Target’s Google Fi SIM-card rollout was announced on November 1, 2019—not in 2026. At launch, the $9.99 kit was offered through Target.com and more than 1,400 participating U.S. stores; qualifying activations earned a $10 Google Fi service credit. Current Google Fi documentation still describes retail SIM kits, but it does not confirm that Target currently stocks them, so check before making a trip.
What Target carried in the 2019 rollout
Google Fi announced that its Talk & Text SIM kits were available through Target.com and more than 1,400 participating stores across the United States. The rollout followed Google Fi’s earlier retail distribution through Best Buy. The kit was sold separately; it was not a phone or a prepaid month of service. The announcement did not mean every Target carried the product. Google Fi’s announcement advised shoppers to check with a nearby store about availability.
The Target offer covered SIMs for talk, text and data service. Data-only SIMs were excluded from that retail rollout; customers seeking one had to use Google Fi’s separate ordering process.
What the kit cost and how the credit worked
The original Target price was $9.99 plus tax. It was not free at checkout: under the original offer, an eligible customer received a $10 Google Fi service credit after activating the SIM with full talk, text and data service. The credit therefore could offset the kit’s pre-tax price, but only after the required activation and subject to the offer’s limits.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- WHAT YOU GET: Three (3) months of unlimited talk, text, and data delivered on the nation's largest 5G network. Data speeds may slow after 50GB when network is busy but data is unlimited. Videos stream at 480p.
- OH, YOU GET THIS TOO: 5G for Free + free mobile hotspot + Wi-Fi calling and text + free international calls to Mexico and Canada
- HOW YOU GET IT: The SIM Kit comes with a 3-in-1 SIM card that includes standard/micro/nano sizes, insert the SIM into your device, and activate on the Mint Mobile website or app. You can activate service on your own unlocked device with our Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) program. Check your coverage and phone compatibility on the Mint Mobile website.
- WHO SHOULD GET IT: Anyone who hates their phone bill
- WHY YOU SHOULD GET IT: Mint Mobile took what’s wrong with wireless and made it right. We re-imagined the wireless shopping experience and made it easy and online.
- The credit was issued after activation, not at purchase. Google said confirmation should arrive by email within about one week.
- The credit appeared in the Google Fi account’s billing or credit-balance area and applied to later billings.
- The original terms allowed one qualifying activation per person and up to six per group plan. Both existing and new Fi users could qualify under those terms.
- A purchase without a qualifying full-service activation did not automatically earn the credit.
These are the terms of the 2019 announcement, not confirmation of a current promotion. Do not assume the credit remains available today.
How to activate a SIM kit
Target sold the kit, but customers handled Google Fi setup themselves. Google’s current SIM-kit instructions say a credit card is required for activation and that the flow may use a QR code or URL included in the package. Follow the package and current on-screen directions; the general sequence is:
Rank #2
- Cellular Service for Just $5: One of the lowest and most affordable subscription plans! Includes 100 talk minutes, 100 texts, and 100MB of ultra-fast data with your prepaid SIM card. No contracts!
- Easy Activation: A valid credit card is required for activation. No contracts, Cancel anytime. SpeedTalk Mobile offers its services through subscription plans. You can also call us for assistance 7 days a week with live technical support when you contact our toll-free number.
- Universal Compatibility: Bring your own phone and use any compatible device on the SpeedTalk Mobile network. The SIM card can be used to activate any unlocked 5G, 4G LTE, and VoLTE-compatible phone, including iPhones, Android devices (Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, LG), Windows phones, and non-smartphones. Our triple-cut SIM card is designed in three sizes (Mini/Micro/Nano) to ensure compatibility with a wide variety of devices. Simply punch out the size that fits your device and insert it.
- How does it work: The SIM Kit includes a 3-in-1 SIM card (standard, micro, and nano sim card) to fit all SIM Devices. Also it supports eSIM activation on Apple, Google, Samsung devices.
- eSIM: During activation, you can choose to use your physical SIM or switch to eSIM. The eSIM is available on iPhone 11 and newer models, Google Pixel 2 and higher, and compatible Samsung devices.
- Check that the phone is compatible with Google Fi and unlocked from its previous carrier.
- Power the phone off, insert the SIM, then turn the phone back on.
- Open the Google Fi app and follow its activation prompts. Use the kit’s QR code or URL if the instructions direct you to do so.
- Sign in to or set up a Google Fi account and provide payment details when prompted.
- Complete activation for the intended service. For the original Target credit, that meant activating talk, text and data service.
A SIM does not unlock a locked phone, and buying a kit does not establish that a particular phone model is supported. Target employees were not expected to activate Fi service or troubleshoot carrier setup.
Target pickup, direct ordering or eSIM?
| Option | Potential advantage | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Immediate pickup if a nearby store has stock. | Current Google Fi stock is not confirmed by the 2019 announcement; activation still happens through Google Fi. |
| Google Fi direct order | First-party ordering and current setup guidance. | Requires shipping and waiting for a physical SIM. |
| eSIM, where supported | No physical card or shipping. | Requires a compatible phone and supported activation flow. |
| Other retailers | More places to look for a SIM kit. | Stock, pricing and promotions vary, and another carrier’s kit is not interchangeable with Fi. |
Google’s current help page describes retail starter kits and lists a $9.99 starter-kit price, while noting that prices may vary. It also says kits can be ordered through Google Fi. That page does not specifically establish current Target availability. Target’s Google SIM search and general SIM-card listings are useful starting points, but search results are not proof of stock at a particular branch. Check by ZIP code or call the store before visiting.
Rank #3
- We recently increased high-speed data allotments on every plan (but kept the same low pricing)! You may see a 5GB sticker on the front of your 6GB SIM Kit, rest assured your plan will have all 6GB of data loaded each month.
- WHAT YOU GET: Three (3) months of unlimited talk and text + 6GB of 5G-4G LTE data each month delivered on the nation's largest 5G network.
- OH, YOU GET THIS TOO: 5G for Free + free mobile hotspot + Wi-Fi calling and text + free international calls to Mexico and Canada
- HOW YOU GET IT: The SIM Kit comes with a 3-in-1 SIM card that includes standard/micro/nano sizes, insert the SIM into your device, and activate on the Mint Mobile website or app. You can activate service on your own unlocked device with our Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) program. Check your coverage and phone compatibility on the Mint Mobile website.
- WHO SHOULD GET IT: Anyone who hates their phone bill
When the original Target option made sense
- You needed a physical SIM promptly and could confirm stock at a participating store.
- You already had an unlocked, Google Fi-compatible phone.
- You preferred pickup over waiting for shipping and were prepared to activate the service yourself.
- You needed a standard talk, text and data SIM rather than a data-only SIM.
If there was no urgency, ordering directly from Google Fi avoided a store-stock search and gave access to its current setup information. An eSIM may be another route for a supported phone. Before choosing a service, compare current plan terms and device support rather than judging by the SIM-kit price alone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If something goes wrong
The store cannot find a kit
Check the Target listing using your ZIP code and contact the specific store before traveling. If stock cannot be confirmed, Google Fi’s help page describes direct SIM-kit ordering.
Rank #4
- NO CONTRACT: Pay $5 - $25/month for a fully customizable phone plan - choose your talk, text, and data with no strings attached; upgrade, downgrade or cancel your plan anytime with no penalties
- UNIVERSAL SIM CARD INCLUDED: The kit contains one three-in-one SIM card (nano, micro, and standard sizes) to fit most unlocked GSM-compatible smartphones
- NATIONWIDE 5G COVERAGE: Stay connected coast to coast with nationwide coverage on America's largest 5G network
- INTERNATIONAL CALLS TO 60+ COUNTRIES: All Tello plans include international calling to over 60 countries
- EASY ACTIVATION: Bring your own phone and activate your SIM on the Tello website; check your phone compatibility and coverage maps before purchasing to confirm service in your area
Activation fails
Recheck compatibility and carrier-unlock status, then power down and reseat the SIM. Follow the kit’s QR-code or URL instructions, complete account and payment setup, and use Google Fi support for carrier activation problems; Target staff were not responsible for activation.
The historical $10 credit does not appear
For someone checking an activation made under the original offer, verify that it included talk, text and data, review the Fi account’s billing or credit-balance area, and allow the approximately one-week processing period stated at the time. The original person and group-plan limits also applied. If the offer should have applied, contact Google Fi support with purchase and activation details.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Includes two US Mobile SIM cards, one for the Warp Network and one for the Dark Star Network.
- Easy activation. Get started in minutes and manage your lines any time!
- 5G plans starting from $4/month
- Unlimited Premium plan with up to 10 GB International Data
- 24/7–365 world-class customer support. Get help from a real person within seconds
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
