Is your Google Fi not fully activated? This happened to us a few days ago, and we’ll share the solutions we performed to fix it.
Now, Google Fi is not as popular as other mobile virtual networks, but it does have a decent number of subscribers that go beyond 500,000.
For sure, a lot of you are experiencing this particular error. We’ve developed these solutions so you can use your Google Fi in no time.
Let’s check out the different solutions we performed.
To activate your Google Fi, you’ll have to ensure that your phone has enough storage by clearing temporary cache files. If Google Fi continues to give you a hard time, you can restart your phone and relaunch the Google Fi app allowing you to reactivate your account from scratch.
Why Is Google Fi Activation Taking Forever
Now that you have a better idea of Google Fi and what you’re dealing with, you can expect to do some fixes to get it to work.
We recommend freeing up storage space on your phone, so the Google Fi can continue to save important data.
Depending on your location, you can switch signal carriers as some can offer you better coverage.
Let’s look at some of the possible sources of why you’re getting this error with your Google Fi:
1. Incompatible Phone
Google Fi is now limiting the types of phones that can use its service.
If you have an incompatible phone, you’ll have to find someone that can lend you a phone you can use with Google Fi.
2. Using An Unoptimized Network
Since Google Fi is a virtual network operator, it relies on other carriers. Some carriers don’t work well with Google Fi, requiring you to switch.
3. Temporary Software Issue
Software issues can cause incompatibilities. These glitches can affect apps like Google Fi, so they stop working.
4. Not Enough Storage Space
Apps like Google Fi constantly save data into the app. If your phone has limited storage space, it will not be able to keep the latest files causing your app to malfunction.
These are the most likely issues you will face if your Google Fi malfunctions.
We can now proceed to the complete fix guide so you can continue to use your Google Fi without problems.
How to Fix Google Fi Not Activating
Before we go ahead and jump on to the fix guides, let’s eliminate the software issues error.
You need to restart your phone, which will refresh your Google Fi connections.
A restart can also deal with errors brought upon by bad 4G LTE networks, so there’s absolutely nothing to worry about.
In case a software restart does not do the trick for you, we also have other steps that are worth trying:
Solution #1: Make Sure You’re Using a VoLTE Phone
One of the requirements of Google Fi is using a phone that’s VoLTE-enabled.
It’s a technology that allows you to use the internet for voice calls.
Using a VoLTE and WiFi calling-enabled phone is one of the primary requirements of Google Fi, so you better make sure you meet these.
Here’s how to switch on VoLTE on your phone:
- Tap Settings, then Network & Internet.
- Tap Call, then select Preferred Network Type.
- Select LTE or 5G.
- Enable VoLTE or HD Voice.
Note: Another way to switch on VoLTE on your phone is through the dial pad.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the upper right corner.
- Tap Call Settings.
- Tap again to enable VoLTE or HD Voice.
Solution #2: Delete the Google Fi Cache and Storage
Clearing Google Fi cache and storage can solve activation problems. Storage issues can cause a lot of problems with your phone and apps.
Not enough storage space will cause most apps to malfunction since they won’t be able to save temporary files that are crucial for their operation.
Here are the steps to delete the cache and storage for Google Fi:
- Open your phone’s Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Tap See All Apps.
- Choose Google Fi from the list.
- Tap Storage and Cache, then Clear Storage.
Note: Clearing the cache and storage can also fix other issues, such as not being able to make outgoing calls.
Solution #3: Force Your Phone to Use the T-Mobile Network
If enabling VoLTE and clearing your Google Fi cache and storage doesn’t work, we recommend you force your phone to use the T-Mobile network.
Although there are also other networks like Sprint and US Cellular, T-Mobile seems to be the one that offers the best coverage.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Go to Settings, then Mobile Data
- Choose the Mobile Network option.
- Automatic is selected as a default. Turn it off.
- You will see a list of available networks.
- Select T-Mobile.
Note: If none of the solutions above fixes your Google Fi activation problem, it is time to uninstall the app.
Solution #4: Uninstalling and Reinstalling Google Fi
Like any other app, Google Fi can have bugs and glitches that affect its performance negatively.
In this case, we suggest you uninstall the app to eliminate corrupt files.
Then, install it again and see if it fixes the issue.
- Open your Google Play Store app.
- Select the Profile icon at the top right.
- Go to Manage apps & devices.
- Select Google Fi from the list of installed apps.
- Tap Uninstall.
Once the Google Fi app is removed from your phone, open your Google Play Store app again.
Then, follow these steps:
- Type Google Fi on the search bar.
- Tap Google Fi.
- Tap Install.
- Wait for the app to be downloaded and installed.
- Tap the app to launch it.
Note: If this still doesn't work, reactivate your Google Fi.
Solution #5: Reactivate Google Fi
Reactivating your account is the final step to troubleshooting your Google Fi activation problem.
An error with the app or version may require you to reactivate your Google Fi account.
Opening the Google Fi app will only lead you to the settings if you have already activated your account.
Before reactivating, you will need to uninstall the app and install it again. This should refresh it and enable you to activate your account once again.
Here’s how to activate your Google Fi account:
- Take your SIM out and insert it again.
- Open the Google Fi app to start the activation process.
- Log in using the Google account you used to sign in.
- Check the Messages app and ensure it’s up to date.
Note: You may be asked to install an update. Your phone will install the update, restart, and then you can continue setting up your phone.
If none of these solutions work out for you, try updating your phone’s software, as it can help resolve your activation errors with Google Fi.
You can also contact Google Fi customer support as they will be able to help you out with this issue.
Read Next: How to Fix Google Fi Not Receiving Texts?
Bottom Line
Now that you know the solutions to Google Fi not fully activated error, you can take the necessary steps to fix it.
As long as you follow our solutions carefully, you’ll be able to resolve the issue and get your phone working in just a few minutes.
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.