Data Roaming: Should You Turn It On or Off?

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A guide to managing data roaming when you travel outside of your service area

Co-authored by Travis Boylls Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: August 30, 2024 Fact Checked

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Should I Turn it On or Off?

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Avoiding Data Roaming Charges

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How to Turn Off Data Roaming

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Data roaming occurs when your mobile device disconnects from your mobile carrier's network and connects to another network outside your coverage area. When you use your phone while it's roaming, you'll usually be charged roaming fees by your cellular carrier. This wikiHow article teaches you when you should and shouldn't use data roaming.

Things You Should Know

Keep dating roaming off unless you absolutely need it, as roaming charges are expensive.
To avoid data roaming charges, use Wi-Fi when mobile data isn't available, and plan ahead to download maps and other data for offline use.
If traveling to a location where you can only use mobile data while roaming, save money by buying a local SIM for temporary use.

Section 1 of 3:

Do You Want Data Roaming On or Off?

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To avoid roaming charges, keep data roaming off. You can turn it back on if you need to do something important like access a map or make an emergency phone call—just make sure you understand your provider's roaming fees.

Section 2 of 3:

Avoiding Data Roaming Charges

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1
Know your network coverage area. Most cellular carriers provide maps of their coverage areas online. You can also find coverage maps at https://www.opensignal.com/coverage-maps.
- Domestic data roaming happens when you are connected to a mobile network outside your coverage area in your own country. Most cellular service plans charge little to no extra for domestic data roaming.
- International data roaming is when you're traveling outside the country. International roaming almost always results in extra charges.
Contact your cellular carrier to ask if your plan covers data roaming and how much it charges. If you travel often, you may want to upgrade to a plan that has data roaming covered.
3
Ask your cellular provider about travel plans. Many carriers offer temporary travel plans. For example, Verizon offers TravelPass for $5 - $10 a day, and AT&T has International Day Pass for $10 a day. These plans offer unlimited talk, text, and data usage while traveling.
- High-speed data may be limited with travel plans.
For example, you can download Google Maps in advance so you can still use your phone's GPS without roaming data. You can also download music, movies, and TV shows through streaming services to listen to or watch offline.
If you're in an area where your carrier doesn't have coverage, connect to Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi hotspots when possible. Most hotels offer Wi-Fi for their guests. You can also connect to Wi-Fi hotspots at cafes and other locations.
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Buy a local SIM card. If you are traveling outside your mobile provider's network area, buying a temporary local SIM card at your destination can save you money. You can usually get one at the airport when you arrive. A local SIM gives you access to a local network and phone number.
- Local SIM cards usually have no contract and are available for any length of time. The downside is they tend to be more expensive than your average cellular service plan.
- You need an unlocked phone to use a local SIM card.
If you travel often, or will be for an extended time period, or will be traveling to multiple countries, using an international SIM might be the best alternative. An international SIM will provide extensive coverage with a single SIM card and work with an international cellular and data plan.

Section 3 of 3:

How to Turn Off Data Roaming

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1
Turn off data roaming on an iPhone.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Cellular or Mobile.
- Tap Cellular data options or Mobile data options.
- Toggle "Data Roaming" off.^{[1]
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Turn off data roaming on a Samsung Galaxy.
- Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the gear.
- Tap Connections.
- Tap Mobile networks.
- Toggle data roaming off.^{[2]
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Turn off data roaming on another Android. Use the following steps to turn off data roaming on an Android device:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the gear.
- Tap Network & Internet and select Internet.
- Tap the gear icon next to your mobile carrier.
- Toggle roaming off.