For those who are new to Fi, steps to become an existing user and
1. Open an account with flexible plan. Use unmentionable code from existing user for $60 credit.
2. Just to be safe, wait for the first bill to be generated before ordering the phone. This will take couple of days. At the very least wait for a day but I suggest waiting for the first bill generation.
3. Once the phone is shipped you need to activate the phone within 30 days. At this point another counter for new user r**f credit is also running down from 30 days. I strongly suggest you wait for that counter to hit zero before you activate the phone. All the counters will be shown on FI app-billing-Track FI saving and instant rebate.
4. Once the phone is activated on FI by downloading the FI app, you should wait for a day for the counter to go down by 1. At this point you can disable/remove the eSIM and use your current provider.5. At no point during 120 days move the FI SIM to another phone (i.e. do not install FI app on any other phone and log into this FI account). Once the counter reaches 0 you can cancel the line or pause it for next deal.
The total cost will be $650 + $25 (plans cost per month including fees) * 5 - $60 = $715
expired
Top Comments
Comes to like 17.5% in taxes when it should be 1/2 that.
New FI customers can have 512gb for $999
Samsung pricing is insane. Apple is final cheaper by a mile. Samung sales are nonstarters
Community Reviews
Google Fi is offering a strong S26 Ultra preorder discount, especially for existing Fi customers on Unlimited Premium or Flexible, with the 512GB model showing $650 off and free storage during preorder. The phone is factory unlocked, and the deal can be especially compelling if you sell or trade in a prior Ultra, since resale values often beat Fi trade in quotes. The main catches are the 120 day active service requirement, possible 21 day or first bill timing issues for new accounts, and taxes that may be charged on the full price in some states. A good fit if you can manage Fi timing and keep the line active.
Common Questions (6)
Keep the Fi line active for 120 consecutive days after activating the S26 Ultra. The countdown starts only after activation, and moving the Fi SIM/eSIM to another phone or changing service during that period can void the promo.
Switching to Unlimited Premium or Flexible can unlock the $650 offer on some accounts, and the price can update within about 24 hours. The plan usually needs to stay active through the promo period, and some accounts remain locked to the discount level they started with.
Waiting about 21 days is the safer path because that is when Fi often treats an account as existing and the promo is less likely to error. Some accounts see the offer sooner, but ordering after the first bill or after a short wait is repeatedly recommended to avoid promo issues.
Yes. The $650 price is tied to being on Unlimited Premium or Flexible and being an existing Fi customer; otherwise the offer can drop to $450 or show a higher price. Some accounts also need about 21 days or a first bill before Fi treats them as existing.
Yes. The phone is factory unlocked, so you can use another carrier from day one after Fi activation, but the Fi SIM/eSIM must stay tied to the S26 Ultra during the 120-day promo period.
Fi often charges tax on the full purchase price, not the discounted amount, which makes the tax bill much higher in some states. Several reports point to California as a common example, while other locations may be taxed differently.
AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago
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892 Comments
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1. Open an account with flexible plan. Use unmentionable code from existing user for $60 credit.
2. Just to be safe, wait for the first bill to be generated before ordering the phone. This will take couple of days. At the very least wait for a day but I suggest waiting for the first bill generation.
3. Once the phone is shipped you need to activate the phone within 30 days. At this point another counter for new user r**f credit is also running down from 30 days. I strongly suggest you wait for that counter to hit zero before you activate the phone. All the counters will be shown on FI app-billing-Track FI saving and instant rebate.
4. Once the phone is activated on FI by downloading the FI app, you should wait for a day for the counter to go down by 1. At this point you can disable/remove the eSIM and use your current provider.
5. At no point during 120 days move the FI SIM to another phone (i.e. do not install FI app on any other phone and log into this FI account). Once the counter reaches 0 you can cancel the line or pause it for next deal.
The golden rule!!!!!!! Once you activate Google Fi on your new phone (whether via eSIM or a physical SIM), do not move that SIM to another device until the promo period ends. Doing so will immediately void your promotion, and you'll likely be charged the full price of the phone.
How to use Dual SIMs properly:
You can still use two different carriers at the same time without losing your deal. For example:
- Setup A: Use a physical SIM from another carrier + Google Fi on eSIM.
- Setup B: Use Google Fi on a physical SIM + another carrier on eSIM.
As long as the Google Fi service stays active on that specific phone, you are free to use a second line from any other carrier for your data or calls.Or if not taking part of any promotions you are free to do whatever floats your boat since you have no promos to void & all phones come factory unlocked.
The golden rule!!!!!!! Once you activate Google Fi on your new phone (whether via eSIM or a physical SIM), do not move that SIM to another device until the promo period ends. Doing so will immediately void your promotion, and you'll likely be charged the full price of the phone.
How to use Dual SIMs properly:
You can still use two different carriers at the same time without losing your deal. For example:
- Setup A: Use a physical SIM from another carrier + Google Fi on eSIM.
- Setup B: Use Google Fi on a physical SIM + another carrier on eSIM.
As long as the Google Fi service stays active on that specific phone, you are free to use a second line from any other carrier for your data or calls.Or if not taking part of any promotions you are free to do whatever floats your boat since you have no promos to void & all phones come factory unlocked.
How would I go about activating this phone on eSIM? Is there an option in the FI app?
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this seems to be the best deal even if you don't have one of the two phone plans the 450 off is still decent.
The golden rule!!!!!!! Once you activate Google Fi on your new phone (whether via eSIM or a physical SIM), do not move that SIM to another device until the promo period ends. Doing so will immediately void your promotion, and you'll likely be charged the full price of the phone.
How to use Dual SIMs properly:
You can still use two different carriers at the same time without losing your deal. For example:
- Setup A: Use a physical SIM from another carrier + Google Fi on eSIM.
- Setup B: Use Google Fi on a physical SIM + another carrier on eSIM.
As long as the Google Fi service stays active on that specific phone, you are free to use a second line from any other carrier for your data or calls.Or if not taking part of any promotions you are free to do whatever floats your boat since you have no promos to void & all phones come factory unlocked.
After the counter shows the count down, you remove the physical SIM and reset the device so that u can use the device with your carrier? Thanks.
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