Troubleshooting your phone while roaming in Canada | Support (2024)

FAQs

Why is my roaming not working in Canada? ›

Roaming not enabled for your plan: One of the most common reasons why your international roaming isn't working is because it was never enabled. It could be that your plan with your carrier does not include roaming capabilities, or that your home provider had not enabled international roaming.

In general, when phones do not work, it is primarily an issue to do with the device being incompatible with the Canadian network. Canada primarily uses GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) networks, so your phone should be GSM-compatible - which shouldn't be a problem for most modern smartphones today.

For the most part you will need to contact your service provider and add an international plan on for the length of your stay. This can easily be done online or through your providers app on your smart phone.

This means you can travel to different parts of Canada without paying roaming charges when you call or text. However, depending on your plan, you may be charged fees for using data in Canada when outside your local coverage area. International roaming fees apply when you use your phone outside of Canada.

US cellphones will work in Canada on roaming. But if you do not have a roaming plan with your US carrier this can get expensive. If you mean to use it here as a Canadian resident you will have to make sure the phone is unlocked before it crosses the border.

If roaming settings are Off, your device may not be able to use Verizon data or voice services internationally. For iOS devices, go to Settings, Cellular, and turn on Voice and Data roaming.

Make sure Airplane mode is off. Try removing any shell, case, or skin that you have on your device. Check if service is available in the country you're visiting or the cruise you're on. Check if you have international roaming blocking active on your line.

Check that your device isn't in airplane or flight mode. Check that your device is compatible with our roaming partners' networks. Resetting your iPhone or iPad's network settings will delete any saved WiFi networks and paired Bluetooth.

How do I prepare my device for international roaming? ›

Turn off Data Roaming to prepare for a trip

Carriers might include international roaming on select data plans without additional fees. Contact your carrier for details. If your carrier does not support Data Roaming, you can turn off Data Roaming to avoid roaming charges while you're traveling.

At UScellular^®, your phone plan travels with you. GOING TO MEXICO OR CANADA? Calls, texts and data are included on our Everyday or Even Better plans. Or choose from one of our Travel Passes.

Unlock your phone before you come

You can pick up a new SIM card from pretty much any phone store in Canada. If you do go with a Canadian network then make sure you check that their network covers the area(s) of Canada that you are going to be in.

Approximately 90% of Canadian mobile phone users subscribe to one of the four largest national telecommunication companies (Rogers Wireless, Bell Mobility, Freedom Mobile and Telus Mobility) or one of their subsidiary brands.

To avoid being charged roaming fees, ensure that airplane mode is activated before you cross the border or your flight takes off. While your device is in airplane mode, you can manually re-enable Wi-Fi to connect to wireless services that are offered for free or at low cost at many hotels and public places.