If you travel around the globe a lot related to work, study or any other reason and use Google Fi as your service provider on your phone, then it can be annoying when it doesn’t work.
Google Fi is an MVNO service by Google and uses T-mobile networks which have one of the largest ranges of towers. Based on strength and availability Google Fi also switches between available networks.
However, even with its good service, many users face trouble using Google Fi internationally which does not let them use their phone for calls, text or the internet.
This guide will discuss why is Google Fi not working internationally and how you can fix it.
Why is Google Fi Not Working Internationally?
If Google Fi isn’t working abroad, possible reasons include: the country isn’t supported, incorrect number format, or mobile data and roaming are off. Also, international features may be disabled, airplane mode may be on, or a phone restart is needed.
Below are the detailed reasons of Google Fi not working internationally:
1. Check The Supported Destinations List
If the country you are visiting is not in the list of supported destination list then Google Fi will not work.
When you are travelling to a country outside of the list, you will not be able to call, text or use data.
2. Not Calling The Number In The Right Format
If you are trying to call using a Google Fi number then it is important to follow the right format of calling the number which depends on the country from where you are calling.
The right format includes the area code and then the local number.
3. Mobile Data And Data Roaming Is Turned Off
If the mobile data and data roaming are turned off on your phone then you will not receive service outside of the Google Fi service area.
4. International Features Is Off
Another setting that you can check while travelling abroad is international features. If it is turned off then you will not be able to use Google Fi internationally.
5. Airplane Mode Is Enabled
Another reason for Google Fi not working internationally is that the airplane mode is “turned on” on your phone.
When airplane mode is on then your phone will not receive any network from Google Fi which will lead to no service.
6. Temporary Issues With Your Phone
Sometimes the issue can be with your phone and not the Google Fi. The performance capacity of your phone also decreases with time so it may cause network issues with the service provider. These temporary issues include not rebooting your phone.
How To Fix Google Fi Not Working Internationally?
To resolve Google Fi issues abroad: verify the country is supported, dial numbers in the correct format, turn on mobile data, data roaming, and international features. Additionally, switch off airplane mode and reboot your phone.
The fixes for Google Fi not working internationally are discussed in detail below:
1. Check The Supported Destinations List
Google Fi service is available in over 200 countries when you travel abroad. So, check the list carefully before travelling to the country to continue receiving the service from Google Fi.
If the list is outside of the supported destination list then you will not be able to call, text or use data internationally.
2. Call The Number In The Right Format
Ensure that you call the valid number in the right format which is by using the area code of the country and then the local number.
The format is different for each country so keep the area code ready before making the call internationally.
If you are calling internationally from the U.S. then dial in the following format:
- For Canada and the U.S. Virgin Islands: Dial 1 (area code) (local number)
- To call other countries: Press and hold 0 till you see the “+” sign on the screen. Dial (country code) (area code) (local number)
If you are calling from outside the U.S. then dial in the following format:
- For calling a country’s number that you are visiting: Dial (area code) (local number)
- To call another country: Press and hold 0 till you see the “+” sign on the screen. Dial (country code) (area code) (local number)
If the number format does not work then you can try dialling the exit code of the country: Use (exit code) (destination country code) (area code) (local number).
3. Turn On Mobile Data And Data Roaming
To make calls internationally using Google Fi, ensure that you keep both mobile data and data roaming turned “on” on your phone.
To turn on mobile data on Android, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Open “Settings” on your phone.
- Select “Network and Internet” and then SIMs.
- Turn mobile data “On”.
You can also select the network provider manually on your Android phone, by following the steps mentioned below:
- Open “Settings” on your phone.
- Select “Network and Internet” and then SIMs.
- Turn “Off” automatically select the network.
- Now you can manually select the network.
To turn on data roaming on Android, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Open “Settings” on your phone.
- Select “Network and Internet” and then SIMs.
- Turn data roaming “On”.
To turn on data roaming on your iPhone, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Open “Settings” on your phone.
- Tap on “Cellular” or “Cellular Data” or “Mobile Data”.
- Turn “On” Data Roaming.
4. Turn On International Features
Ensure that you keep international features turned “on” on your phone to make calls internationally using Google Fi.
To turn on international features, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Open the Google Fi app or website on your phone.
- Navigate to the home tab and select “Manage Plan”.
- Go to International Features and turn on “Service outside the U.S.” and “Calls to non-US numbers”.
5. Disable Airplane Mode On Your Phone
Another simple reason is keeping the airplane mode enabled on your phone by mistake which will not let the phone receive Google Fi network or service.
Ensure that you disable the airplane mode before trying to reach the service.
To check if Airplane mode is enabled or disabled on your phone, following are the steps:
- Open the “Control Center” or “Quick Settings” on your phone.
- Look for the “Airplane” icon and check if it is enabled.
- If it is enabled then tap on the “Airplane” icon again to turn it off.
- Wait for the network to be restored.
6. Restart Your Phone
If you still face issues with making international calls using Google Fi then the problem can be with your phone. In such a case, reboot the phone by restarting it.
When you reboot the phone it allows the phone to resolve any trouble with the network and clears background apps and memory problems. It will also improve the performance of your phone.
To restart the iPhone, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Press and hold the volume up or down button along with the Sleep/Wake button on the side.
- “Slide power off” will appear on the screen. Slide the bar to turn off the phone.
- Wait for 30 seconds to let the screen go blank.
- Restart your phone by pressing the Sleep/Wake button on the side till the Apple logo appears on the screen.
To restart Android, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Press the power button on your phone.
- When the menu appears, tap on “Power off”.
- Wait for the phone to switch off completely.
- Press the power button again to start your phone till the screen is lit.
