Sep 3, 2017, 5:37 am
Last edit by: Zorak
Which countries are supported?
https://support.google.com/fi/answer...intl_countries
Note that in some locations Hangouts (and Gmail) are not available (e.g., China, Russia, Thailand, South Korea, Mexico, Argentina, and more: see link below for full list of excluded countries), so you will need a VPN to access them (or to make VOIP calls via Hangouts Dialer)
https://support.google.com/hangouts/answer/3205646
Exceptions:
Listed, but no/spotty service:
Not listed, *did* have service
1- Reboot phone
2- Toggle "airplane mode" on/off. Wait five seconds after toggling off (it resets phone modem).
3- Try manually connecting to each available network (rather than using the auto select feature).
4- Toggle down from 4g to 3g (removing the recommended 4g option) and then try manually connecting to each available network.
5- Toggle down from 3g to 2g and then try manually connecting to each available network.
https://support.google.com/fi/answer...intl_countries
Note that in some locations Hangouts (and Gmail) are not available (e.g., China, Russia, Thailand, South Korea, Mexico, Argentina, and more: see link below for full list of excluded countries), so you will need a VPN to access them (or to make VOIP calls via Hangouts Dialer)
https://support.google.com/hangouts/answer/3205646
Exceptions:
Listed, but no/spotty service:
- Ukraine (Aug 2018) - no service, all providers listed as "forbidden". Post #660
- Alaska (Jul 2018) -- had voice service, but inconsistent/spotty data (try forcing Sprint)
- Peru (Sep 2016) post 341, 360
- Grand Cayman Island (Jan 2018) post 547
Not listed, *did* have service
Belize (Jan 2018) post 547Belize now appears on the "supported" international list
1- Reboot phone
2- Toggle "airplane mode" on/off. Wait five seconds after toggling off (it resets phone modem).
3- Try manually connecting to each available network (rather than using the auto select feature).
4- Toggle down from 4g to 3g (removing the recommended 4g option) and then try manually connecting to each available network.
5- Toggle down from 3g to 2g and then try manually connecting to each available network.
Google Fi: Anyone care to post their experience?
Nov 29, 2018, 2:18 pm
#706
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,575
Did anyone who ordered yesterday receive any emails about the promotion after the order? Seems like on reddit some people got a confirmation of the promotion, I did not, and ordered well before the deal expired (deal expired at 7pm pst, I ordered 1pm eastern). Google's customer service and handling of promotions like this has been awful in the past, just hoping I don't have to end up fighting to get this deal.
Am I going to have to fight for this in April?
I ordered at 5PM PST, but I saw T's & C's that showed the offer running until 11:59PM PST (not 7PM).
Last edited by pinniped; Nov 29, 2018 at 2:23 pm
Nov 29, 2018, 3:28 pm
#708
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PDX
Posts: 908
Thanks, but I'm still confused - below it says that you lose hangouts (phone number (post #694 ) and have to open a new account to get a new number -BUT- I've never had hangouts so does this mean I can add it (it looks like I have to chose a different number than my phone).
What I'd suggest is to go to Google Voice website and log into an account that you are planning to use with Project Fi. Then see what number it displays. If you care about this number, I would suggest to indeed open a new Google account and transfer this number there.
Nov 29, 2018, 3:37 pm
#709
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 392
Actually, I'm pretty sure I've used a data only SIM in this with no issues before. I imagine it'd work in other MiFi-type devices as well unless Google changed their policies recently.
Nov 30, 2018, 12:59 am
#710
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, , aa plat, marriott LT titanium
Posts: 4,833
No, Hangouts is irrelevant here. A Google account may or may not have a phone number assigned to it. That number is called Google Voice number. You can think of Hangouts app simply as a VOIP client that uses your GV # to make and receive calls. Hangouts use whatever GV number is associated with the account that you are currently logged in to. When you port your existing "real" number to Project Fi, the GV number associated with that Google account will be gone because it will be replaced by the number that you've just ported.
What I'd suggest is to go to Google Voice website and log into an account that you are planning to use with Project Fi. Then see what number it displays. If you care about this number, I would suggest to indeed open a new Google account and transfer this number there.
What I'd suggest is to go to Google Voice website and log into an account that you are planning to use with Project Fi. Then see what number it displays. If you care about this number, I would suggest to indeed open a new Google account and transfer this number there.
Nov 30, 2018, 1:02 am
#711
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, , aa plat, marriott LT titanium
Posts: 4,833
Did anyone who ordered yesterday receive any emails about the promotion after the order? Seems like on reddit some people got a confirmation of the promotion, I did not, and ordered well before the deal expired (deal expired at 7pm pst, I ordered 1pm eastern). Google's customer service and handling of promotions like this has been awful in the past, just hoping I don't have to end up fighting to get this deal.
Nov 30, 2018, 2:07 am
#712
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEL
Posts: 1,057
Anyone have a rec for a simple LTE phone that works with Google Fi that I can basically use as a Wifi hotspot?
I know the data-only SIMs don't support tethering, so I assume that means I need the main SIM with a real phone. I'm just looking for a cheap way to use that main SIM as a hotspot.
I'd buy just an LTE MiFi if anyone knows for sure that a main Fi SIM will work in it and allow tethering.
I know the data-only SIMs don't support tethering, so I assume that means I need the main SIM with a real phone. I'm just looking for a cheap way to use that main SIM as a hotspot.
I'd buy just an LTE MiFi if anyone knows for sure that a main Fi SIM will work in it and allow tethering.
But Google makes no effort to block tethering, so anything with stock-ish Android should work fine. I've used a Fi data SIM in a borrowed MiFi-type device with no issues, but it's been a while.
Nov 30, 2018, 2:10 am
#713
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEL
Posts: 1,057
Fi uses some of Google Voice's infrastructure, which is why you can't have both Fi and GV on the same Google account. A Hangouts call from your Fi account will ring on the recipient's end exactly the same as a "real" call. The difference is that on your end the "real" call is a voice call and the Hangouts call is a VoIP call. As an aside, you can also use Hangouts to make calls on your Fi account from your computer, tablet, etc. and the recipient will still see your Fi number.
Nov 30, 2018, 6:21 am
#714
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
Programs: AA lifetime GLD; UA Silver; Marriott LTTE; IHG Plat,
Posts: 14,518
I did not receive any special emails. I know I had the travel credit notation in my order throughout the ordering process (the amount next to each phone in the order), but I didn't get a promo email later - just the order receipt and "welcome to Fi" kind of email.
Am I going to have to fight for this in April?
I ordered at 5PM PST, but I saw T's & C's that showed the offer running until 11:59PM PST (not 7PM).
Am I going to have to fight for this in April?
I ordered at 5PM PST, but I saw T's & C's that showed the offer running until 11:59PM PST (not 7PM).
But I'm not worried. Remember, this offer was in effect for the full calendar day, and there was no code that had to be entered. So simply having evidence of the date of your order (which is on the receipt email) should be sufficient to prove you qualify for the gift cards, assuming the other terms are met.
Nov 30, 2018, 6:55 am
#715
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: K+K
Programs: *G
Posts: 4,871
I have a really nice 'curated' GV phone number that I didn't want to give up now, signing up for Fi, or give up later, when quitting Fi and consequently resigning the ported GV-to-Fi number.
So I signed up for Fi under a new Google account. Fi's assigned number will be 'native' to the phone. My original GV number will be used through Hangouts in the phone.
The other benefit I suppose is having the 2nd Google account (though they overlap somewhat) helps keeps Google from hoovering every single digital bit of my personal life into 1 Google identity
So I signed up for Fi under a new Google account. Fi's assigned number will be 'native' to the phone. My original GV number will be used through Hangouts in the phone.
The other benefit I suppose is having the 2nd Google account (though they overlap somewhat) helps keeps Google from hoovering every single digital bit of my personal life into 1 Google identity
Nov 30, 2018, 8:13 am
#716
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 392
The data-only SIMs don't "support" tethering, i.e. if it doesn't work, Google won't help you fix it.
But Google makes no effort to block tethering, so anything with stock-ish Android should work fine. I've used a Fi data SIM in a borrowed MiFi-type device with no issues, but it's been a while.
But Google makes no effort to block tethering, so anything with stock-ish Android should work fine. I've used a Fi data SIM in a borrowed MiFi-type device with no issues, but it's been a while.
So Google says that iPhones won't tether internationally. Being so specific makes me think that really won't work. But is that just another case of it being unsupported, or really, it just won't work currently for technical reasons?
Nov 30, 2018, 4:22 pm
#717
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,947
No offer email for me either. I did screenshot the ordering page and the T&C.
But I'm not worried. Remember, this offer was in effect for the full calendar day, and there was no code that had to be entered. So simply having evidence of the date of your order (which is on the receipt email) should be sufficient to prove you qualify for the gift cards, assuming the other terms are met.
But I'm not worried. Remember, this offer was in effect for the full calendar day, and there was no code that had to be entered. So simply having evidence of the date of your order (which is on the receipt email) should be sufficient to prove you qualify for the gift cards, assuming the other terms are met.
Thanks for celebrating the new Google Fi with us! You're on your way to earning your travel gift card with your qualifying order [####]. Here's what you need to know about next steps.
After 75-90 days on Google Fi, you will receive another email with your travel reward link if you have satisfied the other terms and conditions of the promotion. You'll be able to redeem travel gift cards with Airbnb, Delta Air Lines, Hotels.com, and Southwest Airlines, and enjoy Fi where your travels may take you.
These are some of the important terms and conditions (below) you'll need to satisfy to receive your gift card.
• Activate your phone within 15 days of device shipment and remain active for 60 consecutive days following.
• You will receive your rewards link in 75-90 days, but if you cancel your Fi service prior to 120 days or pause your account for more than 7 days, you will be charged the value of the gift card.
• If you initiated a trade-in with your purchase, you will receive the gift card value less the stated trade-in value of the phone.
• There is a limit of one promotion per person.
• You can access the full terms and conditions here and refer to general FAQ about the promotion here.
Have more questions? Reach out to our support team.
Happy travels,
—the Google Fi team
After 75-90 days on Google Fi, you will receive another email with your travel reward link if you have satisfied the other terms and conditions of the promotion. You'll be able to redeem travel gift cards with Airbnb, Delta Air Lines, Hotels.com, and Southwest Airlines, and enjoy Fi where your travels may take you.
These are some of the important terms and conditions (below) you'll need to satisfy to receive your gift card.
• Activate your phone within 15 days of device shipment and remain active for 60 consecutive days following.
• You will receive your rewards link in 75-90 days, but if you cancel your Fi service prior to 120 days or pause your account for more than 7 days, you will be charged the value of the gift card.
• If you initiated a trade-in with your purchase, you will receive the gift card value less the stated trade-in value of the phone.
• There is a limit of one promotion per person.
• You can access the full terms and conditions here and refer to general FAQ about the promotion here.
Have more questions? Reach out to our support team.
Happy travels,
—the Google Fi team
This stipulation was not listed in the original promotion terms. I would not have traded in my phone had I known this. Can I cancel my trade in? I haven't even received the trade in package yet, so I still have my phone.
The lead post on the FAQ also has the puzzling language "UPDATE: The Travel on Fi with Any Device Purchase promotion is no longer available on fi.google.com or store.google.com. Even though we ran out of gift cards, don’t worry-- we have other exciting deals for you." -- what does she mean, "ran out of gift cards"? I'm assuming it's just a bizarre way of saying the promo ended and she didn't quite understand the situation.
Last edited by Zorak; Nov 30, 2018 at 4:28 pm
Nov 30, 2018, 5:41 pm
#719
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
Programs: AA lifetime GLD; UA Silver; Marriott LTTE; IHG Plat,
Posts: 14,518
I just received a reassuring email: "Next steps for your travel gift card from Google Fi"
EDIT: as noted in the FAQ conversation regarding "If you initiated a trade-in with your purchase, you will receive the gift card value less the stated trade-in value of the phone."
EDIT: as noted in the FAQ conversation regarding "If you initiated a trade-in with your purchase, you will receive the gift card value less the stated trade-in value of the phone."
[UPDATED ANSWER] If I trade in a device, do I qualify for the Travel on Fi promotion?
Yes. You can redeem a travel gift card in the amount you paid for the device, excluding taxes, which is the phone price. You'll get your trade-in value as a Fi credit, in addition to the travel credit.
Note: This answer has been updated from our previously posted FAQ. We heard your feedback and apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
Yes. You can redeem a travel gift card in the amount you paid for the device, excluding taxes, which is the phone price. You'll get your trade-in value as a Fi credit, in addition to the travel credit.
Note: This answer has been updated from our previously posted FAQ. We heard your feedback and apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
Dec 3, 2018, 12:25 pm
#720
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,786
Google Fi just sent me email on their price protection for Black Friday. I ordered the Pixel 3XL on Cyber Monday with their $200 off and $200 service credit. On 28th when they were giving away the phone with travel gift card, I tried to contact them on phone to match the promotion, but could not. So I just emailed them before Midnight and have not heard back since. I assumed that I won't get the promotion. But this morning, I got email saying that anyone bought it between 23rd and 27th will get matching service credit (instead of travel gift card). So I am guessing I will getting $800 in service credit! About 2 years of free service I guess! 