Google Fi has begun rolling out eSIM support for current iPhone subscribers, which will let them use the dual-SIM technology that comes in certain models of Apple's smartphones.

googlefi
In April, Google started allowing new users to sign up for Google Fi's mobile virtual network service using the eSIM integrated into ‌iPhone‌ XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max and 2020 ‌iPhone‌ SE models.

Support for eSIM came with Monday's release of Google Fi version 2.5, which allows users with dual-SIM iPhones to free up the physical SIM slot in their handsets.

According to 9to5Google, the functionality has not fully rolled out yet , but several Redditors have managed to get it working by uninstalling then reinstalling the Fi app and signing in, after which they're asked if they want to switch to eSIM.

Users are then sent to an online setup URL where they can select Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plans on their ‌iPhone‌ to scan a QR code. Setting up data and MMS involve additional steps.

In addition to freeing up the physical SIM, the feature also promises to speed up the process of subscribing to Google Fi for future customers.

Google Fi is designed to provide a hassle-free cellular service with perks like international data coverage at an affordable price. See the Google Fi website for more details.

Tags: eSIM, Google

Top Rated Comments

Brian Y Avatar
66 months ago
I'm still amazed at how much the US gets charged for cell service. Even Google Fi's plans are expensive compared to what we get this side of the pond.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Pistol Peto Avatar
66 months ago
Meet Google Fi, a different kind of business we'll close down in a few years.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lllusion Avatar
66 months ago

I'm still amazed at how much the US gets charged for cell service. Even Google Fi's plans are expensive compared to what we get this side of the pond.
In Feb. while in India, I purchased a SIM card & 1 month of 1.5GB of daily 1.5GB data for 300 Rupees ($4 USD).
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TechieGeek Avatar
66 months ago

Free international data roaming with both these Google Fi packages?

Am I missing something? Because in that case, it's not a bad deal.

Any catches to this that might be worth highlighting?
If you're a frequent international traveler, Fi is amazing. There's absolutely no additional charge for "roaming". I've used it in Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Portugal, it works great everywhere. You can also get a data-only SIM for your iPad - unlike other carriers, you don't pay "more" to add an iPad, it's just charged as part of your regular data use.

With the other US carriers, you either pay a premium for international roaming, or you can get a local SIM in your destination country, but you can't iMessage using your US-based phone number if you're using a local SIM.


5 lines/$175 for essentially unlimited data (100gb full speed Data with 30gb tethering plus free hbo ). That’s $35/line. Att best plan currently. Remember most post paid customers in USA have access to family plans with employee discounts (last survey says 88% of att customers) have employee discount and or family plans

so would Europeans Consider $35/line for 100gb full speed Data plus tethering expensive? To cover a country as large as USA and Alaska and Hawaii and Puerto Rico?

the people who complain plans are expensive are those on single lines and two lines

but 4-5 lines in USA is pretty affordable.
That's the issue though, you need 5 lines....whereas in Europe you can get that plan on a single line.

It's like saying "when I bundle cable + home phone + internet + security system I can get my internet for $xx". At the end of the day, I may not need cable + home phone + security system, I only need internet. I don't need 5 lines.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mtrm Avatar
66 months ago

I'm still amazed at how much the US gets charged for cell service. Even Google Fi's plans are expensive compared to what we get this side of the pond.
I think it’s partially because of the cost to build and maintain the infrastructure. The US has a much lower population density compared to many (if not most) European countries, making it more expensive per costumer served. According to Wolfram Alpha, the US has ~5x the population of the UK but ~40x the area. I’m not saying that’s the only reason or that people in the US aren’t being ripped off, but that probably helps explaining this discrepancy a bit.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
827538 Avatar
66 months ago

I'm still amazed at how much the US gets charged for cell service. Even Google Fi's plans are expensive compared to what we get this side of the pond.
I agree, moving to the US I found almost everything to be considerably cheaper than in Europe. Except anything related to ISPs and cell providers. Fortunately there’s some good MVNO’s offering fair prices but the prices from the big three are astronomical in my opinion. And to say it’s related to population density might factor somewhat but there’s plenty of sparsely populated countries with affordable service. I think they price gouge because they can. Verizon and AT&T don’t even seem to try and compete on price.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

maxresdefault

Everything Apple Announced at WWDC 2025 in 10 Minutes

Monday June 9, 2025 5:21 pm PDT by
At today's WWDC 2025 keynote event, Apple unveiled a new design that will inform the next decade of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS development, so needless to say, it was a busy day. Apple also unveiled a ton of new features for the iPhone, an overhauled Spotlight interface for the Mac, and a ton of updates that make the iPad more like a Mac than ever before. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel ...
iphone 16 pro models 1

17 Reasons to Wait for the iPhone 17

Thursday June 12, 2025 8:58 am PDT by
Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models simultaneously, which is why we often get rumored features months ahead of launch. The iPhone 17 series is no different, and we already have a good idea of what to expect from Apple's 2025 smartphone lineup. If you skipped the iPhone...
iPadOS 26 Apple Newsroom

Apple Says iPadOS 26 is Compatible With These iPad Models

Monday June 9, 2025 11:22 am PDT by
Apple today announced that iPadOS 26 will be compatible with the iPad models listed below. iPadOS 26 features a new Liquid Glass design, a menu bar, improved app windowing, and more. iPadOS 26 supports the following iPad models:iPad Pro (M4) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later) iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later) iPad Air (M2 and later) iPad Air (3rd generation and...
apple beta 26 lineup

Apple 'Sherlocked' These Apps at WWDC 2025

Wednesday June 11, 2025 7:14 am PDT by
Apple at WWDC previewed a bunch of new features coming in its updated operating systems, but certain changes will have been met with dismay by third-party developers who already offer apps with equivalent or similar features. In other words, their product has been "sherlocked" by Apple. When Apple creates an app or a feature that has functionality found in a third-party app, it is referred...
iOS 26 Screens

Here Are All the iOS 26 Features That Require iPhone 15 Pro or Newer

Thursday June 12, 2025 4:53 am PDT by
With iOS 26, Apple has introduced some major changes to the iPhone experience, headlined by the new Liquid Glass redesign that's available across all compatible devices. However, several of the update's features are exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models, since they rely on Apple Intelligence. The following features are powered by on-device large language models and machine...
iPhone Car Key WWDC 2025

Apple Says These 13 Vehicle Brands Will Soon Offer iPhone Car Keys

Monday June 9, 2025 2:38 pm PDT by
In 2020, Apple added a digital car key feature to its Wallet app, allowing users to lock, unlock, and start a compatible vehicle with an iPhone or Apple Watch. The feature is currently offered by select automakers, including Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and a handful of others, and it is set to expand further. During its WWDC 2025 keynote today, Apple said that 13...
iOS 26 on Three iPhones

Hate iOS 26's Liquid Glass Design? Here's How to Tone It Down

Wednesday June 11, 2025 4:22 pm PDT by
iOS 26 features a whole new design material that Apple calls Liquid Glass, with a focus on transparency that lets the content on your display shine through the controls. If you're not a fan of the look, or are having trouble with readability, there is a step that you can take to make things more opaque without entirely losing out on the new look. Apple has multiple Accessibility options that ...
iOS 26 on Three iPhones

iOS 26 Includes These 100 New Features and Changes for Your iPhone

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:59 am PDT by
Apple has announced iOS 26, and the upcoming software update includes a long list of new features and changes for iPhones. The first iOS 26 developer beta is now available, and a public beta will follow next month. The update will be released later this year. iOS 26 is compatible with the iPhone 11 and newer. Below, we have provided a high-level overview of 100 new features and changes ...