Google Fi Not Switching Networks? Here’s How to Fix

Is your Google Fi not switching networks automatically? We have the answers you’re looking for!

Google Fi is a virtual network operator that hitches on T-Mobile and US Cellular’s phone signal. It has a feature that can switch between these two carriers automatically.

Let’s get to the bottom of it!

To fix your Google Fi not switching networks automatically, you’ll need to do it manually. You do have a couple of options here. One is using dial codes to move from one network to another. The other is going into your phone settings and changing carriers there. Updating the Google Fi app should get your phone to do it automatically.

Let’s take a closer look at why this happens to your Google Fi phone when it’s supposed to switch automatically.

Why is Google Fi Not Switching Networks

What is a network switching on Google Fi?

It’s a feature where Google Fi decides what carrier to connect to, so you always get the best signal wherever you are.

However, problems can occur that can stop your phone from doing this.

You want to look at your phone’s connections and even decide to do it manually if you suffer from poor coverage in your area.

1. Connectivity Issues

You’re in a coverage blind spot for all the carriers that Google Fi can connect to. If this happens, there’s really nothing you can do but change your location.

2. Problem With The Fi App

The Google Fi app controls many things on your Fi phone. If there’s an issue, it will not be able to tell your phone to switch carriers automatically.

3. Signal Needs A Reset

Hardware and software on your phone will need a reset, so they reacquire a new signal from the carrier with the strongest coverage.

4. Auto-Switching Not Supported

Many phones can connect to the Google Fi network. However, only a few can fully advantage of Fi’s features like carrier auto-switching.

Now that you understand the issues better, we can proceed to the troubleshooting guide.

This way, you’ll be able to resolve this issue and connect to the carrier that offers the best coverage wherever you are!

How to Fix Google Fi Not Switching Networks

Before attempting these troubleshooting solutions, let’s eliminate any temporary bugs and glitches on your phone.

A quick restart should solve it, and that’s exactly what you should do. Turn off your phone and turn it back on.

Your phone will automatically switch to other networks if your current connection is poor.

In the case that it doesn’t make the switch, let’s proceed to the rest of the steps:

Solution #1: Toggle Airplane Mode on Your Phone

If your Google Fi phone does not switch networks, it can be due to a connectivity issue.

It doesn’t recognize the poor signal that it’s getting from your current carrier that it doesn’t switch to the other.

To remedy this, you want to refresh your phone’s connection to the network by toggling Airplane Mode.

Doing this step will disconnect your phone from the network and allow it to reacquire the signal.

By the time it does, it will connect to the carrier that offers better coverage, effectively switching the network.

Here’s how to switch Airplane Mode on your phone:

1. Swipe down from the top of your screen.
2. Search for the button with the plane icon.
3. Tap on it to turn it on.
4. Wait for your connections to disconnect.
5. After 2 minutes, tap on it again to turn it off.

Tip: These steps should work whether you’re using an iPhone or Android phone.

Solution #2: Use Dial Codes to Manually Switch Networks

How to switch networks on Google Fi? If your phone does not do it automatically, there are ways on how you’ll be able to do it manually.

Google Fi has dial codes that will allow you to send a command that will allow you to change your network’s characteristics.

You’ll be able to specify what network you want to move your connection to.

Here’s how to use the Google Fi dial codes:

1. Dial *#*#34777#*#* to switch to Sprint.
2. Dial *#*#34866#*#* to switch to T-Mobile.
3. Dial *#*#34872#*#* to switch to US Cellular.
4. Dial *#*#342886#*#* to set the network to Automatic.

Note: There are also other codes that will allow you to turn on international roaming and even reactivate your Google Fi account.

Solution #3: Manually Switch Networks on Your Phone Settings

There are times when you simply won’t be able to remember these dial codes.

It might be too long, or there are just too many of them that you want a simpler way to switch networks.

You’ll be able to do it on your phone’s settings. Unlike SIMs from traditional carriers, where you can only select them, Google Fi will allow you to switch from one to the other manually.

Here’s how you’ll be able to do it:

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Go to Mobile Data or Mobile Networks.
3. Switch off Automatic.
4. Select T-Mobile or US Cellular.
5. Check which one offers better coverage.

Note: We recommend restarting your phone if you choose to move to a different network.

Solution #4: Update Your Google Fi App

Google Fi also comes with a companion app that will help you with all things regarding your network and connections.

Although you won’t be able to use the app for network switching, it still supports the different features of the network.

It does tend to disrupt your phone. This is especially true in cases where it’s not up to date.

You want it updated to the latest version as much as possible to avoid any issues with your Google Fi phone and service.

Here’s how to update your Google Fi app:

1. Open your phone’s app store.
2. Type in Google Fi in the search bar.
3. Tap on the Google Fi icon.
4. Check if an update is available.
5. If it is, tap on Update to start the process.

Tip: If it doesn’t work, you can try uninstalling the app and installing it again, clearing up its system files.

Solution #5: Use the Google Fi App Troubleshooting Feature

Whenever you’re having a hard time with your Google Fi connection, you want to fix it immediately.

The difference between Google Fi and other virtual networks is that the app has additional features.

In this case, it has a troubleshooting utility that can detect problems and automatically fixes them for you.

Here’s how to use Google Fi’s troubleshooting feature:

1. Open the Google Fi app on your phone.
2. At the bottom of the screen, select Support.
3. Go to Troubleshoot connection issues.
4. Tap on Start troubleshooting.

Note: The app will take 30 seconds or longer to test your device and connection, then suggest additional steps you need to perform to fix the issue.

Solution #6: Use a Phone That’s Designed for Fi

If none of these solutions work, you might not be using a phone designed for Google Fi. All phones can use Google Fi as their network.

However, features like network switching are exclusive to a handful of devices.

With iPhones, you will not be able to perform automatic network switching, so you’ll have to opt for manual methods.

However, most of the latest Android flagships are designed for Fi and come with all the bells and whistles that make it unique among virtual network operators.

Here’s how to get a phone that’s designed for Fi:

1. Go to the Google Fi website.
2. Select Phones on the menu.
3. Click on Bring a phone.
4. Check if your phone is compatible with Google Fi.
5. Choose your phone manufacturer and model.

Note: If you’re looking for a new phone, you can buy one from their selection of fully compatible devices for Google Fi.

You can also update your phone’s software to see if it will resolve the issue of Google Fi not switching to a different network.

Feel free to contact Google customer support and ask for assistance if you continue to experience this problem.

Read Next: Google Fi Not Fully Activated? – (Fixed)

Bottom Line

Now that you know why Google Fi not switching networks, you can follow these troubleshooting steps and start fixing them.

These are all easy steps, and you don’t need any technical expertise to pull it off.

As long as you follow these steps carefully, you’ll be able to use your Google Fi phone in a matter of minutes.