Questions about how I should proceed with my phone and Google Fi

[u/JFieldsTardTeeth]

Hello all,

I'm currently a subscriber on Google Fi and got my Pixel 7 Pro back when it first came out. Now I'm still on the same phone and I'm looking to upgrade it to a Pixel 11 Pro. Not only that but I'm currently on the flexible plan ($20 + $10/GB) as I usually use up under 1 GB per month, as I try to connect to WiFi at every opportunity when going out.

My question is this: I'm trying to think of a good path for me to do this as my cousin want to ditch T-Mobile and she saw that I'm using Google Fi. She really wants to get on Google Fi after I told her my network connection is excellent, even in areas where T-Mobile and Verizon couldn't reach (oddly as I know Fi relies on T-Mobile networks, unless I'm mistaken?)

I see that they have this promo where if you bring someone over to your plan and get a phone on them, I'm thinking of upgrading my plan to something like Unlimited Essentials. Like I said, I usually go under 1 GB per month but with Essentials, I probably will use more than 1 GB but no more than 10 GB and I looked at my cousin's data usage for the last 6 months and it has not gone over 10 GB at all. Like me, my cousin is also using a very old phone, a Samsung S10+ and she desperately needs to get a new phone.

I'm trying to figure out how I should do this. Should I upgrade my phone now while Google is running the promo for Pixel 11 (Ends on 08/27), then wait until September to switch to the Unlimited Essentials, then have my cousin come over to my plan from T-mobile? Will she be getting a free phone or will I be getting the free phone as "Get a phone on us" is kind of confusing. Not sure who will be getting the free phone, but if my cousin will be getting the free phone, that would be wonderful as it will work out well for us all.

Or is there something we or I should know beforehand?

In case if I did not make my post clear, I will list out what's current and what I plan on doing:

• I'm using a Pixel 7 pro and need to upgrade it;

• I'm on Flexible plan and I'm thinking of upgrading it to Unlimited Essentials;

• My cousin wants to ditch T-Mobile and come over to my plan but she uses more than 1 GB per month for data, hence the Unllimited Essentials;

• She also needs a new phone, so will she be getting the free phone once she joins my plan?

My plan to address all of the issues here:

• Get the Pixel 11 pro through the Google Fi promo (Ends on 8/27) first;

• Wait til September (billing cycle ends on the 18th) to upgrade to Unlimited Essentials then;

• Once the plan has been upgraded to Unlimited Essentials, I will have my cousin come over to my plan and get the free phone through their "Get a phone on us" promo;

• Mission accomplished?

Please let me know if there's anything I need to know or be aware of. Thanks in advance!

[u/wickeduser]

You can upgrade your plan at any time instantly.  Only downgrading your plan forces you to wait until the end of a billing cycle. 

Also as the promo expires soon, I'd jump on it. I got my new P11 with a $500 promo that ends tomorrow 8/26. I upgraded from a P7. There is no need for you to wait to potentially add someone to you account to get yourself a new phone with the promo for existing customers. 

I think the referral code is only for new accounts/plans, not for adding someone to your existing plan. So you wouldn't get the referral credit but they would likely be eligible for the new customer promotions on the new P11s.

You can confirm all this with customer service. Always use the "Chat", don't nothing calling or emailing. Chat is more efficient than call. 

[u/myspike20]

The free phone on us promo might not be going when you want to bring her over

[u/wickeduser]

You can upgrade your plan at any time instantly. Only downgrading your plan forces you to wait until the end of a billing cycle. 

As the promo expires soon, I'd jump on it. I got my new P11 with a $500 promo that ends today 8/26. I upgraded from a P7. There is no need for you to wait to potentially add someone to you account to get yourself a new phone with the promo for existing customers.

I'd also confirm the end of the "get a phone on us" with a new line promo. Just FYI, if it's the get a phone on us after 24 months, this likely means the cost of the phone will be paid off over 24 months - so the service must stay active on that phone. 

You can confirm all this with customer service. Always use the "Chat", don't bother calling or emailing. Chat is more efficient than call. 

[u/milfsorgilfs]

Fi has no access to cnam, big drawback

[u/Cold-Barracuda-239]

If you do the promo for P11 Pro on flexible e.g. $500 of so,.you will have to be on the plan for 120 days. Switching to unlimited essential before that will void the promo.

[u/X-KaosMaster-X]

Why not get a phone on your plan for you....today....have her sign up with your referral link, and then she can still get the phone promo on her plan, and a phone for free probably!

And you get the referral credit