Summary
Google Fi is rolling out automatic switching between two 5G networks on eligible Pixel phones, alongside automatic connections to millions of Wi-Fi locations. Device, location and plan conditions apply.
Google Fi is rolling out a service that can switch an eligible phone between two 5G networks and connect it automatically to supported Wi-Fi hotspots. Google says the network switching starts on Pixel 9 and newer phones, while Wi-Fi Auto Connect+ is available on a wider range of Pixel devices and is rolling out to selected Samsung and Motorola phones.
How the network switching works
Google says Fi can move a phone to a secondary data connection if its primary connection drops. The aim is to maintain connectivity in places where one network’s signal is weak, including on roads and in other coverage gaps. The feature uses Multiple Enabled Profiles (MEP): a phone’s eSIM can host and run multiple SIM profiles, allowing connections to different carrier networks.
The switching feature requires a Pixel 9 or newer with Fi active on eSIM and any non-Fi SIMs disabled. Google notes that 5G and network switching are not available everywhere, and performance can depend on device capabilities, signal strength and battery level. The company says access to the two networks is included with every Fi plan.
Automatic Wi-Fi connections and travel
Wi-Fi Auto Connect+ connects supported devices to Wi-Fi at millions of locations without requiring users to select a network or log in manually. Google says Fi automatically encrypts the connection when the feature uses its Fi Virtual Carrier Network. The company describes the Wi-Fi as faster than nearby Fi cellular networks, defining “faster” as 2x better reliability and 30% improved latency.
The Wi-Fi feature is available in selected locations in North America, Europe, Asia and Brazil on Pixel 5a and newer. Google says it is rolling out to Samsung phones running One UI 9 or higher and selected modern Motorola phones.
Google also says network switching and Wi-Fi Auto Connect+ are available internationally. The features are included at no extra cost with the Unlimited Premium and Flexible plans. International high-speed data is capped at up to 50 GB per person on Unlimited Premium and up to 15 GB per person on Flexible; after those amounts, speeds are 256 kbps. The high-speed data counts toward each plan’s monthly allowance, and the service is not intended for international use over 90 consecutive days.
Fi is also adding Ask Fi, an AI-powered support agent in the Fi app for account questions and connectivity troubleshooting. This is a separate support feature from the network and Wi-Fi changes.