I think you need the app to enable the VPN. Answer from ashcan_not_trashcan on reddit.com
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/googlefi › is the fi app really necessary?
r/GoogleFi on Reddit: Is the Fi app really necessary?
April 22, 2021 -

I ordered a Galaxy S21 Plus. Using the Google Fi app, I got the phone working, and the number ported. Data, calls and texts all seem to work flawlessly.

But I bought this phone for my wife to use. Not me. The number I ported in is her phone number. But since I ordered the phone from my Google account to give to her I have to log into Google Fi app with my email address and password. I don't like the idea of every contact that I have, and I have a whole lot more than her, showing up on her phone and all my emails showing up on her phone.

So I removed the Google Fi app. Everything still seems to work perfectly fine.

Do I actually need it for anything that I'm not thinking of? Does the app affect network switching? Connections to wifi hotspots? Wifi calling? Honestly have no idea and I'm looking for clarification.

Thanks in advance

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Google Play
play.google.com › store › apps › details
Google Fi Wireless - Apps on Google Play
1 week ago - Features included in all plans at no extra cost: • Turn on spam blocking to stop calls from robocallers and scammers3 • Share your real-time location with family members4 • Only allow trusted numbers to call and text your child’s Android phone • Create data budgets for plan members • Enable the Fi VPN for a private online connection5 Use this app to easily add members, manage your plan, and do more: • Activate your service • Manage safety settings • Find phone deals • Switch plans • Check data usage • Get in touch with support 24/7 Note: You’ll need to sign up for Google Fi Wireless before you can use the app.
Rating: 4.1 ​ - ​ 56.1K votes
Discussions

App say offline but internet works. (Google Nest Wifi)
I don’t have a solution but I have exact same thing happening to me. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/GoogleWiFi
26
7
August 7, 2020
Thoughts on Google Fi?
Switching to Fi for cost reasons sounds unreasonable. They are EXPENSIVE. A 30gb "unlimited" is $25 on USM, taxes and fees included (2gb plan with ab option to auto-top-up for $2/gb is $10). Visible+ is $35. There are many others out there, all you have to do is choose one. IMO - Fi only makes sense if you plan to extensively use it's international roaming feature. The only redeeming quality in your case would be the LTE watch. I don't know how much it is going to cost, cause i don't have one and never checked, but it can't possible cost more than an additional line! More on reddit.com
🌐 r/GooglePixel
14
2
October 30, 2023
To the person who recommended I try Google fi, I thank you.
What's that, $20 for a speed test? More on reddit.com
🌐 r/google
67
851
December 31, 2024
Thoughts on google fi?
I've had fi for a long time. My only complaint is that they don't tell me when I'm approaching the hotspot limit for the month. A couple times I've hit it and my devices connect but have "no Internet" and it takes a while to figure it out. Everything else has been great. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/kansascity
12
6
August 15, 2025
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CNET
download.cnet.com › google-fi › 3000-2057_4-77966202.html
Google Fi for iOS - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download
February 22, 2024 - Download Google Fi latest version for iOS free. Google Fi latest update: February 22, 2024
Rating: 5 ​ - ​ 1 votes
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Aptoide
google-fi.en.aptoide.com › homepage › android apps › tools › google fi wireless
Google Fi Wireless - APK Download for Android | Aptoide
Download Google Fi Wireless V146-allabi-universal (827606133) APK for Android right now. No extra costs. User ratings for Google Fi Wireless: 4.27 ★
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Google
fi.google.com › app
Google Fi Wireless
Click one of the buttons below to download the Google Fi app to your mobile phone or tablet
🌐
Apple App Store
apps.apple.com › tn › app › google-fi-wireless › id1413936031
Google Fi Wireless App - App Store
Google Fi Wireless phone plans keep you connected with ultra-reliable 5G coverage, industry-leading security features, and plenty of perks at no extra cost.1 Get ahead with top-priority data speeds.2 Share your data to multiple devices – like ...
Rating: 0 ​
Find elsewhere
🌐
apponic
google-fi.apponic.com › android
Google Fi for Android Free Download
November 10, 2025 - Google Fi is the official Google app for managing your mobile network if you're a customer of this operator. This company offers single and multi-person plans with several options, including flexible and unlimited.
Rating: 5 ​ - ​ 1 votes
I think you need the app to enable the VPN. Answer from ashcan_not_trashcan on reddit.com
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Google Fi
fi.google.com › about
Google Fi Wireless for Phone Plans & Mobile Phone Deals
Get a new phone plan in minutes, right from home. Manage everything effortlessly in the app, with 24/7 support at your fingertips.
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Android Central
androidcentral.com › phones › google fi
Google Fi Wireless plans, deals, and prices: everything you need to know
November 10, 2025 - Google Fi Wireless now works with just about any unlocked phone — with some limitations. Unlocked phones can't take advantage of Fi's network switching, so you'll be using T-Mobile's network primarily, and you won't get Fi's always-on VPN option. But you do get the same great international roaming, plus all of the other features such as the fabulous Fi app and simple billing.
🌐
Google Account
myaccount.google.com › intro › find-your-phone
Find your phone
Whether you forgot where you left it or it was stolen, a few steps may help secure your phone or tablet
🌐
Softonic
project-fi-by-google.en.softonic.com › home › android › utilities & tools › google fi
Google Fi APK for Android - Download
3 weeks ago - Google Fi for Android, free and safe download. Google Fi latest version: A seamless phone and data service. With how important internet connectivity h
Rating: 8.4/10 ​ - ​ 1 votes
🌐
Google Fi
fi.google.com › about › free-trial
Try Google Fi Wireless for Free with a 7-Day Trial
No. During your trial, your current carrier will remain active. You can choose between Fi or your current network whenever you're calling, texting or using mobile data. ... Just download the app and sign in to get started.
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Google Fiber
fiber.google.com
Google Fiber | Gigabit Fiber Optic Internet
GFiber Wi-Fi 6E Router with up to one extender as needed for wall-to-wall Wi-Fi (or connect your own) Up to near Gig speed even over wireless · Self setup with our App or free pro install with performance verification · 3 Gig · $100/month · The perfect fit when everyone's working, learning, and playing from home.
🌐
Google
google.com › android › find › about
Find Hub
Find, lock, erase or play a sound on any lost Android device.
🌐
APKMirror
apkmirror.com › home › google llc › google fi wireless › google fi v19
Google Fi Wireless V19 APK Download by Google LLC - APKMirror
September 17, 2019 - Both options come with unlimited calls & texts, international data in 200+ destinations at no extra charge, free 24/7 support, and no contracts. For more information about Fi, visit fi.google.com. You can use this app to: • Activate your service • Manage your account and settings • Check your data usage • See your monthly bills • Get in touch with support 24/7
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Google Fi
fi.google.com › about › how-it-works
Join Google Fi Wireless: How to Set Up, Pick a Plan, Get Support and more
To start the transfer process, download the Google Fi Wireless app and sign in. The app will guide you through the process of transferring your phone number. Number transfers typically take 20 minutes to complete. When the transfer is complete, you will receive a notification on your phone.
🌐
Google Assistant
assistant.google.com
Google Assistant, your own personal Google
Meet your Google Assistant. Ask it questions. Tell it to do things. It's your own personal Google, always ready to help whenever you need it.
🌐
Uptodown
project-fi.en.uptodown.com › android › tools › general › google fi
Google Fi for Android - Download the APK from Uptodown
Google Fi is the official Google app for managing your mobile network if you're a customer of this operator. This company offers single and multi-person plans with several options, including flexible and unlimited.
Published   April 23, 2015