My essential PH-1 phone died on me, and my service provider was Verizon. My wife was the primary account holder. These are the steps I took to switch from Verizon to Google Fi.
- I bought a Google phone (Pixel 4) on Amazon (unlocked version) after confirming that Pixel 4 works with Google Fi. When I got it, I connected it with home wifi, went through all the questions, and provided info.
- I joined Google Fi. (Please use my affiliate link)
- I got a transfer PIN from Verizon (I was worried if the PIN would remove me or affect my wife's line. It didn't.)
- I entered the transfer PIN on Google Fi's service page (and I put other information such as my phone number, etc.)
THIS IS WHERE I GOT STUCK. I got help from Google Fi's chat window.
- The new Google phone came with a needle to open the SIM slot. I used it to open the old phone's slot and took out the Verizon SIM card. I put it into the Google phone's SIM slot. My Google Fi immediately started working as a phone (under the VERIZON service).
- I went to Google Play and downloaded the Google Fi app. Initially, they tried to verify me by sending me a tap, but my new Google phone was not showing that. I chose the alternative method of their verifying me by sending me a simple text, which worked.
- After installing the Google Fi app, I answered some questions. The final message was, "The SIM card isn't working." The Google Fi support person told me to take out the Verizon SIM card and restart the phone.
- The phone started working. The support person thinks I don't have to do anything with Verizon because my number is not with them, and they will drop my service automatically. I will monitor my bill and the account, though, to see if this happens.
Again, this is my affiliate link. I get $20 off my phone bill. Thanks for using it when you sign up for Google Fi.
https://g.co/fi/r/CR202R