As an Apple Watch owner, I was frustrated when I heard that it couldn’t be used on Google Fi. After doing some research and testing, I’m here to share what I discovered – can you use an Apple Watch on Google Fi, and if so, how? In this blog post, I’ll explain what I learned and provide some potential solutions for those of you looking to use an Apple Watch with Google Fi.
As of 2018, Google Fi announced that it supports iOS devices, including iPhones and iPads. However, Google Fi is yet to support WatchOS, although they’ve announced that Apple Watch will support Google Fi in the near future (the exact time isn’t revealed).
| Tips |
|---|
| Google Fi only supports iOS devices like iPhones and iPads. |
| Google Fi doesn’t support WatchOS, but support for Apple Watch is coming soon. |
| To use Google Fi with an Apple Watch, you need to pair it with an iPhone. |
| Google Fi doesn’t currently support wearables that can use WiFi directly like Apple Watches. |
| Google is releasing their first smartwatch, the Pixel Watch, which may directly support Google Fi. |
| Before signing up for Google Fi, ensure your device is compatible with their service. |
| You can’t make calls or send texts using WiFi or use WiFi hotspots outside the United States with Google Fi. |
| To get the most out of Google Fi, ensure your iOS version is up-to-date. |
Table of Contents
How Does Google Fi Work?
Google Fi, previously known as “Project Fi”, is a Mobile virtual network operator service provided by Google.
This one allows you to use cellular networks and WiFi to make phone calls, send SMS, and even browse the internet. The service uses networks that are mainly operated by T-Mobile as well as US Cellular.
The service works by constantly searching and connecting to solid WiFi networks around you, and it’ll also route them through a VPN to keep your information private.
Once you sign up for the service and set it on your device, you should be able to use it directly without any hardware modifications, and it should work as simple as your mobile data.
According to Google, this service is only activated in the United States, but after activation, you’ll be able to use it internationally.
Read more: Can you use Apple Watch on Prepaid?
What Are the Devices That Support Google Fi?
Google has a large list of devices that support Google Fi. Although the vast majority of devices are Android, Google Fi announced that it supports some Apple devices a few years ago.
According to the list of supported devices on Google Support, these are the Apple Devices that are capable of connecting to Google Fi Services (as long as you’re running an iOS 13 software or higher):
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 6S and 6S Plus
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS and XS Max
- iPhone 11 Series
- iPhone 12 Series
- iPhone 13 Series
Google Fi allows you to use any of these devices to use iMessage, make calls, send SMS (with additional setup), and use international roaming as well as mobile data through T-Mobile network.
With that said, you can’t make calls or send texts using WiFi or use WiFi hotspots outside the United States.
Is Google Fi Compatible with Apple Watch?
As you can see from the previous list, Apple Watches aren’t among the devices supported by Google Fi. This is because Apple Watches don’t use iOS software to operate.
Instead, they use an alternative operating system known as “WatchOS”, which is yet to be supported by Google Fi.
In fact, Google Fi is currently focused on supporting as many mobile devices as possible, so they currently don’t offer direct support to wearables that can use WiFi directly like Apple Watches, but that may change soon!
How Can You Use Google Fi with Apple Watch?
As previously mentioned, Apple Watches are still not supported directly by Google FI. However, you can still benefit from the service by connecting your Apple Watch to a supported Apple device that is running the latest iOS.
To do that, you need to put your Apple Watch on your wrist, then pair it to a Google Fi enabled iPhone. Here’s a brief guide by Apple Support that shows you how to properly do that.
Once you’re connected, data from your watch will be transferred to your iPhone, which is a great workaround to let you combine the two systems together!
Is Google Fi Coming to Smartwatches Soon?
The short answer to this question is yes, although we don’t know when it’s going to happen exactly.
Earlier this year, Google announced the release of its first own smartwatch under the name “Pixel Watch”.
According to reports by 9to5Google and some investigations they made on the latest Google Fi App, it looks like the Pixel Watch will be the first smartwatch that is going to directly support Google Fi, which gives us hope that the Apple Watch is going to be supported in the near future as well.
Wrap Up
Read more: Does Apple Watch count calories while sleeping?
There you have it! A brief guide that shows you everything you need to know about Google Fi and Apple Watch.
As you can see, Google Fi is a relatively new technology and it’s not yet supported by all devices out there. In fact, Google Fi doesn’t support wearables yet, although it’ll start supporting them directly soon.
With that being said, you can still benefit from Google Fi services indirectly if you pair your Apple Watch with an iPhone, as iOS devices already support Google Fi.
