On iOS, Fi subscribers can check their voicemail through the companion app. An update to Google Fi earlier this week introduces a new “Privacy Screen” feature to lock those messages and other sensitive information with Face or Touch ID.
Update 4/5: The Google Fi Privacy Screen is now widely rolled out. From the main Account tab, open the “Privacy” menu under “Phone Settings.” Tapping “Manage Privacy Screen” lets you enable/disable it and determine when Fi should “Require Authentication” — Immediately, After 10 seconds, After 1 minute, or After 10 minutes. This lets you “delay Privacy Screen when switching between apps.”
Original 3/26: This Privacy Screen is identical to the feature introduced for Google Drive and Search last year, while it’s currently being tested for Chrome Incognito tabs. In this case, opening the Fi app will require you to first authenticate with fingerprint or face unlock.
It’s meant to keep “voicemails and other sensitive information safe from prying eyes,” like service address, billing information, and plan controls. Besides, the app voicemail is also available by calling, or as text message transcripts.
Privacy Screen is optional and looks to still be rolling out, as it’s not appearing on two devices running version 3.1 of Google Fi today. Meanwhile, this release also:
- Smoothed the edges on eSIM activation
- Made it easier for families to start group plans together
These new capabilities come as the Google Fi VPN is coming to iPhone members later this spring.
More about Google Fi:
- Google Fi customers won’t have their usage data sold by T-Mobile next month
- Google Fi adds new Motorola phones, running introductory ‘Unlimited’ plan promo
- Google Fi delays classic Hangouts shutdown, gives subscribers more time to switch to Messages
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