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Mobile·1 min read

Google Fi 'Super Network' Switches 5G Networks on Pixel Phones

Google Fi Wireless is rolling out a 'super network' that automatically switches Pixel phones between two 5G networks to keep the connection steady, at no extra cost.

A Google Pixel phone showing a strong 5G signal indicator on a city street.
Image: CNET

Google Fi Wireless is rolling out a "super network" feature that automatically moves a phone between two 5G networks to maintain the best possible connection. It works only on Google's own phones, starting with the Pixel 9 and newer models.

The feature is free for existing Google Fi customers on every plan: Flexible, Unlimited Essentials, Unlimited Standard and Unlimited Premium. Network switching also applies while traveling internationally, and that is included in the Unlimited Premium and Flexible plans.

Which networks, and how it works

Google says the system relies on "two top 5G networks" but declines to name them in the US. Google Fi has traditionally run on T-Mobile's network.

According to a source at Google, the phone uses two eSIM slots to hop between networks, yet it appears to the user as a single eSIM. A fine-print note says any other eSIMs on the device must be disabled. That matters for people who already run multiple carriers on one phone.

Wi-Fi Auto Connect Plus expands

Google also said Wi-Fi Auto Connect Plus is now available in millions more locations across the US. When a phone is in an area with spotty cellular coverage and a compatible Wi-Fi network is nearby, it automatically creates an encrypted connection if the Wi-Fi signal is stronger.

The feature is available on Pixel phones and is also arriving on Samsung phones running One UI 9 or later, as well as "select modern Motorola phones."

Together, the two features aim at the same everyday annoyance: a weak carrier signal that stalls a search or navigation request even in areas with plenty of overlapping coverage.

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Tags:google fipixel5gesimwi-fi auto connect plus

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