Google Fi eSIM: activation, transfer and travel

How to get a Google Fi eSIM

Google Fi says you can start service through the Google Fi Wireless app, which guides you through downloading an eSIM. You do not need to order a physical card for an eSIM-compatible phone. If your phone does not support eSIM, Google Fi offers a free physical SIM shipped during signup.

Google Fi requires a phone brought from another carrier to be unlocked. Its Android activation page requires Android 11 or above for eSIM activation and says to update Android before activating. For iPhone, Google Fi says an iPhone XS or newer can download an eSIM.

Google Fi eSIM activation and QR code

Google Fi says you must start iPhone activation inside its app. Its iPhone instructions give this sequence:

1. Connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network.
2. Start device activation in the Google Fi app.
3. Sign in to the Google Account connected with the phone number you want to use.
4. Follow the in-app instructions to set up your phone number and download the eSIM.
5. Return to the Google Fi app to finish connectivity setup.

After you complete setup in the app, Google Fi says an iPhone can take 5–20 minutes to connect. If you are transferring your number to Google Fi, it can take up to 24 hours before text messages work.

For Android, Google Fi says activation is confirmed by a "Your service is ready on this phone" notification or a "Welcome" or "Connected" message in the app.

Google Fi also describes a QR-code option for tablets, not a replacement for the phone setup above. On Flexible or Unlimited Premium, Google Fi says you can open your account's "Manage plan" area and scan a QR code to activate a data-only eSIM, or order a data-only SIM card.

Moving your Google Fi eSIM to a new phone

Use Google Fi's app-based transfer process rather than your phone's built-in eSIM transfer feature. Google Fi says it does not support the Android eSIM transfer screen you may see when upgrading. It also says you cannot transfer a Google Fi eSIM between iPhones in Apple Settings.

Google Fi gives these steps for moving service to a new device. It says you will receive an email confirming the request to transfer service.

If the new phone is for travel, Google Fi requires all new devices to be activated and used in the US for at least one day before use abroad. This applies to eSIM and physical SIM.

1. Download the Google Fi Wireless app on your new device.
2. Sign in.
3. Select "Transfer service."

Google Fi free eSIM trial

Google Fi's trial pages describe different data allowances. Its promotional page advertises 7 days for 1 line, with unlimited high-speed data in the US and slower speeds after more than 10 GB. Its trial setup support page instead describes 2 GB, ending after 7 days or when you use 2 GB. Check which offer the app presents before activating.

The Google Fi promotional page requires a Google account, credit card, and unlocked, eSIM-compatible phone. Each phone can use the trial once. Eligibility requires that you have not been a Fi customer or participated in the trial in the past 18 months.

Google Fi says the promotional trial gives you a new number while your existing number continues to work. You can cancel at any time. If you do not cancel, Google Fi says it automatically moves you to Unlimited Standard at $50/month for 1 line.

Google Fi's support page gives this Android trial setup sequence:

1. Download and open the Google Fi app on your compatible Android device.
2. Select "Try Google Fi."
3. Complete eligibility checks if the app prompts you.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the eSIM. If your device requires a physical SIM, follow the app's activation guidance.
5. After installation, Google Fi says trial service starts immediately, with calls, texts, and the support page's 2 GB allowance for 7 days or until that data is used.

Google Fi abroad: roaming or a travel eSIM

Google Fi says Flexible, Unlimited Standard, and Unlimited Premium support data, calls, and texts in Canada and Mexico. For destinations beyond those countries, Google Fi says Flexible and Unlimited Premium support international calls, texts, and data in 200+ countries and territories where it has coverage.

The Google Fi provider pages we checked do not state roaming prices or confirm individual European destinations and Japan. That prevents a dollar-for-dollar comparison with prepaid travel data. Do not treat the trial's $50/month renewal price as a quoted international roaming rate.

For Mexico, Saily lists 20 GB for 30 days at US$37.99. For Canada, Ubigi lists 10 GB for 7 days at US$15.00. These are separate prepaid purchases to weigh against your Fi plan's Canada and Mexico coverage.

For Europe, Saily lists 1 GB for 7 days at US$4.99. For Japan, Saily lists 20 GB for 30 days at US$24.99. These examples from our price table were checked Oct 2026; the adjacent price box has more options.

Google Fi requires activation and at least one day of use in the US before international use; US territories are not eligible for initial activation. Google Fi says extended use abroad, typically 50 days, triggers a warning, followed by international data suspension 30 days after the warning email. Calls and texts remain available. A prepaid travel eSIM is worth comparing if Fi's international data allowance or availability does not fit your trip.