Galaxy Note 10 on Google Fi Notes/Experience

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1

Got the note 10+ today (unlocked). Stuck a new fi sim in it, activated through the app. Most of these compromises are well known for a “Non-Fi” device, but I want to reiterate for potential buyers in case there are doubts:

  1. Calling/SMS/High Speed data work flawlessly as does the activation.
  2. Wi-Fi calling does not work. The options show up in the dialer app, but it doesn’t actually work even if you use airplane mode. I don’t think VoLTE works either. The LTE video calling feature other carriers galaxy devices have also doesn’t work. I’m pretty sure these features are always missing on unlocked Galaxy’s.
  3. No RCS in the default messaging app. You can use the Google Messages app if you want RCS (Side note: the Google Messages app is not DeX optimized so if you were hoping to do full featured desktop messaging with RCS stick to messages.google.com). You can hide the default messaging app in the UI, but you can’t uninstall it.
  4. No visual voicemail, you dial your inbox through the phone app. You have the option the have the voicemails sent to you via sms.
  5. The Samsung phone app has ads in it so if you’re switching from a Pixel like me you might find that disappointing.
  6. Fi VPN and Network Switching don’t work. You’re always on T-Mobile. The phone itself does display “Google Fi” as your carrier.

I’m returning the phone today and going back to my Pixel 3. Too many compromises it’s just not worth it. It was also concerning that the Note lagged while navigating the UI. Doesn’t have that smooth feeling the Pixel does. I will say the screen is absolutely breathtaking.

Let me know if you have questions.

2

I have a Note9 and I have 0 ads in my dialer app. What app are you using?

3

As you mentioned, some of these items are simply due to the Note not being a “designed for Fi” device.

That said, I’m also returning my Note 10 and keeping my Pixel 3 xl. The Note hardware is beautiful but I prefer stock Android OS and miss “designed for Fi” features.

4

I don’t know how, but I actually do get visual voicemail on my Galaxy S10 on Fi. I can also play voicemails right from the phone app.

Apparently this shouldn’t be possible?

5

I’m a long time Fi user and upgraded from a Pixel 2XL to a Note10+ about two months ago. I had assumed all of the above compromises when I made my purchase decision.

This evening as I get ready for bed, on a whim, I decided to try a WiFi call when I saw a blue “New” badge next to WiFi Calling in the Fi app. I put the phone in airplane mode and made a call. At first I didn’t think it would work. The phone app just winked a bit and went back to the dialer screen. On the off chance that it was a glitch, I tried again and the call went through. I was able to hear very clearly with no issues. (I called my work cell.)

To test if I could receive calls, I grabbed my work cell and called myself back. Worked like a charm.

So I don’t know if this is brand new (the “New” badge in the Fi app would suggest it is), but I’m glad that this functionality is available now. My office has terrible T-Mobile service, so this is great for me as a Fi user on my personal device.

Anyone else able to confirm that WiFi calling is working with Fi on the Galaxy Note 10/10+?

6

I had the S10+ for about a month. I loved the phone but there was too many compromises with Fi. I went back to my Pixel 2XL

7

Hi,
I have a pixel 3 on fi, just got the note10+ and using a new fi sim, but the fi app says the device is not compatible with voice calls. I chatted with tech support and they said the note10 wasn’t supported yet.
Do you have any idea what made your note 10 work?

8

In that last section where it lets you chose from the list of businesses to call/search through I was getting a “save 45% off some TV subscription when you switch to blah blah blah” above all the suggestions. This was the default Samsung dialer.

9

I’m not sure I haven’t used it. I would imagine it would suffer similar problems as the Note10.

10

Can you explain how you were able to get it? I still have the phone until I ship it out tomorrow. I’ll try and get it working.

11

I’m confused when you say that your office has terrible T-Mobile service so this is great for you as a fi user. If you’re using the Note 10 then the only service available to you through fi is on T-Mobile’s network. How is that different? Just curious.

12

I would make sure you got the Unlocked version of the phone first. But all I did was shut my old phone down, put the new sim in the Note10+, downloaded the fi app and it started working after I activated in the app. Actually I think it automatically downloaded the fi app when I put the sim in.

Anyone who tells you the Note10+ doesn’t work on fi is flat out lying to you out of ignorance/laziness. Maybe try factory resetting it.

13

Because WiFi calling is now working on the Note 10+ through Google Fi. My office has WiFi. So now I can make and receive calls and texts in my office without issues.

I’m asking if anyone else that is using Google Fi with a Note 10 or 10+ has noticed that they can now use WiFi calling? WiFi calling isn’t supposed to be working for phones NOT designed for Google Fi, like the Note 10.

14

Thanks. I tried again including a factory reset but still no go. May finally give up and just switch to Verizon.

15

This is what I’m talking about. It’s kind of disguising to see considering the cost of the phone tbh.

It’s not even like a local business thing. You click on the ad and it gives you a phone number/information/link to some place 15 states away. The next ad after that is a JCPenny Portraits ad.

16

I just tried this too. After enabling WiFi calling in the Google fi app, it appears to be workijg oh my note 10+. Now to see if mms works on WiFi as well…

17

I’ve never actually clicked that tab before, and now it wants me to click start. Nooo way.

18

Yeah - did it work!?! :slight_smile: