How to Switch Phones on Google Fi: Complete Guide for Lost, Broken, or Upgraded Phones

Whether you just upgraded to a shiny new phone, your old device took an unfortunate swim, or it simply vanished into thin air, switching your Google Fi number to a new phone is easier than you might think.

This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about transferring your Google Fi service, whether you’re moving to a new Android phone, an iPhone, or activating a replacement after losing your device.

Before You Start: What You Need

Before you begin the transfer process, make sure you have the following ready:

Your Google Account credentials — the same account you used to sign up for Google Fi
A compatible phone — most modern Android phones (Android 7.0+) and iPhones (XS or newer with iOS 13+) work with Google Fi
Wi-Fi access — you’ll need an internet connection on your new phone to complete the setup
The Google Fi app — available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store

If you’re not sure whether your new phone is compatible, visit fi.google.com/compatibility to check before getting started.

Scenario 1: Upgrading to a New Phone (You Still Have Your Old Phone)

This is the most straightforward scenario. Your old phone still works, and you just want to move your Google Fi service to your new device.

For Android Users

Power on your new phone and connect it to Wi-Fi.
Download the Google Fi app from the Google Play Store.
Open the app and sign in with the Google Account linked to your Fi service.
Tap “Transfer service” when prompted. The app will guide you through the activation process.
Wait for the eSIM to download (if your phone supports eSIM) or insert your physical SIM card into the new device.
Wait 5-20 minutes for the network to fully connect.
Test your service by making a call, sending a text, and loading a webpage.
Restart your old phone to make sure no apps or services continue using your number on that device.

For iPhone Users

Connect your new iPhone to Wi-Fi.
Download the Google Fi app from the App Store.
Open the app and sign in with your Google Account.
Follow the in-app instructions to download an eSIM to your iPhone.
Important: You cannot transfer a Google Fi eSIM between iPhones using Apple’s built-in eSIM transfer in Settings. You must use the Google Fi app.
Wait 5-20 minutes for connectivity to establish.
Verify that calls, texts, and data are working properly.

What About Your Old Phone?

After you activate your new device, your old phone automatically becomes an inactive device on your Google Fi account. It will still show up in your account, but it won’t have cellular service. You don’t need to do anything special to deactivate it.

Scenario 2: Your Phone Is Lost or Stolen

If your phone is gone and you need to get your Google Fi number working on a new device, follow these steps in order.

Step 1: Find or Secure Your Lost Phone

Before anything else, try to locate your device:

For Android: Go to android.com/find from any browser and sign in with your Google Account. You can make it ring, lock it, or erase it remotely.
For iPhone: Use icloud.com/find or the Find My app on another Apple device.

Step 2: Suspend Your Google Fi Service

To prevent unauthorized use of your phone number:

Go to fi.google.com on any computer or device.
Navigate to the Home tab.
Click Manage plan.
Select Pause service and confirm.

This immediately stops all calls, texts, and data on your lost device. You can resume service at any time.

Step 3: Change Your Google Account Password

This is critical. If someone has your phone, they could potentially access your Gmail, Google Pay, and other services. Change your password immediately at myaccount.google.com.

Step 4: File an Insurance Claim (If Applicable)

If you have device protection through Google Fi or Pixel Care+, you can file a claim for a replacement device.

Step 5: Activate Your New Phone

Once you have a replacement device:

Resume your Google Fi service at fi.google.com if you paused it.
Download the Google Fi app on your new phone.
Sign in with your Google Account.
Follow the on-screen steps to activate and transfer your number to the new device.

Your phone number transfers automatically. No need to contact support unless you run into issues.

Scenario 3: Your Phone Is Broken or Dead

If your phone is physically damaged but you still have it, the process is similar to upgrading.

If possible, remove your physical SIM card from the broken phone and insert it into your new device. Then follow the activation steps above.
If you were using eSIM or can’t access the SIM tray, simply set up the Google Fi app on your new phone. The app will handle transferring the eSIM to your new device automatically.
If your broken phone was the only device signed into your Google Account, make sure you can still sign in (you may need to use account recovery at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery).

eSIM vs. Physical SIM: Which Should You Use?

Most newer phones support eSIM, and Google Fi works with both options. Here’s a quick comparison:

eSIM (Recommended)

No physical card to manage
Activated instantly through the Google Fi app
Easy to switch between devices
Supported on most phones from 2020 onward

Physical SIM Card

Move the card from one phone to another
Works on older phones that don’t support eSIM
You can request a free SIM card from Google Fi if you need one

If your phone supports eSIM, that’s the way to go. It’s faster and you won’t risk losing a tiny card.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

“Activation failed” or “Unable to connect”

Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi.
Verify you’re signed into the correct Google Account.
Update the Google Fi app to the latest version.
Restart your phone and try again.

iPhone eSIM not working (iOS 17.4 and later)

Go to Settings > Cellular and delete all Google Fi eSIMs.
Uninstall the Google Fi app.
Reinstall the Google Fi app from the App Store.
Follow the in-app instructions to add your eSIM.
Restart your iPhone.

iPhone eSIM not working (iOS 17.3 and earlier)

Delete the existing eSIM from Settings > Cellular.
Open the Google Fi app.
Scan the QR code provided during setup.
Restart your device.

Signed into the wrong Google Account

Go to Settings > Cellular on iPhone (or Settings > Network on Android).
Remove the Google Fi cellular plan.
Delete the eSIM.
Open the Google Fi app and sign in with the correct account.
Complete the activation process again.

Service not working after 20 minutes

Toggle airplane mode on and off.
Restart your phone.
Check for carrier settings updates (iPhone: Settings > General > About).
Contact Google Fi support at 1-844-TALK2Fi or through the Fi app.

Which Phones Work Best with Google Fi?

Google Fi works with most unlocked phones, but some devices are “designed for Fi” and get the full experience, including intelligent network switching between T-Mobile, US Cellular, and Wi-Fi networks.

Top picks for Google Fi in 2026:

Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
Motorola Moto G Power (2025)

Any unlocked phone with VoLTE support on LTE bands 2 and 4 should work, though you may not get network switching on non-designed-for-Fi devices.

Quick Reference: Switch Phones in Under 5 Minutes

For the impatient among us, here’s the fastest path:

Download the Google Fi app on your new phone.
Sign in with your Google Account.
Tap “Transfer service.”
Wait a few minutes.
Done.

That’s really all there is to it. Google has made the process remarkably simple.

Need More Help?

If you run into any issues during the transfer process, Google Fi support is available:

Phone: 1-844-TALK2Fi (1-844-825-5234)
Chat: Through the Google Fi app (tap the Support tab)
Online: fi.google.com/support

They can walk you through any activation problems, account issues, or device compatibility questions.