How to turn off data roaming on your iPhone for international travel, or completely turn off cellular data (2024)

How to turn off data roaming on your iPhone for international travel, or completely turn off cellular data (1) How to turn off data roaming on your iPhone for international travel, or completely turn off cellular data (2)

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Data "roaming" is when your phone connects to a network that isn't owned by your wireless carrier so that you can continue receiving calls and using data.

And while this isn't an issue when traveling domestically, depending on your plan, it can be while you're abroad.

To avoid incurring any exorbitant fees from your carrier, you'll want to turn off data roaming when you're overseas.

For iPhone users, this can be done in four simple steps. Here's how.

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How to turn off data roaming on your iPhone

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap "Cellular."

3. Tap "Cellular Data Options."

4. Tap the slider to the right of "Data Roaming" so that it turns white.

How to turn off data roaming on your iPhone for international travel, or completely turn off cellular data (3)

Christina Liao/Business Insider

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How to turn off cellular data completely on your iPhone

If you'd like to take some additional measures against incurring roaming charges, turn off cellular data entirely.

1. To turn off cellular data, open the Settings app and tap "Cellular."

2. Tap the slider to the right of "Cellular Data" so that it turns white, as shown here.

How to turn off data roaming on your iPhone for international travel, or completely turn off cellular data (4)

Christina Liao/Business Insider

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How to turn on Airplane Mode on your iPhone

You can also enable Airplane Mode, which will disable calls in addition to turning off data.

1. To turn on Airplane Mode, open the Settings app and tap the slider to the right of "Airplane Mode" to enable it.

2. The slider will turn green when Airplane Mode is on and an airplane icon will appear on the top left of your screen.

How to turn off data roaming on your iPhone for international travel, or completely turn off cellular data (5)

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How to turn off data roaming on your iPhone for international travel, or completely turn off cellular data (2024)

FAQs

How to turn off data roaming on your iPhone for international travel, or completely turn off cellular data? ›

Apple users can text or make video calls to other iPhone users using iMessage or Facetime. If you're relying on Wi-Fi, it's important that you turn off cellular data on your phone, otherwise you may inadvertently rack up international roaming charges.

Should I turn off cellular data on my iPhone when traveling internationally? ›

Apple users can text or make video calls to other iPhone users using iMessage or Facetime. If you're relying on Wi-Fi, it's important that you turn off cellular data on your phone, otherwise you may inadvertently rack up international roaming charges.

Do I want data roaming on or off? ›

Keep roaming off when you don't need access to maps, email, apps, or messages so you won't be charged. You can switch roaming back on when you need these services. Turn off auto updates. Make sure your apps are only updating while connected to Wi-Fi in order to avoid roaming charges for services that aren't critical.

What is the difference between turning off cellular data and data roaming? ›

When you turn off cellular data, it does not automatically stop roaming. Roaming refers to the act of connecting to a different network while traveling outside your own network coverage area. So, even if you disable cellular data, your phone may still roam if it finds a compatible network.

Will turning off cellular data stop international charges? ›

Turn off Data Roaming or prepare for a trip. Need to avoid roaming charges because you arrived at your destination without an international data plan? Check your Cellular Data options and turn off Data Roaming.

Does airplane mode stop roaming charges? ›

So, in essence, turning on airplane mode does prevent roaming charges since it stops all cellular activity. However, there's a catch: if you manually enable Wi-Fi and connect to a paid network, or if apps run in the background after you've connected to Wi-Fi, there may be charges, albeit not roaming ones.

What happens if I turn off data roaming on iPhone? ›

You can limit your data usage when abroad by turning off data roaming. You'll then not be able to access the internet using the mobile network when abroad. You can still use Wi-Fi even though data roaming is turned off.

How can I use my phone internationally without charges on my iPhone? ›

If you want to skip additional charges altogether, you can leave your phone on airplane mode for the entire trip. The good news is that today so many communication apps operate over Wi-Fi that you may not even miss having cellular data.

Does receiving texts count as roaming? ›

All calls made or received, text messages sent, and data used will cause roaming charges. Regardless of how long a call you make or receive is, it will lead to being charged for roaming. This also applies to any amount of data used, whether intentional usage or background usage.

Can I still receive calls with data roaming off? ›

Turning off cellular data will prevent all data local and roaming. However, it will not turn off the calls so if a call is received and you are roaming, then that would be a roaming call received.

Do I have to turn data roaming on international on iPhone? ›

Checking your data roaming settings on your Apple® iPhone® can be helpful, especially if you're traveling internationally and have no network connection or can't send / receive email, text, pics, or videos. Depending on your plan, enabling data roaming may cause roaming charges (e.g., when traveling internationally).

Should I turn off roaming when traveling internationally? ›

Turning data roaming on can give you access to the internet while on the move, making it easier to navigate your way around and stay in touch with loved ones. However, leaving data roaming on without caution can result in high data charges with an unexpectedly large bill when you return home.

Is airplane mode the same as turning off cellular data? ›

Airplane Mode turns off your device's ability to connect to cellular networks (meaning it can no longer send or receive calls or texts, or use data). As it is no longer accessing local cellular networks, it will not be charged roaming fees (caused by your device connecting to networks outside its home region).

Can I put my phone on airplane mode to avoid international charges? ›

Putting your phone on airplane mode stops all cellular activity, effectively preventing roaming charges. However, it also disconnects you from vital communications.

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