On all phones compatible with Fi, you can enable the VPN for an encrypted and private connection when you use cellular data and Wi-Fi. It helps shield you against hackers on unsecure networks (like public Wi-Fi), and prevents websites from using your IP address to track your location.
Most apps will connect through the VPN, but some apps may bypass the VPN in order to work as intended (for example, so your smart home devices can work). You can manage this setting in the Fi app. Note that apps critical to Fi services will always connect outside the VPN. VPNs use mobile data for encryption and network optimizations.
On Pixel 4 or above running Android 12 and above, you'll get even more peace of mind, as Fi automatically encrypts your cellular data by default. To learn more, visit our Help Center.
Yes. All Fi plans come with protection against unwanted calls, robocalls and scams.
You can turn on spam blocking in the “Privacy and security” settings page of the Fi app to stop suspected spam calls and robocalls. You can also choose to block specific numbers from calling and texting.
Fi also automatically verifies that your incoming calls are coming from a legitimate source. Scammers can spoof numbers to make it appear that their call is coming from your area code or a number similar to yours. To protect you against these types of spam and robocalls, Fi labels verified numbers with a check mark in your caller ID using STIR/SHAKEN technology.
In order for numbers to be verified, both parties must be on a carrier network that has implemented STIR/SHAKEN.
To learn more about spam protection on Fi, visit our Help Center.
End-to-end encryption is a technology that keeps the content you share private and secure, from one endpoint (such as your phone) to another (such as the phone of the person you are talking to). The content you share will be unreadable if it is intercepted in transit.
Fi offers end-to-end encrypted calls for one-on-one conversations between Android phones on Fi by default, which means eligible phone conversations are protected automatically and only you and the person you're talking to can listen to the contents of your call.
End-to-end encrypted calls require connection to a cellular or Wi-Fi network, and is not available for calls with non-phone devices (such as a computer), group calls with 3 or more participants, forwarded calls to a number not on Fi, or calls made or received in countries where VoIP calling is not supported (Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, South Sudan and Syria). Call details such as phone numbers, call duration, call time, and voicemail are not end-to-end encrypted. To learn more about end-to-end encryption on Fi, visit our Help Center.
Android phones on Fi are eligible for end-to-end encrypted calls. We believe your privacy should be the default — if you and the person you are talking to are both using an Android phone on Fi, your conversation will be encrypted automatically. Learn more on our Help Center.
Your Google Fi number is tied to your Google Account, which means you get extra layers of account security as a Fi user. This helps protect you from threats like SIM swap attacks, which is when your number is ported out to someone else's SIM card without your knowledge or consent. Your Google Account also provides protections like a robust account recovery process, as well as notifications for suspicious activity. You can also enable 2-Step Verification to reduce the risk of bad actors stealing your number and information. To learn more, visit our Help Center.
Yes. Family features come included in all Fi plans at no extra cost.
As a parent on Fi, you can create a data budget to decide how much data your child can use before it slows down.
If your child uses an Android phone, you can also choose to only allow phone numbers on their contact list to call, text, and leave voicemails. You can also easily set up Family Link from the Fi app to set digital ground rules, including content filters, screen time limits, and more.
If your call is protected with end-to-end encryption, you'll see a lock symbol on the screen before your call is connected and during the call. When you place an encrypted call, you'll hear a unique ringing tone before being connected. Learn more on our Help Center.
While Fi does not offer end-to-end encryption for text messages, you can use Messages by Google for more secure chat conversations. Messages automatically upgrades your one-on-one conversations to be end-to-end encrypted when both you and the person you're messaging have Messages and chat features enabled. With end-to-end encryption, no one can read the content of your messages as they travel between your phone and the phone of the person you're messaging. By using Fi and Messages together, you can get a private communications solution for both calls and texts. Learn more about end-to-end encryption in Messages on the Help Center.