stacks up if you trade in an eligible phone, getting you up to $500 in savings.

It should be noted that the Fi credit applies only to your monthly bill, not to the cost of the phone purchase. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the first foldable phone to be available on Fi, and with its $1000 price tag, the device certainly stands a chance to go mainstream in line with Samsung's goal.

What you need to know

• Google Fi has introduced a new Simply Unlimited data plan.
• Subscribers on the new plan will still experience "unlimited" data without a few notable features.
• The plan is available now for new and existing Google Fi subscribers.

Google Fi is one of the best MVNO carriers in the U.S., particularly when it comes to traveling outside of the U.S. That's thanks to its lower cost and dependence on the T-Mobile 5G network and its ability to switch between cellular and WiFi on the fly. To celebrate the 6th anniversary of Google Fi, the carrier is introducing a new "unlimited" plan that forgoes some of its popular perks.

Google Fi's new Simply Unlimited plan is available for users that want the perks of unlimited data but without some of the extras. That means no tethering or international roaming. Until now, Google Fi has offered two plans for customers, the Flexible plan for WiFi users that charges per GB of data and an Unlimited Plus plan with unlimited data and full access to all the perks. Simply Unlimited falls somewhere in between the two plans.

International roaming may not be a deal-breaker for many at the moment since the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed international travel. The lack of tethering may be a deterrent since many users may rely on it for working from home or distance learning. The plan also lacks the 100GB of Google One cloud storage and data-only SIM cards, so you wouldn't be able to add a line for the best Android tablets or cellular-enabled laptop.

Subscribers will still have access to the usual like unlimited talk and text in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, 22GB of high-speed data, and Google Fi's family features. If this is enough for you, Simply Unlimited starts at just $30 a month for three or more lines and can save you as much as $20 per month compared to Unlimited Plus. And you'll still get more out of the service with the best Google Fi phones like the Google Pixel 5.

What you need to know

• Google has brought Motorola's newest cheap phones to its Google Fi service.
• These include the Moto G Play, Moto G Power, and Motorola One Ace.
• All three are free for a limited time.

Google today brought over three of Motorola's newest phones, the Moto G Play, Moto G Power, and Motorola One Ace over to its Google Fi service. It's offering them to customers from as low as $4.12 a month or $99 outright and even as low as free with Fi bill credits) for eligible buyers.

Motorola's 2021 budget phones came on the scene just a month ago, and while they didn't manage to impress as a cohort, they are competent phones. The One Ace 5G is a really competent phone, coming with a Snapdragon 750G processor, 6GB of RAM, a 6.7-inch Full HD+ display, a triple camera setup, and NFC support.

The G Power and G Play are a bit less compelling, with 720p resolutions at display sizes of 6.5 and 6.6-inches respectively, weaker processors, and no NFC for Google Pay. If you're picking up one of these, the Motorola One Ace is the one to get, and 5G support means its future-proofed somewhat. But the low pricing means that you can't write off the other two regardless.

You can check out the Moto G Play, Moto G Power, or Motorola One Ace over at Google FI.

Motorola One 5G Ace

The Motorola One 5G Ace is the best of the three smartphones. While normally held back by its $400 pricing, time has shaved $100 off its launch price, mitigating its very many weaknesses.

• $299 at Amazon
• $299 at Best Buy
• $279 at Google Fi

Mobile tethering may be a very commonplace feature in smartphones these days, but it's still extremely useful. With mobile tethering, you can effortlessly share your phone's wireless data connection with a wide range of other devices (e.g., laptops, tablets), thus allowing them to access the Internet when you're on the move. It also comes in handy when you don't have reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. And the best part? You don't need to have an expensive wireless plan for this to work, as majority of the best MVNO carriers offer mobile tethering on most (if not all) of their plans. While some of these prepaid plans come with dedicated mobile hotspot data, others let you share the cellular data that you get as part of your plan between your smartphone and tethered devices.

Of course, there are many other factors that you must consider when signing up with a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). Thankfully, the best MVNOs that allow tethering also numerous other perks, including everything from international usage benefits to multi-line savings, all while also giving you access to the fastest networks in the United States. Read all about them and take your pick!

Share your mobile data between all your smart devices

• Back to the top ^

Choose the right MVNO for your mobile tethering requirements

While mobile tethering is certainly a convenient feature to have, it's not always easy to predict just how much hotspot data you'll need. Today, almost everyone has access to Wi-Fi networks that offer unlimited data with little to no effort. However, there still are situations (e.g., power outages, road trips) where it's essential to have enough data that you can not only use on your smartphone, but also on other devices.

If you mostly stay at home and are rarely away from a reliable Wi-Fi network, you can't go wrong with Visible, which offers unlimited shared mobile hotspot data use at three different speeds that are more than enough for casual use. Mint Mobile is also a great option and even has an unlimited plan that packs 10GB of dedicated mobile hotspot data in case you need it. It's also worth mentioning that even if you use up all your data allowance, connectivity still remains, only the speeds are reduced.

Conversely, if you often find yourself needing to use mobile hotspot functionality for work (or fun), we recommend considering options such as US Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile, which offer loads of dedicated mobile hotspot data. With these wireless service providers, you'll never have to keep tabs on your wireless plan's primary data allotment.

What you need to know

• Google Fi's VPN service is now out of beta for Android devices and should offer faster connections.
• iPhone users will have access to Fi VPN service this Spring.
• Google is launching a privacy and security hub for Fi users.

Google is probably the last company you'd expect to help you browse the internet privately, but that's exactly what it's allowing you do to with its Fi VPN service. After being in beta for the past couple of years, Google is officially taking its virtual private network out of beta as part of Safer Internet Day and "after listening to your feedback and making performance improvements."

Not unlike many of the best VPN services, Google Fi works to ensure that your browsing is kept private, and now that it's out of beta, Google claims that users of the service should notice a "stronger, faster connection." And in addition to making Fi VPN available for all Android devices, the service will also be available for iPhone users this spring.

Google Fi VPN will be part of Google's new Privacy & Security Hub that it's rolling out today. This gives Fi subscribers one place to view and manage their privacy and security needs, such as blocking unwanted and spam calls, toggling the VPN, and more. This is in addition to the protections offered by your Google account and services like Family Link, which is what makes Google Fi one of the best wireless carriers in the U.S..

Google Fi VPN is available now for Android users subscribed to the network.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).

2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Bringing your own phone to Google Fi is easy, but there are a few things you should know before jumping in. Google Fi still markets and sells its own small set of smartphones that are "designed for Fi," but has also opened its doors, officially, to pretty much any of the best Android phones that want to be on its network. For many, this is the final barrier to drop for trying out Google Fi, as it was quite a bit of extra hassle to change phones just to try out a new network for a little while.

But unfortunately, there are still barriers to be found further down the road. Unlocked phones on Google Fi don't get all of the same features as its own certified phones, and what you do get depends on the specific phone you bring. Let's break down the differences to help you decide whether bringing your own phone to Google Fi is worth it.

Check device compatibility first

Before you start your transition to Google Fi, you need to know whether your phone will even work on the carrier. This one's pretty easy: if your phone is advertised as compatible with T-Mobile, it's compatible with Google Fi. Because Google Fi simply operates on the T-Mobile network, no further network bands or technology is required to use an unlocked phone on the carrier.

Google has a Fi network compatibility checker if you're unsure, but know that the compatibility checker isn't meant to be a complete list of all phones that are compatible — it's simply a subset of recent popular phones. But chances are, if you're using a phone designed for the North American market launched in the past few years, it's going to be compatible. That even includes most modern Verizon and Sprint phones, which still have the right GSM and LTE network bands for T-Mobile. Some international phones will work, too — just use Google's compatibility checker, or research the exact radio bands your phone has and compare them to T-Mobile's needs.

Many of the best phones for Google Fi are also some of the best phones in general. With the addition of Samsung's Galaxy S20 series and Note 20 series, you have some great options if you want to get full Google Fi compatibility.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

Once you've figured out that your phone is compatible with Google Fi, you need to check that it's SIM unlocked. If you purchased your phone from a carrier recently — or if you still owe money on a financing plan — there's a chance it isn't (yet) unlocked. You'll need to call the carrier (some have an online portal also) and request a SIM unlock code — sometimes that request will only be fulfilled if you've had the account open for several months and the phone is paid for in full.

If you already have your Google Fi SIM card, then you can simply put the SIM in your phone, and you'll find out immediately whether it's unlocked — you either have service, or you don't. If you have a friend who has a different carrier than you and wants to swap SIMs to test, that will accomplish the same goal.

How do I know if my phone is unlocked?

You (probably) only get T-Mobile's network

Google Fi bills its service as providing more value because it operates on not one but three mobile networks simultaneously: T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular. That's true if you're using one of Fi's certified phones, but it isn't true when you bring your own device that's only compatible with Fi. Most unlocked phones with a Google Fi SIM inside will only access T-Mobile's network, which means you need to know if that network is strong where you spend most of your time. Google Fi has a coverage map that lets you select whether you're looking at coverage for "designed for Fi" or "compatible with Fi" phones — to check unlocked phone coverage, choose the latter. In most areas, the difference isn't huge — but check your specific location and see whether there are weak areas using just T-Mobile.

The only caveat here, of course, is if you bring your own "designed for Fi" phones to the carrier. Google maintains a list of supported phones that offer all of the advanced network switching capabilities offered by Google Fi, but the list isn't huge. It basically boils down to the Google Nexus 6, Google Pixel phones, the Samsung Galaxy S20 series, Note 20 series, and a handful of Motos and LGs. Check your specific phone to be sure.

Wi-Fi calling and the Google VPN are open to all

Until December 2019, you had to have a "designed for Fi" phone to get Google Fi's advanced networking features. Now, two of its most popular features are available for any Android phone listed on its compatibility list. By simply installing the Google Fi app, you get access to the Google VPN and Wi-Fi calling, which are both great for anyone who regularly runs into spotty service.

If you turn it on, the Google VPN routes all of your traffic through a VPN to keep you secure and help smooth out transitions between Wi-Fi and cellular coverage. It works in the background, and you won't notice a thing except a simpler data experience. Wi-Fi calling is something we take for granted on just about every phone nowadays, so it was a weak point of bringing an unlocked phone to Fi — but now, it works just like it does on any other carrier.

Get signed up

It's a pretty simple process to sign up for Google Fi. Mostly you need to make sure you have a Google Fi SIM card at the ready or a phone that supports an eSIM. This includes all current Pixel phones as well as newer iPhones. Still, for simplicity or easy device switching, you can still use a standard SIM.

If you're not sure how much data you'll need, you should be able to see how much you typically use with your last few phone bills. The flexible plan will work out cheaper for most people, but heavier users will want to stick with the unlimited plan. Don't worry too much about getting this right off the bat; you can easily upgrade later in the Google Fi app.

What you need to know

• Google Fi has confirmed that it will no longer activate non-VoLTE phones starting January 1.
• The MVNO is offering a $100 credit to customers to upgrade to a phone with VoLTE support before December 31.
• Google Fi says existing non-VoLTE phones will continue to work in the "near term."

In July this year, T-Mobile announced that it would require all phones on its network to support VoLTE from January 2021. Google Fi, which leverages T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular networks, has now said that it will stop activating (or reactivating) phones without VoLTE support from January 1, 2021 (via 9to5Google).

To encourage its customers to upgrade to a new phone with VoLTE support, Google is offering a promotional $100 credit. However, you'll get the bill credit only if you buy a new device from Google Fi and activate it before December 31. It is also worth noting that only subscribers with 3G phones that were active on Fi as of December 3 are eligible for the promotion.

Google Fi says existing devices will continue to be supported in the "near term," but it hasn't confirmed a specific date for the end of 3G service. As noted by 9to5Google, however, you won't be able to reconnect to Google Fi if you need to reset your 3G phone for some reason after January 1.

In addition to Google's Pixel phones, you can currently save up to $400 on the best Android phones from Samsung and Motorola on Fi. If you don't want to buy a phone directly from Google Fi, you can also buy your own phone.

Best answer: Almost any unlocked phone will work on Fi, but some phones that weren't specifically designed for Fi may miss out on certain features like Google's VPN and network switching.

• Pure Android and full Fi 5G compatibility: Google Pixel 4a with 5G ($499 at Amazon)
• Flexible plans on nearly any phone: Google Fi (From $20 per month at Google Fi)

What phones are designed for Fi?

When Google Fi initially launched under the name Project Fi back in 2015, it was only available for the Nexus 6. Google Fi has continued to add its own phones, including the Nexus 5X, 6P, and all Pixel devices. Even Google phones purchased from carriers are fully compatible with Google Fi. Of course, they will need to be unlocked.

These phones are all designed for Fi, which means they will work with Google Fi's VPN as well as automatic switching between Google Fi's three networks. These phones can also connect to over two million approved hotspots to save on data and improve speed. Designed for Fi phones can switch to the best available network without any extra input. Google Fi uses towers from Sprint, T-Mobile, and US Cellular in the U.S.

Many of Motorola's phones are designed for Fi as well, including the Moto G Stylus and Moto G Power. There are a few others included, such as the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S20 5G. To see if your phone is on the list, check Google Fi's compatibility checker. Look for three green checkmarks for full compatibility.

If you're on a Pixel 2 or newer Google phone, you also get the added benefit of an integrated eSIM that lets you use Fi without having to wait for a physical SIM to arrive in the mail. Uniquely, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 4 can use a physical Google Fi SIM alongside an eSIM to improve network switching performance.

5G is now supported by network switching phones. With the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G, Google has finally included 5G support with its Designed for Fi phones. This also included Samsung's Galaxy S20 line of phones. If you've been waiting for Google Fi to get on board with 5G to switch, now's the time.

What phones are compatible with Fi?

Most unlocked phones will work on Google Fi to an extent but will not work with features such as network switching. These phones will use the T-Mobile network exclusively. Unlocked phones will be able to access T-Mobile's 5G network while connected to Google Fi.

You can see the difference in coverage by checking out Google Fi's coverage map.

Android phones need to support T-Mobile's GSM network, which is most of them, and they will also need to be running Android 7.0 or newer. Calls over Wi-Fi will work with most Android phones, and texting over Wi-Fi might work. Samsung devices will need to download the Messages app to text over Wi-Fi.

Apple iPhones newer than the 5S will work with Google Fi, and the XR, XS, 11 series, and 12 series will even be able to use an eSIM. You will need to update your phone to at least iOS 11 to activate. iMessage will work right out of the box since it uses data for transmission, but texts to other brands, the green texts, will need a few additional settings to get working. Apple devices will get access to international data but won't be able to call or text over Wi-Fi. You also won't be able to use your hotspot outside the US on an iPhone.

Ultimately, Google Fi is a great prepaid network regardless of which phone you're using it on. While there are still advantages to using a phone specifically made for Fi, we're just happy that it's finally open to any device that supports its network partners.

What you need to know

• Fi users will soon lose the ability to route text conversations through Hangouts as Google readies to discontinue the service.
• With Google Chat going free in the first half of 2021, Google recommends that Fi users who want to sync their text conversations across multiple devices instead use Messages for Web.
• Messages for Web now allows Fi users to send and receive texts even without a direct connection to their phone, though RCS will need to be disabled first.

Hangouts holdouts haven't had it easy. Google has been warning users of the messaging service's impending doom for years, and it's finally taking action as it gears up to replace the service with Google Chat in early 2021.

While the company says it will automatically migrate Hangouts conversations to Google Chat to make the transition easier, one feature that won't be carried over is the ability for Google Fi users to direct their SMS threads through Hangouts.

For years, this has been a convenient way for Fi users to enjoy a sort of "unified inbox" for their conversations, and even send text messages from their computer, but Google now recommends its users switch to the Messages app on their phones.

Naturally, to replicate the experience on the desktop, users will be expected to use Messages for Web. This service has existed for years, but it's recently gained support for more Fi-specific features.

As always, users can scan a QR code on the Messages for Web site to establish a connection between their phone and computer. As long as the phone is connected, you can send and receive messages on your computer, including RCS-enabled chat features like high-res images and read receipts.

You can also now associate your Google account to Messages for Web, allowing you to send and receive texts without a direct connection to your phone — though due to the encrypted nature of RCS, you'll need to disable chat features to enable offline syncing.

What you need to know

• Google today launched a new phone subscription plan with Google Fi.
• On this, you'll be able to get a new Pixel every two years with a built-in protection policy against damage and theft.
• Google is offering this with the Pixel 4a to start for $15 a month.

Google is launching a new phone subscription program with Google Fi. From today, you'll be able to buy the Pixel 4a for $15 a month for a two year period. It's like a standard phone contract, but a little cheaper. You'll also get phone protection from accidental damage as well as theft. You will have to buy your own Fi plan separately, but it'll cost you less than buying the phone and protection plan separately.

Google says that you'll be able to get a new Pixel in two years via upgrade, so if the Pixel line still exists in 2020, you'll be able to pick up the Pixel 6a or whatever Google's going to be selling then for the same price or just a bit higher.

Hopefully, Google extends this program to other Pixels as it does seem a good idea for people who'd like to reduce their phone-spend while still getting reliable service.

As for the Pixel 4a, Android Central found it to be a good phone, concluding:

If you're interested, you can grab the deal from Google's Fi site.

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What you need to know

• Google's Fi MVNO is expanding its phone offerings to include new Pixels and Samsung Galaxy devices.
• Customers can receive Fi credits of up to $300 if they purchase a Samsung 5G device from Google Fi.
• Customers can also bring any unlocked 5G-enabled phone compatible with T-Mobile's network to the service.

Google Fi, the MVNO run by Google with flexible payment options and granular plan controls, has expanded the phones it sells through its online store to include the latest 5G-enabled devices from Samsung, as well as the two newest Pixel phones in order to take advantage of the 5G coverage supported on the T-Mobile network.

Fi customers can now go directly through Google to purchase the Galaxy Note 20 5G, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G, Galaxy S20 5G, Galaxy S20+ 5G, Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G, Galaxy A71 5G, as well as Google's own Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G. New and existing customers can also bring any unlocked 5G-enabled phone as long as it works on T-Mobile's 5G network.

One of the perks of buying a Fi phone directly from Google is that the company often offers direct device discounts or credits that customers can apply to their plans, and that is also happening here with this announcement. Google Fi is offering customers a $300 credit for a limited time when they purchase a new Galaxy Note or S phone through the Fi website, or $150 in credits if they buy a Galaxy A71. To receive the credits, customers must purchase and activate the phone at the same time through the Fi website. These deals can translate into several months or even up to a year's worth of free service, depending on the plan and their usage. They also bring the price of just about all of the rather expensive Galaxy phones all down below $1,000.

Google Pixel 5

The top of the line Pixel 5 brings back the beloved rear-fingerprint sensor and aluminum casing and brings 5G and an ultra-wide-angle camera to the mix.

• $699 at Amazon
• $699 at Best Buy
• $699 at B&H

Samsung Galaxy Note 20

Glass isn't everything

The Galaxy Note 20 may have a plastic backing, but it's an upgrade over the Note 10 in a number of ways, from the improved display tech to the more modern processor and larger battery.

• $1,000 at Amazon
• $1,000 at Best Buy
• $1,000 at B&H

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Every week, the Android Central Podcast brings you the latest tech news, analysis and hot takes, with familiar co-hosts and special guests.

• Subscribe in Pocket Casts: Audio
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Google Fi is one of the easiest carriers to sign up with. Once you have your SIM card and Google account set up, you can complete the setup on your phone in the Google Fi app. Google Fi is one of the best MVNOS around and will be a nice fit for most people thanks to a Flexible plan that keeps prices low for light users and an available Unlimited plan for heavy users.

Products used in this guide

• Create your Google Fi accounts and review your options: Google Fi (From $20/mo. at Google Fi)
• Get the full Fi network experience: Google Pixel 4a ($350 at Amazon)

How to setup for Google Fi

You'll need an internet connection and Google account to set up and use Google Fi. Google Fi has two plans: Flexible and Unlimited. The unlimited plan makes the most sense for people that know they'll use more than 15GB of data each month.

1. Navigate to fi.google.com to get started.
2. Click Join Fi.
3. You will be asked to sign in to your Google account. Make sure this is your account and the one you want to use with Google Fi. You will use this account to manage your Google Fi account.
4. Select the plan you want whether you need unlimited data or will be fine with the smaller amount available with Flexible.
5. Choose your phone or bring your own. If you buy your phone from Google Fi, it will come with a SIM card already. If you want to bring your phone, confirm it will work with Google Fi and order a SIM card.
6. Review your cart.

1. Click continue to enter your service address. If you're getting a new number, this is how your area code is determined.
2. Enter your billing information and complete the steps to order your SIM card.

From here, you will need to wait for your new SIM card to arrive. Once you get it, you can finish setup on your phone.

How to set up your phone

1. Download the Google Fi app from the Google Play Store. You will need an active data connection such as a Wi-Fi connection to complete the setup.
2. Turn off your phone and insert the Google Fi SIM card. If you're using an eSIM device like the Pixel 4 series, this step will not be necessary. You still may need to remove your old carrier's SIM card to complete the setup.
3. Turn on the phone and have some patience. Your phone will need to read the SIM card configuration, which can take a minute or two depending on your phone.
4. Make sure you're online, preferably with a stable Wi-Fi connection.
5. You will need to sign in to the Google account you set up earlier if it's not already on your device. You will need to confirm your billing information.
6. Follow the app instructions to confirm your choice of plan and finish setting up your phone number. Final activation may take a few minutes.
7. You're all set! You can review your account information in the Google Fi app.

If you have any trouble, you can contact support in the app to get assistance with your account.

Our top picks

You will need a Google Fi account, SIM card, and compatible phone to get started. You can use pretty much any of the best unlocked phones on the service, though these phones will be limited to the T-Mobile network. You'll need a specific Google Fi phone to get all the features.

One of the great things about the Google Fi network is how it can seamlessly switch your service between different carriers and Wi-Fi to get you the best signal possible. But you know what's better than one Google Fi network? Two Google Fi networks! We'll show you how you can use two Google Fi SIM cards to get even better network coverage.

Products used in this guide

• Best budget phone: Google Pixel 4a ($350 at Best Buy)
• Fi Freedom: Google Fi (Sign up at Google Fi)

How to set up eSIM on your Pixel phone

For these steps, you'll need to have a stable and secure Wi-Fi connection.

1. Open the Google Fi app on your Pixel 4, 4XL, or 4a.
2. Sign in to your Google account (remember to use a secure two-factor authentication method!).
3. Tap Next after you are prompted to set up your device.
4. When you see the pop up that says your SIM will be downloaded soon, tap OK.
5. You will see a landing page detailing what your Fi number is, and that your data is active. Tap Next.

Now that you've set up your Google Fi eSIM, you can use it in conjunction with the physical SIM card you received from Google Fi and switch between networks as you need to.

How to use two Google Fi SIMs on your Pixel phone

If you purchase a Pixel phone directly from Google Fi, it will come with a physical SIM card. Upon activation, that physical SIM will work in parallel with the built-in eSIM to find you the best possible wireless signal. Note that removing the physical Fi SIM will cause your phone to lose service.

If you purchase a Pixel unlocked, and add a physical Fi SIM after you activate your Fi eSIM, follow the steps below to ensure everything works together as intended.

1. Remove the physical SIM card from the phone.
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Tap Network & internet.
4. Tap Mobile Networks.
5. Tap Google Fi.
6. Tap Erase.

1. Now, insert the physical SIM card back into the Pixel.
2. Open the Google Fi app.
3. Follow the instructions in the app to activate.

How to enable Google Fi Network Tools

1. Open the Google Fi app.
2. Tap on the Account tab at the bottom left of the screen.
3. Tap on Fi Network Tools.
4. Tap to toggle on Enhance network BETA.

This will enable your phone to more easily switch to using mobile data when the Fi network signal is low. It also protects your traffic through Fi's virtual private network (VPN) service.

Our top equipment picks

To take advantage of this great Google Fi flexibility, be sure to pick up a Pixel 4, 4XL, or 4a, and sign up for Google Fi service!

Additional Equipment

Google's MVNO service is a fan favorite here at Android Central!

Google Fi (Sign up at Google Fi)

Google Fi offers flexible and unlimited plans for individuals or groups of up to six people. It's a smart, low-cost way to pay for what you use and manage your data on the fly.

What you need to know

• Google Fi is rolling back its COVID-19 related freebies.
• Starting September 3, full-speed data limits for Flexible and Unlimited users will return to 15GB and 22GB, respectively.
• Non-payment of bills three days after the billing deadline will also result in a shutdown of services, down from 60 days.

Following an extremely generous offer aimed at helping those in need during the pandemic, Google Fi has announced a rollback of its special dispensations related to COVID-19.

Announced back in April, the Google-owned MVNO was allowing all users 30GB of full-speed data use, up from 15GB for users on the Flexible plan and 22GB for users on the Unlimited plan.

That policy will now be reverted starting September 3, and both Flexible and Unlimited plan users will go back to their pre-COVID data caps of 15GB and 22GB, respectively. Once these limits have been exceeded, users' internet use will be throttled to 256kbps. Going back to full-speed data will require a charge of $10 per GB for the rest of the billing cycle.

Similarly, starting September 3, Google Fi will also end its extended grace period policy allowing people to defer payments up to 60 days past their billing deadline. The grace period will now revert to the default three days, after which Google will shut off most services, like making and receiving calls and texts or using data.

If you're still experiencing difficulties due to the pandemic, however, Google is promising to offer special consideration to those who need it: " While we're returning to our standard policies, we still want to be there to help. If you are experiencing COVID-19 related financial hardship, please contact us to see if your account is eligible for additional support."

What you need to know

• Google Fi now works with Google Voice numbers, Google announced.
• Customers may now set-up call forwarding with their Fi numbers on Voice.
• The two services had remained separated for years.

Google now lets users use Google Fi and Google Voice on the same account, meaning that you'll be able to use and take advantage of Google's two telephony services without needing to choose. The company announced the change on Monday, so it should be fully rolled out to all customers by the time of posting.

Writing on the G Suite updates blog, Google notes:

To recap, Google Fi is Google's own US-based mobile carrier. It piggybacks off the T-Mobile, *Sprint, and U.S. Cellular networks, switching to whichever one provides the best service. Voice isn't a real carrier so much as it is a Skype-like VOIP service. It gives you a virtual phone number which lets you make phone calls and send texts from any device as long as you have the Voice app installed.

While Google Fi and Google Voice would, in theory, have been expected to work together, that hasn't been the case for a while now. The divergence was attributed to some backend issue, meaning users would have to choose one or the other. With this change, that's all resolved.

Best Phones for Google Fi in 2020

Best answer: Yes, if you have an unlocked phone that is compatible with T-Mobile's 5G network, you can access 5G with Google Fi where there is coverage.

• One of the best networks with 5G: Google Fi (From $20 per month at Google Fi)
• 5G out of the box: Samsung Galaxy S20 5G (From $800 at Samsung)

Flexible data and coverage

T-Mobile's nationwide 5G network on its low-band 600MHz spectrum has helped it shoot to the top in 5G available in the U.S. It has also allowed all of its customers including most MVNO users to get access for no additional cost.

Google Fi isn't fully a T-Mobile MVNO. It makes use of Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular for its network. You can bring two types of phones to Google Fi: Designed for Fi phones and Compatible with Fi phones. Designed for Fi phones will be able to access all of the available networks but currently, only work with 4G LTE connections. If you want to use 5G you will have to use a Compatible with Fi phone such as the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G. Compatible with Fi phones only use the T-Mobile network and will work with T-Mobile's 5G network.

While both Sprint and U.S. Cellular are also working on 5G networks, there is no compatibility with 5G network switching. Limited compatibility for Sprint and T-Mobile 5G for S20 users on Sprint and T-Mobile makes it seem likely for the future but so far nothing has been announced.

You can get an idea of how Google Fi's two network options stack up against each other on Google Fi's coverage page. To get an idea about how 5G coverage looks, check out T-Mobile's 5G coverage map, though should keep in mind that T-Mobile's map will contain 5G coverage on the 2.5GHz and mmWave network that your phone may not be compatible with.

We're all dealing with some crazy circumstances right now, and the coronavirus pandemic has touched most parts of our daily lives. One of the biggest, of course, is not spending much time away from home. And it's in times like these that I see just how great Google Fi's flexible usage-based billing can be — it's saved me $50 per month, and I didn't have to do a thing.

While most people — regardless of carrier — have an unlimited data plan nowadays, Google Fi still offers a basic plan that charges $10 per gigabyte of data used in a month, down to the megabyte. I still use this plan, believe it or not, because my data usage tends to fluctuate month to month and I rarely use over 15GB, which is the level where Fi's "Bill Protection" ends. It turns out this is the perfect pandemic phone plan.

My billing period ending March 12, which capped off a few weeks of getting settled into a new apartment and traveling, was a heavy month for my data usage. I ended up using over 8GB, which means I hit Bill Protection at 6GB and had a total bill of $86.50. Then, I was at home. For an entire month. Sure I went to the store and on morning runs, but spent basically no time using my phone on mobile data. My usage was 654MB, or $6.54, and my total bill was just $32.91. My upcoming bill, on May 12, will be even less; I've only used 300MB of data this month — my total bill will be under $30.

This has always been the joy of Google Fi for me. When you don't use any data, you don't pay for any data. Whether it's by choice or not, low-data months automatically turn to low-cost months. Yes the "set and forget" system of an unlimited plan that's the same exact amount every month is nice from a consistency standpoint. But in those months when you're not using much data, you just overpaid — sometimes by a lot. So even if you've been inside for the entirety of April, you paid Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile the same amount you did in March.

Google Fi has an unlimited plan of its own if you want to use it. But the best thing is even if you went into this having previously switched to an unlimited plan, as so many people did once it was introduced, you can switch back to a pay-per-gigabyte plan at any point with just a few clicks on the website. No fuss. And when we're all spending more time outside again (hopefully soon!), you can go right back to your unlimited plan that you prefer.

Look, I don't expect anyone to switch to Google Fi because of the ongoing stay-at-home orders right now. And if you're really trying to save money in these tough economic times you're probably going to go all the way to a true budget offering like Mint Mobile. But going through this experience of spending so much time inside and on Wi-Fi has shown me just how useful it can be to use a carrier like Google Fi that charges based on data usage, rather than ringing me for the same exact amount every month no matter what I use.

What you need to know

• Google Fi is expanding eSIM support from just the Pixel line to also include iPhones.
• You will still need an iPhone with Dual SIM support, such as the iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, the 11 series, and the new SE.
• Even then, only new Fi customers are allowed to sign up at the moment.

With the Pixel 4, Google finally brought dual SIM functionality to its phone but with an interesting new twist: the phone would only still have only one slot for a SIM card, with the second SIM being a virtual one. The company's in-house wireless carrier, Google Fi, served as the perfect companion for this, but the service was, unfortunately, restricted to only Google's own phones till now.

Well, no more. As 9to5Google reports, Google Fi now supports eSIM functionality for iPhones as well, albeit with a few caveats.

Firstly, and as you'd expect, the iPhone must support dual SIM capabilities, which restricts the pool of candidates to just the iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, and the 11 series. Though Google's support site doesn't ist It, the new iPhone SE should also work when it's available.

In addition, only new users of Google Fi can set up an eSIM on their iPhone, even if the device is supported.

Detailed setup instructions can be found here, which requires you to navigate to the Google Fi website from your iPhone, select the Quick Setup option, and download the Google Fi app onto the phone. You will then need to log onto fi.google.com/ios/quicksetup and scan a QR code via your iPhone to complete the process.

The feature is still rolling out, so some users may not see it on their end yet. You'll just need to wait a while in that case.

What is Google Fi, what are the plans, and why should I buy it?

What you need to know

• Google is temporarily increasing limits for full-speed data to 30GB per user in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• In addition to increasing data limits, Google Fi is also temporarily extending the payment grace period to 60 days for its customers.
• Google Fi's Flexible plans normally offer 15GB of data per month at full speeds, while Unlimited plans offer 22GB.

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread across the globe, access to fast internet is now more crucial than ever before. To help its customers stay connected during this time, Google Fi has implemented two major policy changes.

Since people across the U.S. are using more data during this time, Google Fi is temporarily increasing limits for full-speed data to 30GB per user for both Flexible and Unlimited plans. Google Fi's Flexible plans normally offer only 15GB of full-speed data, while Unlimited plans offer up to 22GB of full-speed data. Once you cross the 30GB limit, you will have to shell out an additional $10 per GB for the rest of your billing cycle.

The Google MVNO has also extended the payment grace period for Fi customers temporarily. This means customers going through financial hardships due to the pandemic will be able to stay connected up to 60 days from their missed billing date.

Along with the two policy changes, Google has also confirmed that its shipping partners may be experiencing delays or changes to their signature requirements. If you need to submit your device for repair, Google suggests users be mindful of health recommendations in their location before visiting an authorized repair center.

Google has also said that it is "continually monitoring the evolving developments," but hasn't specified exactly when it plans to return to its standard policies.

What you need to know

• Compatible unlocked phones can use a Google Fi SIM card and get T-Mobile's 5G network.
• Galaxy S20 models are compatible with Sub-6, with the S20+ and S20 Ultra also able to use mmWave.
• Software updates will be needed to unlock all of T-Mobile's network bands.

We haven't really thought about Google Fi and its ability to offer 5G because of its historical tie to Google's own hardware and select "made for Fi" phones, which doesn't yet include any models with 5G. But as of last year, Google Fi fully supports the use of any unlocked phone with T-Mobile compatibility — and yes that means if your unlocked phone's compatible with T-Mobile's new 5G network, it will get 5G too.

As I noticed on my unlocked Galaxy S20 Ultra, as soon as I put in my Google Fi SIM card and restarted, I was able to get T-Mobile's 5G network right away. That goes for T-Mobile's nationwide(ish) Sub-6 5G network, but also its mmWave 5G network that's available in parts of a handful of cities. I happen to be lucky enough to live in a neighborhood of New York City that has access to T-Mobile's tiny mmWave network, so my first experience with T-Mobile 5G via Google Fi was actually pretty fast. (And I obviously didn't realize it was mmWave at the time of the first tweet above.)

And nope, this isn't anything new. Google announced months ago that it would support T-Mobile's 5G network when using its service in a T-Mobile compatible phone. It even says so right on the coverage section of its website: "If your unlocked phone is compatible with T-Mobile's 5G network, you'll have access to 5G on Fi."

T-Mobile's Sub-6 network is available in a vast majority of the places its LTE network is, so you'll be able to start taking advantage of that right away. Though as our friend Sascha Segan points out, the S20 series will still need a software update to give it access to all of T-Mobile's network and match the capabilities of the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren Edition.

T-Mobile's mmWave network is available in only six cities — NYC, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas, Cleveland and Atlanta — at the moment, and in most cases doesn't have much spectrum to allocate, so you're likely to see lower mmWave speeds than what Verizon's been touting. But even still, in my quick testing I was able to get roughly 125-150 mbps download and 30-50 mbps upload in NYC — two or three times better than what T-Mobile and Verizon both offer with LTE in the area.

What you need to know

• Google Fi SIM cards can now be ordered from Amazon.
• With this recent addition, Fi SIM cards can now be bought directly from Google Fi, Best Buy, Target, or Amazon.
• The SIM will set you back $9.99 with a $10 credit for your first bill to reimburse you for the cost of the card.

It's now even easier than ever to get a Google Fi SIM thanks to the growing number of retailers that carry them. It all started in 2019 when Google began selling Fi SIM cards through Best Buy for $10 apiece. That made it quick and easy to run into a location and start using the service immediately. No longer would you have to wait for Google to ship you a SIM card to get started.

Later in the year, Google expanded its retail presence even further when Target began carrying Fi SIM cards. This made picking up a Fi SIM card even more convenient because Target has far more locations than Best Buy.

Starting on February 12, 2020, Google has now added yet another new retailer to the list, and it's a big one. For the first time, you'll be able to order a Google Fi SIM through Amazon. The SIM card is eligible for Prime shipping and will set you back $9.99, just like it would at Best Buy or Target. It also includes a $10 credit for your first bill to reimburse you for the cost of the SIM card.

For the uninitiated, Google Fi is a cellular carrier run by Google that makes use of three different mobile networks and Wi-Fi. Fi offers unlimited plans that start at $70 a month and decrease down to $45 per month once you add four or more users to your plan. However, it's worth noting that your data will be throttled after reaching 22GB.

There is also a Flexible plan which starts at $20 a month for the service plus an additional $10 per gigabyte of data that you use. One of the best features of the Flexible plan, is that once you reach 6GB Bill Protection kicks in, and you'll no longer have to pay for additional data. That means you're guaranteed to not spend over $80 per month on your plan, but your data will be throttled once you hit 15GB.

Google Fi even works internationally for all of you frequent travelers, offering the same text and data rates while roaming abroad.

Best answer: Yes, there is a version of the Galaxy S10 with dual SIM slots, but it's not sold officially in the U.S. The U.S. carrier models only feature a single SIM card slot, but you can buy the dual SIM variant unlocked on Amazon.

Dual SIM goodness: Samsung Galaxy S10 (unlocked) ($750 at Samsung)

The Galaxy S10 sold in the U.S. is a single SIM model

Want another line for your smartphone? That's where dual SIM comes in, although things get complicated if you want that on the new Galaxy S10.

There aren't many differences between the dual SIM and single SIM versions of the Galaxy S10. They both have the same specs, features, and design, but one can take an extra SIM card while the other can't. The dual SIM model is usually denoted by a DS following the model number, so it looks like this: SM-G973F/DS.

The single SIM model can take one nano-SIM card and one microSD card. The dual SIM model can take either two nano-SIM cards or one nano-SIM card and one microSD card. What you can't do is have two SIM cards and one microSD card in the same slot, so you'll have to determine your own usage patterns to figure out which one makes the most sense to buy.

You have to buy the global Galaxy S10 for dual SIM connectivity

It's worth repeating that none of the U.S. carrier models have dual SIM capabilities. That means if you're buying your Galaxy S10 directly from a carrier, you only get one SIM card slot. If you need two dedicated SIM slots you need to buy the international variant of the Galaxy S10 on Amazon.

The downside is that you lose out on local warranty, but you can still get the Galaxy S10 serviced should you run into any issues. Furthermore, the global Galaxy S10 is powered by Samsung's own Exynos 9820 chipset, whereas the U.S. version runs the Snapdragon 855. That said, both chipsets feature a similar design and have near-identical performance.

Looking for a new line for the secondary SIM card slot? We do want to point out one option for those who want dual SIM and travel a lot: Google Fi.

Google Fi is an excellent option for international travelers. It provides global LTE roaming in over 180 countries, and that 1GB of data costs $10 regardless of where you are in the world. As a bonus, you get free calls and texts. Other reasons to consider Google Fi include a low monthly cost, you don't pay for data you don't use, and account management is the easiest we've seen from any carrier.

What you need to know

• Google Fi is gifting subscribers a free Nest Mini for the holidays.
• According to 9to5Google, it is the new 2019 model that features better sound and double the bass.
• Offer is open to U.S. residents over the age of 18 that are Fi subscribers and in good standing as of December 9, 2019.

Over the years, Google's MVNO phone service has given out gifts in December for the holidays. In the years past, we've seen Fi give out Lego phone stands, $10 in Google Play credit, Google Photos photo books, and this year is the best of all. For the 2019 holiday season, Google is gifting Fi subscribers a Nest Mini with a value of $49.

According to 9to5Google, it is the newly launched 2019 version of the Nest Mini that includes improved sound with double the bass (not the original Home Mini from 2017).

In order to be eligible for the gift, you must be a Fi subscriber in good standing as of December 9, 2019. The offer runs until December 31, 2019, or until supplies run out. Meaning, if you want to get your hands on the best Fi gift ever, you better hurry.

The Nest Minis are limited to one per account whether you're on the individual or group plans, and you must be a U.S. resident over 18 in order to claim one.

To start the process, open the Google Fi companion app on your phone and you'll see a "Get your free Nest Mini" card at the top. Tapping on the card will begin the redemption process, taking you the Google Store page with the promo code automatically applied. Then, all that's left to do is choose one of the four available colors — Chalk, Charcoal, Coral, or Sky.

The promotion includes free standard shipping and is not eligible for the upgraded shipping options. So, now you have one other reason to hurry and claim yours, because not only might Google run out, but with the standard shipping it just might show up before Christmas day if you order now.