How to avoid data roaming charges on your iPhone (2024)

FAQs

How to avoid data roaming charges on your iPhone? ›

If your device has a single SIM card or eSIM, turn on Mobile Data, then tap Mobile Data Options, and make sure Data Roaming is turned on. If your device is running Dual SIM or Dual eSIM, turn on Mobile Data, tap the number you want to modify, then tap Mobile Data Options and make sure Data Roaming is turned on.

If your device has a single SIM card or eSIM, turn on Mobile Data, then tap Mobile Data Options, and make sure Data Roaming is turned on. If your device is running Dual SIM or Dual eSIM, turn on Mobile Data, tap the number you want to modify, then tap Mobile Data Options and make sure Data Roaming is turned on.

If your carrier does not support Data Roaming, you can turn off Data Roaming to avoid roaming charges while you're traveling.

With Airplane Mode turned on, your device will not be able to connect to cellular service, meaning you will definitely not incur any international roaming charges. But, if you have airplane mode turned on, it also means that you cannot make any calls or send/receive any messages.

You can set your phone to airplane mode before arriving at your destination and keep it there while traveling abroad so that your phone doesn't use data. You'll just have to manually connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth if you'd like to use these options while abroad.

Turn off roaming.

You can still get calls and text with Wi-Fi, but your phone won't send or receive data on networks.

How do I avoid high data roaming charges? ›

To use data on a partner network, the data roaming setting needs to be on. If you donʼt need data, make sure that data roaming is off to avoid unwanted charges. You can also turn off data services altogether. This way, your iPhone will only transmit data over Wi-Fi.

As a general rule of thumb, it's a good idea to have data roaming turned on at all times, as it has advantages even if you're just at home. Roaming gives your phone the option to jump onto other networks even within the UK which is particularly useful if you're in locations that don't have a great 3G, 4G or 5G signal.

Open Settings. Tap 'Connections'. Tap 'Mobile Networks'. Check that 'Data Roaming' toggle is turned 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.