[Update 2] In my case, after waiting a few days and logging back into the Fi app, it fixed itself automatically. So the earlier advice on Reddit was correct: B003 means the Google device and the SIM card were not properly synced. You just need to wait two days and then try activating again.

[Update] Phones from Google Fi promo deals come with a SIM card and the Fi app preinstalled. Part of the reason for the B003 error is that the app version on the phone may be too old. Updating the app can fix it. If updating the app still doesn’t solve it, try replacing the SIM card or just wait a few days.

A few days ago, Google Fi launched a pretty good phone deal. It wasn’t completely free, but getting the equivalent value back in Fi Credit was still a solid offer. See also:

During Google Fi SIM card activation, you may run into several different errors, most of which start with B, such as B046 (which appears when activating outside the U.S.; that one is also easy to fix and will be covered later). For devices purchased through Fi phone promotions, the activation error you may see is B003. This post focuses on B003.

B003 Error

I got the cheap Moto phone from the deal, and shipping was fast—I received it the next day. For this purchase, the Fi SIM was already installed in the phone. But activation did not go smoothly, and I ran into this old B003 error.

Based on the error message, my guess is that the main reason is trying to activate too quickly. My personal suggestion is that after receiving the phone, let it sit for a few days first, then activate it slowly.

This error first showed up a long time ago, mainly during the old google Project Fi phone promotions, especially when activating SIM cards on google’s own Pixel phones. It still exists now on Pixel 5 devices. Here is the reply I got from customer service:

How to Fix It

There has been quite a bit of discussion about this error on Reddit, and the solutions shared by Reddit users are actually effective and very simple:

  • Update the app and try again; if that doesn’t work, wait a few days
  • Wait a few days and try again; if that still doesn’t work, consider replacing it
  • Use a new SIM card for activation

You can order a new SIM card yourself for free, buy a $10 prepaid card from BBY/AMZ, or contact customer service and ask them to send a new SIM. They will usually expedite it for next-day delivery.

Official Fixes Provided by Google

The official solutions Google gave are kind of interesting. The first few are mostly standard boilerplate, but steps 5 and 6 are newer and worth noting.

Step 1:  Check for app updates [Works]

Check for Hangouts, Messenger, and Google Fi app updates
Go to Play Store app > My apps > Select the app (Hangouts, Messenger, Google Fi)
If it says “Update,” tap the button to update the app. If it says “Open,” then the app is already updated to the latest version

Step 2: Check for system updates

Go to Settings > About phone > System updates > Check for update. If there is any update available, please make sure you update the software

Step 3: Check Data usage and Permission settings

Data usage shouldn't be restricted for the following apps:

  • Google Fi
  • Google Play Services
  • Carrier Services
  • Hangouts
  • Android Messages
  • Dialer

Tap the back arrow from the top to return to the App info. Tap Data usage. The wording will differ depending on the OS.

  • If you see "Background data", the switch should be ON.
  • If you see "Unrestricted data usage", the switch should be ON.
  • If you see "Restrict background data", the switch should be OFF.
  • Return to the Apps & Notifications page and repeat this process for the rest of the relevant apps listed above.

Step 4:  Restart device in safe mode

Running your device in safe mode turns off all third-party apps, and is a great way to figure out if any device issues are being caused by third-party apps. Also, rebooting a device will sometimes prompt software updates, or even fix an issue entirely. This will give us an opportunity to try that, as well.

  • Press and hold your phone's power button.
  • On your screen, touch and hold Power off . Tap OK.
  • Your phone starts in safe mode. You'll see "Safe mode" at the bottom of your screen. Please find the complete information about "safe mode" in the link. I request you to use the device in safe mode for some time and check.

Step 5: Dialer Codes

  • Dial *#*#FIINFO#*#* (same as *#*#344636#*#*) - Shows the current network information.
  • Dial *#*#FISPR#*#* (same as *#*#34777#*#*) - Switches to Sprint.
  • Dial *#*#FIUSC#*#* (same as *#*#34872#*#*) - Switches to US Cellular.
  • Dial *#*#FITMO#*#* (same as *#*#34866#*#* ) - Switches to T-Mobile

Step 6: Fix network issues

Dial *#*#FIXME#*#* Same as *#*#34963#*#* and check if the issue gets resolved.

If the issue still persists please help us with the below information so that we can escalate the issue to the specialist.

  • Where does the issue happen? (Be as specific as possible, i.e. address or cross streets)
  • What partner network is the phone connected to at this location when you dial the code *#*#344636#*#* .
  • How many signal bars are on your phone at this location?
  • What network icon is next to the signal bars?
  • How many signal bars are on your phone at this location after switching?
  • What network icon is next to the signal bars?