To give users a reliable connection in crowded places, Google Fi partners with select high-quality Wi-Fi providers. Learn about Google Fi Wi-Fi Auto Connect+.
Important: VCN requires Android 12 and above.
- If you’re eligible, your Pixel device automatically connects to premium Wi-Fi networks with Wi-Fi Auto Connect+ when available. Learn who can use Google Fi Wi-Fi Auto Connect+.
- In your network settings, your connection appears as
.
- In your network settings, your connection appears as
- Google Fi regularly checks the quality of the premium Wi-Fi networks. If the connection meets Google Fi’s high quality standard, you can connect through Wi-Fi Auto Connect+.
Encryption
When you use Google Fi Wi-Fi Auto Connect+, your internet traffic is always encrypted. When you come in range of a premium Wi-Fi network, Google Fi automatically adds encryption with the Google Fi Virtual Carrier Network (VCN). This encryption provides protection for your online activity against hackers and other third parties. The Google Fi VCN enhances this protection as it:
- Uses a one-time token so that your online activity isn’t tied to your Google Account or phone number.
- Encrypts your online activity between your phone and Google Fi’s VPN servers.
- Hides your IP address.
Your online activity is encrypted between your phone and the Google Fi VCN servers. Your data is safe in transit with encryption, which means third parties can't intercept your data before it reaches our VCN servers. Wi-Fi providers and Google Fi can still check broader traffic information, like your data usage and connection duration.
Tips:
- The VPN icon doesn’t show when you’re connected to Wi-Fi Auto Connect+.
- All Wi-Fi Auto Connect+ connections are automatically encrypted through the Google Fi VCN.
Rotated identifiers
Wi-Fi network providers and nearby Wi-Fi sniffers can find certain identifiers that the underlying standard Wi-Fi network protocols use. Sniffers are devices that monitor Wi-Fi traffic to gain network insights, like the number of devices connected to an access point.
To limit bad actors’ ability to track the physical movement of devices associated with these identifiers, Google Fi takes technical steps like rotating identifiers. Check the table below.
These identifiers are pseudonymous. They can’t directly identify you without first getting combined with another data set that’s not provided by Google Fi.
For example, without first getting paired with more information, like a photo, the 00:3e:e1:c4:5d:df Media Access Control (MAC) address can’t identify you. Wi-Fi providers don’t have direct access to other data sets and are under a legal agreement not to identify users outside of the identifiers provided.
The identifiers are:
|
Identifier |
Use |
Rotation frequency |
|---|---|---|
|
Encrypted user ID included in the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP-TLS) |
To make sure you’re a Google Fi subscriber and can use the Wi-Fi network |
Rotates at least once every 12 hours |
|
Media Access Control address (MAC) |
Required for the Wi-Fi access point to send internet traffic to your device |
Randomizes and rotates every 12 hours |
|
Internet Protocol version 6 address (IPv6) |
Required for the Wi-Fi access point to send internet traffic to your device |
Rotated every 24 hours However, if you stay connected to the same Wi-Fi access point for more than 24 hours, these can last up to 7 days |
Google Fi doesn't share other identifiers or personally identifiable information with our providers. Nearby Wi-Fi sniffers also can’t find the other identifiers or personally identifiable information.
Legal agreements
Legal agreements exist between Google Fi and each premium Wi-Fi network provider. These agreements require Wi-Fi network providers to protect the already limited amount of personal information they can find. This means premium Wi-Fi network providers can’t sell or use your data for advertising.
To turn on or off automatic connection to Wi-Fi Auto Connect+:
- On your device, tap Settings.
- Tap Network & Internet
SIMs