Skip to main content

Calls for Google Fi users on Android are now end-to-end encrypted

Google Fi is getting a nice security and privacy boost today, as the rollout of end-to-end encryption for Google’s mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) officially begins. The search giant announced the new initiative in late October, but at the time only said that it would be bringing end-to-end encryption to Android users in the coming weeks. Today, Google finally turned the key, revealing on Twitter it was now automatically securing all Fi calls on Android devices with end-to-end encryption.

End-to-end encryption means that your phone calls on Google Fi will be secure and private from the moment they leave your smartphone to the time that they arrive at the other end. Best of all, there’s nothing you need to do to turn it on — if you’re a Google Fi user on an Android device, it just works automatically in the background. Google Fi will let you know right away when your calls are eligible for end-to-end encryption with a unique ringing tone as soon you place the call. Once the other party answers, you should both see a lock symbol to confirm end-to-end encryption is in place. 

Recommended Videos

Your conversations, your business. 🔒

Starting today, calls between Android phones on Fi are automatically secured with end-to-end encryption. Conversations stay between you and the person you’re talking to, no additional action required.

Learn more → https://t.co/HuhJqSPgH0 pic.twitter.com/R4uwi4KA5J

— Google Fi Wireless (@googlefi) November 10, 2021

End-to-end encryption is fairly common among messaging apps, but it’s less common among voice services. Although some mobile calling apps like WhatsApp also offer end-to-end encryption, it’s still not used widely.

More significantly, however, Google Fi is one of the first MVNOs to offer it for voice calls, although it remains a bit limited at this stage. For one thing, the initial rollout is only available for one-on-one calls where both parties are using Android devices. This means it won’t kick in on calls made to Google Fi subscribers on iPhone, and it can’t be used for conference calls either. It also excludes calls to voicemail and, oddly enough, calls made with the Messages by Google app. On the upside, though, end-to-end encryption works over both Wi-Fi and cellular connections with at least LTE speeds. 

Since Google Fi can be used to call any phone number, most of your calls probably won’t benefit from end-to-end encryption, but it’s still a big step in the right direction. Google hasn’t said exactly when end-to-end encryption will be coming to its iPhone subscribers, but it’s safe to say it’s working on it. 

Jesse Hollington
Jesse has been a Mobile Writer for Digital Trends since 2021 and a technology enthusiast for his entire life — he was…
Google Fi already was my favorite eSIM for travel, now it’s even better
Google Fi Wireless logo on an iPhone 16 Pro

This past week marked a momentous moment for Google. Yes, it was YouTube’s 20th birthday, but it was also the tenth birthday of Google's wireless carrier in the US.

For a decade, Google Fi Wireless - previously known as Project Fi and Google Fi - has been delighting customers with a collection of incredible benefits included in your plan.

Read more
Google Photos can now turn your pictures into Ultra HDR images
Someone holding a Pixel 9 Pro, running the Google Photos app.

It won't be available to everyone just yet but Google Photos has started rolling out a new feature that lets you turn your normal photos into Ultra HDR images. These "High Dynamic Range" photos capture a much wider range of brightness levels and produce images with more detail and color range.

As reported by Android Authority, this feature has been hidden in the app for a while and just recently started appearing for select users. To see the effects of HDR, you need to view your photo on an HDR display. There are plenty of smartphones that have displays like this, such as the Google Pixel 9a, Samsung Galaxy S25, or OnePlus 13R, which will let you appreciate your upgraded photos right on your phone. If your screen isn't HDR, however, you'll still be able to convert your photos and view the results when you put it on a different display.

Read more
Android 16 is finally expanding beyond Google Pixel phones
Android 16 logo on Google Pixel 6a held in hand.

The next major build of Android has reached a handful of new milestones, ahead of its public release. Google has just started the rollout of Android 16’s fourth beta update, reaching the second platform stability. 

Developers who have optimized their apps to target Android 16 can now ship their updates via the Google Play Store. The latest beta update is also the near-final version, as all the app behaviours and background functionalities have been finalized. 

Read more