Does Google Fi Work with iPhone? – Complete Guide

Does Google Fi work with iPhone? If you have an iPhone and want to use Google Fi for your voicemails, you can simply download the app via the App store.

Designed for groups and families, Google Fi offers unlimited data and texts in the US.

You can enjoy free calls to over 50 countries and affordable calls to other destinations. You also get up to 50GB of free, unmetered data.

So, does Google Fi work with iPhone? Absolutely!

Since Google isn’t available on iOS devices out of the box anymore, many users wonder if Google products still work with iPhone. But, yes. You can definitely use Google Fi for your calls, text messages, and voicemails. It requires a special SIM card but operates on WiFi and mobile networks.

Can You Use iPhone on Google Fi

The iPhone does support Google Fi, which means you can download, install, and use the app on your iOS device.

Besides rebates on unused data, Google offers special features like tethering and bill protection.

It also has strong service in rural areas and free high-speed international data. More impressively, it provides loads of savings to light data users.

Now that you know Google Fi works with an iPhone let us discuss what you should expect when using your iOS device on Google Fi.

What to Expect When Using iPhone on Google Fi

Google Fi is compatible with the majority of Android devices. Now, it even works with iPhones.

Here’s everything you need to know about Google Fi.

1. Call, Text And Use 4G LTE

Google Fi offers free texting while traveling, free calls to over 50 countries, and unlimited data plans. It’s relatively inexpensive, making it a solid option for heavy data users.

2. Over 200+ International Destinations

Google Fi plans come with international data in over 200 destinations. All plans include data, texts, and calls.

You can even connect with people from Mexico and Canada at no additional cost.

3. Check Voicemail On The Fi App

You can both listen to and read transcriptions of your voicemail messages on the app. You’ll know a new voicemail if the voicemail icon appears in the status bar.

4. No Automatic Network Switching

Google Fi does not allow carrier switching on iPhone. Calls, texts, and data are automatically set to T-Mobile.

Without a mobile connection, visual voicemail for iPhone uses WiFi. You can’t access your voicemails without access to a mobile cell service as well.

Now you know that Google Fi works on iPhones. Let us discuss how you can use the app on your iOS device.

How to Use Your iPhone – Are iPhone Compatible with Google Fi

Now that we know that you’ll be able to use your iPhone with Google Fi let’s look at how you’ll be able to set it up and take full advantage of its features.

Unlike Android phones that are Designed for Fi, bringing your iPhone into the fold is possible with a little extra effort.

You’ll need to change a few settings here and there to get the most out of your Google Fi experience.

There are a few features you won’t be able to enjoy, like automatic network switching and 5G, but you’ll get excellent coverage nonetheless.

Let’s go to the complete step-by-step guide on how to get your iPhone working with Google Fi:

Step #1: Sign Up for Google Fi

The first thing you need to do before setting up your iPhone is to sign up for Google Fi.

The process is simple, and you don’t have to do much if you have an existing Google account.

Any Google account works, even those that use your domain name. School and work accounts work just as fine as regular ones.

Here’s how to sign up for Google Fi:

1. Go to fi.google.com.
2. Click on Join Fi.
3. Sign in using a Google account.
4. Choose the plan you want to get.
5. Choose a phone or select Bring your own.

Note: If you’re signing up to Google Fi using a school or work account, you’ll need to get a hold of your administrator to activate Google Fi and Google Payments.

Step #2: Check if Your Phone is Compatible

Even though we now know that you’ll be able to use your iPhone on Google Fi, you can still double-check to make sure it works.

While signing up to Google Fi, they have a tool that will help determine if your phone works with Google Fi.

If you’re using an iPhone, the models that won’t work with Google Fi are older models.

So anything more senior than the iPhone 5C or iPhone 6 won’t work with Google Fi. Anything more recent than those models should work fine.

Here’s how to use Google Fi’s compatibility tool:

1. Go to fi.google.com/compatibility.
2. Select Apple from the manufacturer panel.
3. Choose the iPhone model you have.
4. Select your carrier.
5. Click on Bring this phone to continue the signup process.

Note: This tool also checks other phone brands and models, so you’ll be able to check the compatibility of virtually every phone with Google Fi.

Step #3: Secure Your Google Fi SIM

The next item you want to get is a Google Fi SIM. Even though you have a compatible phone but don’t have a way to communicate with Google Fi’s signals, you won’t be able to use your iPhone.

After making sure that you’ll be able to use your phone with Google Fi, it’s time to get your SIM, so you’re going to be a couple of steps away from moving carriers.

Here’s how to get your Google Fi SIM:

1. Go to fi.google.com/order-sim.
2. Sign in using the Google account you used for Google Fi.
3. Enter your details to order your SIM.
4. Select your preferred Shipping Method.
5. Click Buy to complete your order.

Tip: The Google Fi SIM is free unless you choose a faster shipping method.

Step #4: Transfer Your Existing Number

As soon as your Google SIM arrives, you’ll be able to start the process of transferring your number to Google Fi.

One thing to remember while you’re transferring your number is not to cancel your current service. Your account needs to be active so the transfer process can be completed.

Before working on the steps, we recommend gathering your current account information like account number and PIN to make things easier.

Here’s how to transfer your number:

1. Switch off your phone and insert your SIM card.
2. Turn on your phone.
3. Enter the account details from your current carrier.
4. Select Begin Transfer.
5. You will receive a notification on your phone when the transfer is complete.

Note: Transferring your number to Google Fi can take a few days, but you’ll still be able to use your number for calls and texts until it is completed.

Step #5: Set Up Your iPhone

After the transfer process is complete, you won’t be able to use Google Fi’s network immediately.

You need to change a few things on your phone, so it communicates with the servers.

You need to change a few settings to start using Google Fi, send text messages, and use its data services.

Here’s how to set up your iPhone properly:

1. Turn on Cellular Data on your phone.
2. Turn on Data Roaming.
3. Go to Settings, then Cellular, then Cellular Data Network.
4. Configure the MMS settings.
5. Restart your iPhone.

Note: For Google Fi’s APN settings, enter h2g2 on all 3 APN fields.

Step #6: Get the Google Fi App

To finish the setup process, you’ll need to configure the Google Fi app on your phone in the last step.

You need to go through a quick activation process via the Google Fi app so you can start using Google Fi’s services.

Here’s how to activate using the Google Fi app:

1. Get the Google Fi app from the App Store.
2. Make sure that you are connected to the internet.
3. Open the Google Fi app on your phone.
4. Follow the app instructions to finish the activation process.
5. Wait for a few minutes for the process to complete.

Note: We recommend restarting your phone after activating Google Fi.

That’s it! Now, you know that your iPhone should work with Google Fi.

Although there are a few limitations, it’s not a deal breaker as you’ll still be able to enjoy the different features and services of Google Fi.

If you continue to run into issues with your iPhone on the network, we recommend contacting Google customer support for assistance.

Read Next: How to Fix Google Fi Data Not Working?

Bottom Line

Now that you know the answer to does Google Fi work with iPhone, you can decide if you want to transfer your iPhone after reading this guide.

For the most part, Google labels its Fi for iOS as a beta version, so it’s a work in progress.

Give it a couple more years, and it should match the capabilities of phones marked as ‘Designed for Fi.’