Frequently Asked Questions

Network and Coverage

• What is unique about Project Fi's network?
  Through new technology developed with our partners, Project Fi puts you on the best available network between Wi-Fi and three 4G LTE networks. This means you get access to more cell towers and 4G LTE in more places.
• Who are Project Fi's cellular network partners?
  Project Fi has partnered with Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular, three of the leading carriers in the US, to provide our service. You can view our US coverage at fi.google.com/coverage.
• Where can I check Project Fi's network coverage?
  You can view our US coverage at fi.google.com/coverage.
• What determines when Project Fi moves me between cellular networks?
  When multiple carriers are available, Project Fi will move you to the network that our analysis shows will be fastest in your current location, whether that is 4G LTE, 3G, or 2G. We’re constantly learning and improving, to account for factors such as newly-built towers or newly-available radio frequencies. And if your current network is providing weak or no coverage, we’ll adjust in real time to find you a stronger connection.

Supported Devices

• Why is Project Fi only available on the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6?
  These devices are the first smartphones that support our network of networks. They work with the Project Fi SIM card, which supports multiple cellular networks, and have a state-of-the-art cellular radio tuned to work across network types.
• How much will a Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X cost if I get a new one from Project Fi?
  You can buy a Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X from Project Fi with two ways to pay: all at once or, for qualified buyers, over 24 months.
  
  If you qualify, you can pay for your device over 24 months. There's no interest or fees but a credit check is required. See terms and conditions here.
  
  

  Device	Buy today + applicable taxes	Pay over 24 months + applicable taxes
  Nexus 5X - 16GB	$199 with activation	$8.29/month for 24 months
  Nexus 5X - 32GB	$249 with activation	$10.38/month for 24 months
  Nexus 6P - 32 GB	$499	$20.79/month for 24 months
  Nexus 6P - 64 GB	$549	$22.88/month for 24 months
  Nexus 6P - 128 GB	$649	$27.04/month for 24 months

  
  
  See How can I receive a special Project Fi discount for the Nexus 5X for more details on Nexus 5X pricing.
• How can I receive a special Project Fi discount for the Nexus 5X?
  For a limited time, Project Fi is offering a discount of $150 off our normal price for the Nexus 5X, with activation required. If you purchase a Nexus 5X from fi.google.com, the discounted price will automatically apply during checkout. You must then activate Fi service on the same account within 30 days of device shipment, or an additional $150 will be charged to your Google Payments account to match the full price of the device. There is no minimum activation time needed to be eligible for the discount.
  
  In addition, if you purchase a Nexus 5X from the Google Store while this offer is valid, and then activate Fi service on the device, then you will automatically receive a partial refund to the form of payment used to purchase. The partial refund amount will match the difference between the amount you paid for the Nexus 5X and the Fi promotional price. You do not need to contact Project Fi or Google Store customer support to receive the partial refund, as it will be automatically applied within two months of activating Fi service.
  
  This offer is valid until October 12th, 2016, while supplies last for U.S. residents ages 18 and older with a Google Payments account. There is a limit of 1 discounted Nexus 5X per customer, this offer cannot be combined with other offers, and terms are subject to applicable laws. The offer is void where prohibited.
• If I buy a new Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X from Project Fi, will it work with other wireless providers?
  Yes, the Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X you get from Project Fi comes unlocked and can be used with other wireless providers if you choose to leave our service.
• If I already have a Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X or Nexus 6, can I use it with Project Fi?
  Yes, you can bring the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X or Nexus 6 you already use to Project Fi. When you sign up, you'll have the option to get a free SIM card shipped to you.
• When will Project Fi support other smartphones?
  The Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6 are the first smartphones that support Project Fi's network of networks. We currently only support these devices.
• What is different about the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6's cellular radio for it to work with Project Fi?
  Cellular networks use various network types and groups of radio frequencies to send and receive data. The cellular radio inside these devices work with all the 4G LTE networks in the US and many around the world—unlike the radios in other smartphones which work with fewer network types. One way to think about it: imagine if your car radio only supported AM or FM radio instead of both!
• What is different about the Project Fi SIM card?
  The SIM card in your smartphone contains the information needed for your device to connect to cellular networks. We teamed up with our partners to develop a SIM card that supports access to multiple networks.
• What happens if the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, or Nexus 6 that I purchased from Project Fi does not work properly, or if I break the device?
  A Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, or Nexus 6 purchased from Project Fi is under manufacturer’s warranty for one year following purchase of the device. If your new phone is defective and you report it within this time period, Project Fi will replace the phone at no cost.
  
  Project Fi offers device protection for the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X. With device protection, you can quickly get your phone replaced in the event of accidental damage (including drops, cracks, and spills), or mechanical breakdown (beyond the 1-year manufacturer’s warranty period). If you purchase a Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X from Project Fi, you can enroll it in device protection during checkout or within 30 days of when the device ships, after you’ve activated Project Fi service. For more details, visit our Help Center.
  
  Device protection is not available for the Nexus 6.

Plan and Pricing

• What's included in the Fi Basics?
  Our one simple plan starts with the Fi Basics for $20/month. It includes unlimited domestic talk and text, unlimited international texts, Wi-Fi tethering to use your phone as a hotspot, and access cellular coverage in 135+ countries and destinations.
• How much data should I set as my data budget?
  We recommend you set your data budget based on your past data usage. Check out the video below if you need help figuring out how much data you normally use. Our pricing provides you control of your data amount and saves you money by crediting you dollars back for unused data. You can change your budget for the next month whenever you want, so don't worry about getting it right the first time around.
• How much credit will I get back for unused data?
  If your data usage at the end of the month is less than your data budget, you'll get a credit for approximately one cent per MB. For example, if your data budget is 2GB and you use 1.265GB, you'll get a $7.35 credit.
• How do I get money back for unused data? Where does it go?
  The value of your unused data is applied as a credit toward your next month's bill. For example, if your data budget is 3GB and you use 2.2GB, you'll get $8 (for 800MB of unused data) to use next month to lower your bill.
• What happens if I go over my data budget?
  Project Fi will first alert you if you're getting close to your data budget. If you go over, you'll still get full-speed data and data is charged at the same $10 per GB rate. For example, if you go over your data budget by 350MB, $3.50 will be added to your next bill.
• Am I charged for data usage when I'm connected to an open Wi-Fi hotspot or my home Wi-Fi?
  No you are not charged for the data you use when connected to open or home Wi-Fi. We only charge $10 per GB for the cellular data you use.
• Does it cost extra to use my phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot?
  Project Fi does not charge any extra monthly fees to use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot. You can use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot to share your data with any Wi-Fi-compatible device. The data you share with other devices will count toward your monthly data usage.
• Is there any annual contract or commitment with Project Fi?
  No, there is no annual service contract required when you sign up.
• Does Project Fi have family plans or other plans for multiple users?
  No, we currently only support individual accounts. If multiple people on your current wireless plan are interested in joining our wireless service, each user is required to have a Project Fi account.
• How much are monthly taxes going to cost?
  Taxes and government surcharges vary per state, but are normally between 10-20%. For example, if your monthly bill is $40, the taxes on your statement could be between $4-8.
• Are there any termination fees if I leave Project Fi?
  We do not charge any fees if you leave Project Fi. If you buy a new device when you sign up for Project Fi and choose to pay for your device over time, the remaining monthly payments on your device are due if you leave Project Fi.

Talk and Text

• Are all standard message types (SMS, MMS, group texting, etc) supported?
  Yes, we support all standard messaging types, including SMS, MMS, shortcodes, and group texting.
• Which devices can I use to talk and text using my number?
  If you opt-in to this feature, You can use any device that supports Google Hangouts to send and receive calls and texts. This includes: Android smartphones and tablets, iOS devices such as iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, Chromebooks, Windows computers and Mac computers.
• How do I make and receive calls from devices other than my Project Fi device?
  Incoming calls will ring any device where you're signed into Google Hangouts with the account you use for Project Fi. Outgoing calls can be made using the Hangouts app on Android and iOS devices, as well as the Hangouts widget inside Gmail if you're on a computer.
• How do I send and receive texts from devices other than my Project Fi device?
  If you opt-in to this feature, your texts will appear within Google Hangouts. Texts can be sent using the Hangouts app on Android and iOS devices, as well as the Hangouts widget inside Gmail if you're on a computer.
• Is it free to call and text using devices other than my Project Fi device?
  Yes, calls and texts within the US are included in the Fi Basics. If you're calling or texting to another country, please check our international rates for more information.
• Will my messages and voicemail be synced across my devices?
  Yes, if you opt-in to this feature, your messages and voicemail are synced across your devices. For example, if you delete a text on your tablet, it is also deleted on your Project Fi device.
• Does Project Fi have visual voicemail?
  Yes, Project Fi includes visual voicemail. You can see your voicemails in the call history on your phone.
• If I use Google Voice, can I use my number with Project Fi?
  Yes, most Google Voice numbers can be used with Project Fi.

Wi-Fi Connections and Calls

• What types of Wi-Fi hotspots will Project Fi automatically connect me to?
  Project Fi connects you to free, open Wi-Fi networks that do not require any action to get connected (such as, enter a password, watch an ad, or check-in). We use a network quality database to help determine which networks are high quality and reliable.
• How does Project Fi help protect my data when I'm on public Wi-Fi?
  When Project Fi automatically connects you to an open Wi-Fi network, we help protect your data by sending it through a secure connection, known as a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This secure connection protects your data from being looked at by other users on the open Wi-Fi network.
• Am I still able to manually turn Wi-Fi on or off?
  Yes, you're still in control of turning Wi-Fi on or off. If you turn off Wi-Fi you won’t be automatically connected to Wi-Fi hotspots. We recommend keeping Wi-Fi on.
• If I have both Wi-Fi and cell connections, will my call go over Wi-Fi or a cell network?
  When both network types are available, Project Fi will route your call over whichever network will provide you with the strongest connection.
• How do I make calls over Wi-Fi?
  If you're using your Project Fi device, just make a call like you normally would using the phone dialer. If you're not using your Fi device and you've opted-in to use your number to talk and text on other devices, you can make calls over Wi-Fi using your number through Google Hangouts.
• What happens if I start a call over Wi-Fi and then lose my Wi-Fi connection?
  On your Project Fi device, if you start a call over Wi-Fi and then your connection weakens or drops (such as when you leave your home or office), Project Fi seamlessly transitions your call to a cellular network (if one is available) so you can keep talking.
• Are Wi-Fi calls free in the US? Are international Wi-Fi calls free?
  If you're calling a US number over Wi-Fi, you're not charged any extra. If you're calling an international number, there's a per-minute charge that varies per country. Please check our international rates for more information.

International Usage

• In which countries will I get international data without roaming fees?
  Project Fi offers high speed data in over 135+ countries and destinations for the same $10/GB you pay in the U.S. For a complete breakdown of specific countries please check our International Rates.
• Can I call and text to another country while I'm traveling?
  Yes, if you're traveling to one of the 135+ destinations where we have coverage you can call and text internationally. Unlimited international texts are included in your plan. If you're using cell coverage, calls cost 20¢ per minute. If you're calling over Wi-Fi, per-minute costs vary based on which country you're calling and you're charged only for outbound calls. Please check our international rates for more information.
• Can I talk, text, and use data in a country not in the 135+ destinations where Project Fi has data coverage?
  No, Project Fi only supports talk, text, and data usage in the 135+ destinations where we have coverage. If you're traveling to a country that isn't included, you will need to get a local SIM card for that country for cellular coverage. We do this to protect you from surprise bills in places where we can't provide a $10 per GB data rate, 20c per minute calls, and unlimited international texts. However, you can still talk and text anywhere in the world where you have Wi-Fi.
• Can I send and receive calls and texts to a country not in the 135+ destinations where Project Fi has data coverage?
  Yes, if you're in a country where we have coverage you can send and receive calls and texts with people who are in a country where we do not have coverage.

Switching to Project Fi

• Can I bring my number to Project Fi?
  Yes, you can transfer your current personal number over to Project Fi when you sign up.
• If I switch to Project Fi, what do I do with my current wireless service?
  If you want to end your service with your current wireless provider after you switch to Project Fi, you will need to contact your current wireless provider after you activate your Project Fi account.
• Will I be charged a termination fee from my current provider if I switch to Project Fi?
  Please check with your current wireless provider if there are termination fees for ending your service.
• Will Project Fi pay my termination fees if I have them?
  No, we do not pay for termination fees if you leave your current wireless service.
  
  You’ll also need a Project Fi supported device — a Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, or a Nexus 6. You can buy a Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X or a SIM kit for your existing Project Fi compatible device from Project Fi.

Project Fi & the IRC

• What is Project Fi doing with the IRC?
  In partnership with the IRC, Project Fi is donating 1,000 Nexus phones and Project Fi service to refugees across 24 cities where the IRC is already helping to relocate refugees in the United States.
• How can I get involved?
  If you’re interested in helping and contributing to the IRC, you can get more information at https://www.rescue.org/how-to-help.