After you sign up for Google Fi and activate your phone, you can use your mobile data on tablets and other compatible devices with a data-only SIM. To use a data-only SIM, devices must be unlocked and work with T-Mobile (GSM radio). Tip: If you set up a data-only SIM with a phone, you can access data, but you can’t make calls and texts across the mobile network.
LG G7 ThinQ (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) LG V35 ThinQ (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Moto G Play (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Moto G Power (2020, 2021, and 2022) (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Moto G Stylus (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Moto G Stylus 5G (2022, 2023) (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Motorola One 5G Ace (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Samsung Galaxy A03s (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy A32 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy A71 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Samsung Galaxy A13 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy A14 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G and Note20 Ultra 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy S20 5G, S20+ 5G, and S20 Ultra 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, S21+ 5G, and S21 Ultra 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
After your SIM setup is successful, you can find “Google Fi” or “T-Mobile” at the top of your device’s home screen.
Use Google Fi on tablets & data-only SIMs
After you sign up for Google Fi and activate your phone, you can use your mobile data on tablets and other compatible devices with a data-only SIM. To use a data-only SIM, devices must be unlocked and work with T-Mobile (GSM radio). Tip: If you set up a data-only SIM with a phone, you can access data, but you can’t make calls and texts across the mobile network.
LG G7 ThinQ (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
LG V35 ThinQ (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Moto G Play (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Moto G Power (2020, 2021, and 2022) (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Moto G Stylus (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Moto G Stylus 5G (2022, 2023) (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Motorola One 5G Ace (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy A03s (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy A32 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy A71 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Samsung Galaxy A13 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy A14 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G and Note20 Ultra 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy S20 5G, S20+ 5G, and S20 Ultra 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, S21+ 5G, and S21 Ultra 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) After your SIM setup is successful, you can find “Google Fi” or “T-Mobile” at the top of your device’s home screen.
How to get Cellular Data on iPad without Sim Card
While this won’t give you cellular data in the traditional sense, it provides internet access without the need for a SIM card. By following these methods, you can gain access to cellular data on your iPad even without a SIM card, ensuring you stay connected wherever you go. Firstly, it’s crucial to be aware of your cellular plan’s data allocation and any limitations imposed by your wireless service provider.
Additionally, ensure that your cellular device, such as an iPhone or iPad, is compatible with and enabled for the personal hotspot feature.
Certain data-intensive tasks like streaming high-definition videos or making lengthy phone calls over the cellular network can quickly consume a significant portion of your data allowance. Regularly monitoring your data usage, either through your device’s settings or your wireless service provider’s app, can help you stay within your plan’s limits and avoid any unforeseen overages.
They can be attached to routers or access points, significantly boosting the signal’s range and improving the overall performance of a wireless network. To install a long-range Wi-Fi antenna, one typically needs to locate the device’s card tray or designated port on a router or access point.
Once connected, the antenna works by capturing and amplifying radio waves, effectively boosting the strength and range of the Wi-Fi signal. They are a separate tool used to enhance wireless connectivity within a specific area, making them a valuable asset for improving Wi-Fi coverage in environments with challenging signal conditions.
Use a phone designed for Fi or bring your own phone
To check if your new device works with Google Fi, follow the step-by-step guide. Order your new Google Fi SIM kit at https://fi.google.com/order-sim or purchase from a third party retailer.
Tip: If you don’t find the option, open an incognito tab and sign in again. Shortly after you complete these steps, an order confirmation email will be sent to you.
Run Android 7.0 and up, have LTE bands 2 and 4, and support VoLTE. You have full Google Fi functionality on these devices: Calls, texts, and data on multiple major mobile 4G LTE networks or 5G on T-Mobile’s network
An even more secure connection with the Google Fi VPN Find out what SIM card your device uses Most manufacturers list the SIM card size for each device on their website so you can search to find out what size you need. Verified compatible devices that don’t need an adapter: Pixel 2 and up (all versions)
Pixel XL Model G-2PW2100 (North American version)
LG G7 ThinQ (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) LG V35 ThinQ (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Moto G6 (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Moto G7 (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Moto G Play (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Moto G Power (2020, 2021, and 2022) (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Moto G Stylus (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Moto G Stylus 5G (2022, 2023) (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Motorola One 5G Ace (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Samsung Galaxy A03s (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy A32 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy A53 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy A71 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy A13 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G and Note20 Ultra 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Samsung Galaxy S20 5G, S20+ 5G, and S20 Ultra 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, S21+ 5G, and S21 Ultra 5G (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers)
With Google Fi, your Apple device has calls, texts, data on T-Mobile’s network, and international roaming. J3 (2018 and 2017) All models must run Android 7.0, have LTE bands 2 and 4, and support VoLTE. Moto G Stylus 5G (2022, 2023) (unlocked North American versions sold by retailers) OnePlus 12 To turn on eSIM enablement: On your device, open Settings.
OnePlus 3* All models must run Android 7.0, have LTE bands 2 and 4, and support VoLTE. Nokia 7.1 (Android One) Essential Essential PH-1 Red Red Hydrogen One Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite All models must run Android 7.0, have LTE bands 2 and 4, and support VoLTE.
Phones not listed here might work but Google Fi hasn’t tested these devices. Google Fi does not work with the following phone models: Pixel 2 (Telstra version)
Pixel XL Model G-2PW2200 (Rest of world version)
Nexus 6 Model XT1103 (North American version) These models are not compatible with or designed for Google Fi because they don’t support CDMA, a radio technology required for Google Fi. 5G is a new generation of mobile network technology that gives devices a faster, more stable connection with less lag. A 5G-compatible phone can download a high-res, full-length movie in minutes* and stream 4K videos with fewer interruptions.
5G service, speed, and performance depend on factors that include: Carrier network capabilities 5G can run on phones designed for Fi, like the: Motorola One 5G Ace
Activate your Google Fi service
Important: You must activate and use Google Fi in the United States (territories not included). We grant exceptions to military and State Department employees who serve abroad. Check whether Google Fi supports your phone model After you download it, tap the Google Fi app to open it.
The Google Fi app performs device and compatibility checks. In this case, you can order a physical SIM card or upgrade your iPhone.
You should have a second device available for this process so that you can use your iPhone to scan a QR code. With the iPhone you want to activate Google Fi on, scan the QR code.
Enter this text into your settings field: Cellular Data APN: h2g2
h2g2 Optional: Personal Hotspot APN: h2g2-t To get service, you must complete all steps within the Google Fi app. If the QR code page is on a computer and you can’t find the instructions, increase the size of your browser window. How to activate a Google Fi eSIM on iPhone (QR code method)
If you just transferred your number to Google Fi, it might take up to 24 hours before you can send or receive text messages. We expand your coverage in places where the mobile network isn’t as strong so that you can make calls over Wi-Fi.
When you get close to or reach your monthly data budget, Google Fi sends you alerts you can turn on or off. To order a SIM card: On your device, sign in to the Google Fi website.
You can find the eject button on the right side of the tray door inside a small hole. On the phone’s right edge, press and hold the power button for 3 seconds.
Open the Google Fi app to finish your activation. An eSIM has many benefits, like: Quick set up without the need to place a SIM card into the tray.
You can easily switch between your Google Fi eSIM and your carrier’s SIM card. Tip: Google Fi doesn’t support automotive eSIM.
HELP! Trying to activate my GoogleFi Data…
Explanations I have received so far: On the first contact, the carrier’s phone tech team claimed the issue was resolved but turned out to unrelated to cellular switching. On the second contact, the carrier’s phone tech team recommended I take the phone into a store On the third contact, the in-store team recommended I speak with Apple as they are unaware of the issue and do not know how to resolve it Wait for it…An Apple genius claimed this is a requirement of the CRTC (the Canadian equivalent to the US FCC) which “requires that the primary line have more features than the eSIM to prevent people from buying data in countries like Thailand for cheap and then using it in Canada.”
Google Fi Wireless
In this highly intelligent cloud world the Google is a leader in why does my subscription have to be so difficult to manage and switch sims. So what’s it gonna be – do I stay on Fi or constantly churn on best plan of the month for true unlimited and not switch sims?
Unlimited, Flexible & Group Cell Phone Plans & Rates
You also get 100 GB of cloud storage with Google One, unlimited high-speed hotspot tethering, full connectivity for select smartwatches, 1 year of YouTube Premium on us, and can use your mobile data on tablets and other compatible devices with data-only SIM cards at no extra charge. You also get hotspot tethering, full connectivity for select smartwatches, and can use your mobile data on tablets and other compatible devices with data-only SIM cards at no extra charge.
How to Switch to Google Fi
It took a couple of days for mine to arrive, but I’ll gladly take the slight delay if it saves me from setting foot in a physical carrier store. (If you’re using an iPhone or Google Pixel, you can set up Fi with an eSIM, meaning you don’t need to wait for a physical card.) Then, download the Google Fi app (you’ll need to be on Wi-Fi to do this since your chip won’t connect to the network yet), and follow the steps there.
I have traveled and lived in rural areas for the past five years, and I’ve tried just about every phone and hot spot plan around—none of them are anywhere near this simple.
There are cheaper plans out there, but in terms of ease of use and reliability, Fi is hard to beat. You can use Google Fi as a simple way to add cellular connectivity to any device that accepts a SIM card, like a mobile hot spot. If you go with the Unlimited Plus plan, that means you can put your chip in an iPad, Android tablet, or a 4G/5G hot spot. The easiest way to set up Google Fi in a hot spot is to order a data-only SIM.
However, based on feedback from WIRED readers, and reading through travel forums, it seems that most people are being cut off if they’re out of the US for more than a few weeks. I would say don’t plan on using Google Fi to fulfill your digital nomad dreams.
Block a call through the Google Fi app and the callers get a message saying your number has been disconnected or is no longer in service. One final thing worth mentioning: I have not canceled my Google Fi service despite switching to Starlink for most of my hot spot needs.
Questions and Answers: Apple 12.9-Inch iPad Pro with Wi-Fi + Cellular 1TB (Unlocked) Space Gray MHP13LL/A
A: Answer If you want to use it as a phone or to use the internet without Wi-Fi, you will need a cellular plan.
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