When you use a Google Pixel Watch first generation and newer or Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and newer with Google Fi, you can make phone calls, send messages, and use data.
Eligibility with Google Fi
Important:
- To pair your watch with your Google Fi phone number, your device needs to run on Android 13 or higher.
- To use your Google Pixel Watch first generation and newer or Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and newer with Google Fi, you must have a Google Fi Android device.
- Google Fi doesn't support Classic models of the Samsung watch such as Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic.
After April 19, 2023, to include full connectivity (data, calls, texts) for compatible watches, Google Fi upgrades Simply Unlimited plans that match Flex and Unlimited Plus plans. Previously, for watch features, Simply Unlimited users need Bluetooth. For existing users, this update activates automatically after their first billing cycle following the change.
Tips:
- Google Fi users get one wearable per account, separate from data-only SIMs.
- Google Pixel Watches and Samsung Galaxy Watches bought from Google Fi don't work with iPhones and iPads.
Set up your watch
- For general info on how to set up your device, refer to Set up Google Pixel Watch.
- To set up your Google Pixel Watch first generation and newer, follow these steps in the "Setup cellular connectivity menu" when setting up your phone:
- Setup cellular connectivity.
- Tap Setup.
- Connect to Google Fi.
- Tap Setup.
- Wait for the activation to complete.
- Setup cellular connectivity.
- To set up your Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and newer, refer to Samsung’s Setup Help Center.
Activate your watch with Google Fi
Important: Do not scan the QR code for activation.
Before you begin, make sure that:
- Bluetooth is on for both devices.
- You choose your Google Fi account during pairing.
To activate with Google Fi:
- On your phone, open the Google Play Store.
- For Google Pixel Watch first generation and newer, download the Google Pixel Watch app.
- For Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and newer, download Galaxy Wearable app.
- To set up your watch, follow the on-screen instructions.
- If your watch still isn't activated:
- On your phone, delete the Google Fi app.
- Reinstall the Google Fi app.
- If your watch still isn't activated:
- When you get to the screen to set up mobile service, select the related Google Fi account.
- Select Set up or buy a plan.
To resolve most activation issues, make sure that:
- The Google Pixel Watch first generation and newer, Google Fi, and Wear OS apps are up to date.
- The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and newer, Google Fi, and Galaxy Wearable apps are up to date.
- You’re signed in to all apps with your Google Fi account email address.
- Your Google Fi account is active.
- Your phone doesn't have any connectivity issues.
Using your watch with Google Fi
When you use your Google Pixel Watch first generation and newer or Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and newer with Google Fi, you don’t have to be connected to your Google Fi phone to call, text, or use data, no matter what plan you are on.
Although you can use your watch in the US, Canada, and Mexico, you don’t have connectivity in other countries or regions. Your device connects through T-Mobile's network.
Tips:
- If you're on an iPhone or iPad, you can’t use data, call, or text through your watch.
- If your phone is off or out of coverage, your watch may not send or receive texts successfully.
Get more watch help
- To get more help with your Google Pixel Watch first generation and newer, go to the Google Pixel Watch Help Center.
- To get more help with your Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and newer, go to Samsung’s product support page.
Tip: If you still can’t activate your watch with Google Fi, you can contact support.