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

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How to avoid data roaming charges on your iPhone (1)

You’ll never pay roaming fees by using a travel data eSIM from aloSIM and switching off your phone number to prevent calls and texts while you travel.

How to avoid data roaming charges on your iPhone

Once you’ve installed your eSIM and activated your data package, you can review these steps if you want to make sure you’re using your eSIM for data and that you’ve disabled your regular phone number to avoid roaming charges.

How to avoid data roaming charges on your iPhone (2)

step 1

Your Primary SIM should be OFF

This is easier (and safer) than removing a physical SIM card, and it will fully disable your Primary SIM (phone number and/or data plan) while you’re in another country.

Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans > Primary > Toggle Turn on This Line “OFF”

How to avoid data roaming charges on your iPhone (3)

step 2

Your eSIM should be ON and roaming

We need your eSIM to be switched on and allowed to “roam” so we can automatically connect you to the best supported network at all times during your travels.

Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans > Your eSIM > Turn Data Roaming “ON” and toggle Turn on This Line “ON”

How to avoid data roaming charges on your iPhone (4)

step 3

Your eSIM should be your only data source

Even though you’ve already toggled off your Primary SIM, this setting tells your iPhone to only use your eSIM for data right now, and not to ever switch back and forth.

Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > Select your eSIM and make sure “Allow Cellular Data Switching” stays “OFF”

How to avoid data roaming charges on your iPhone (5)

step 4

Make sure iMessage can use email

Since your phone number won’t be working while you travel, the only way to continue to send/receive iMessages is by making sure it can use your Apple ID email address.

Settings > Messages > iMessage > Make sure your Apple ID email address is checked off

How to avoid data roaming charges on your iPhone (6)

step 5

Make sure FaceTime can use email

Just like with iMessage, you want it to be connected to your Apple ID (which will continue to work via Wi-Fi or your aloSIM data). Make sure FaceTime can use your Apple ID email address.

Settings > FaceTime > Make sure your Apple ID email address is checked off

How to avoid data roaming charges on your iPhone (7)

step 6

Consider using a vacation phone number

If you’d like a way to call and text affordably while you’re travelling, our sister app Hushed has real phone numbers that work over Wi-Fi or data (300+ area codes) starting at $1.99.

Download Hushed for your iPhone > Choose a phone number > Select a plan for calling and texting

Need prepaid data for your trip?

aloSIM has data packages for 175+ countries

Questions about using eSIM for international travel?

Contact aloSIM Support (available 24/7)

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

FAQs

How to avoid data roaming charges on your iPhone? ›

Reduce cellular usage: Turn on Low Data Mode, or tap Data Mode, then choose Low Data Mode. This mode pauses automatic updates and background tasks when iPhone isn't connected to Wi-Fi.

How do I set my iPhone to not have data roaming? ›

1. Find "Mobile Data Options"
  • Press Settings.
  • Press Mobile Data.
  • Press Mobile Data Options.
  • Press the indicator next to "Data Roaming" to turn the function on or off.
  • Slide your finger upwards starting from the bottom of the screen to return to the home screen.

How do I not get charged for data roaming? ›

How to reduce or eliminate roaming fees when travelling
  1. Get a travel plan. Contact your service provider to find out if they have travel plans or add-ons that you can purchase. ...
  2. Buy a local SIM card, digital SIM card (eSIM), or prepaid plan. ...
  3. Turn off data roaming. ...
  4. Turn on airplane mode.
Mar 26, 2024

How can I reduce data roaming charges? ›

  1. Embrace eSIM technology. ...
  2. Disable data roaming. ...
  3. Download maps and content offline. ...
  4. Disable App updates, OS updates and background data. ...
  5. Use Wi-Fi hotspots. ...
  6. Activate 'low data mode' on iPhone or 'data saver mode' on Android. ...
  7. Use messaging apps to make and receive calls. ...
  8. Restrict your internet time.
Mar 29, 2024

How do I reduce data usage on my iPhone while roaming? ›

Reduce cellular usage: Turn on Low Data Mode, or tap Data Mode, then choose Low Data Mode. This mode pauses automatic updates and background tasks when iPhone isn't connected to Wi-Fi.

How can I use my iPhone without roaming charges? ›

iPhone settings for international travel
  1. Turn off international roaming: Settings → General → Cellular → Data Roaming → Toggle Off.
  2. Turn off apps that aren't in use: Settings → General → Cellular → Scroll down and Toggle Off the apps you don't need to use.
May 29, 2024

Does airplane mode stop roaming charges? ›

Putting your phone on airplane mode stops all cellular activity, effectively preventing roaming charges. However, it also disconnects you from vital communications. For a balanced solution, eSIMs offer affordable international data, SMS, & calling. Stay connected without hefty fees with eSIM technology.

How to avoid charges on iPhone when traveling internationally? ›

How to avoid data roaming charges on your iPhone
  1. Your Primary SIM should be OFF. ...
  2. Your eSIM should be ON and roaming. ...
  3. Your eSIM should be your only data source. ...
  4. Make sure iMessage can use email. ...
  5. Make sure FaceTime can use email. ...
  6. Consider using a free travel phone number.

Does turning off cellular data avoid roaming charges? ›

Turn off Data Roaming to prepare for a trip

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

Will I still get texts if I turn off data roaming? ›

If you toggle off Data Roaming, your phone won't have any data, but you can still call/text on your regular phone number. TARGET AUDIENCE: People who want to make sure they're reachable on their phone number, always, but don't care about having data all the time.

How to use your phone internationally without charges? ›

5. Are there any special Android or iPhone settings for international travel?
  1. Turn off roaming. This stops cellular data use so you won't be paying extra for a plan you don't have. ...
  2. Stop apps from sucking your data in the background. ...
  3. Turn off automatic downloads. ...
  4. Track cellular usage.
Oct 3, 2019

Should I leave data roaming on or off on my iPhone? ›

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.

Should I leave data roaming on all the time? ›

While data roaming is typically available in every country, some locations will cost more to use their services than others. So our advice is to be cautious when using data roaming and, if you don't have it included in your monthly mobile plan, to use it as sparingly as possible to avoid hefty charges.

How to save data on iPhone when traveling internationally? ›

When traveling internationally, it is crucial to save data usage to avoid unexpected data charges. Turning off notifications and disabling cellular data usage for apps that you do not need will help save your data. You can also turn on Wi-Fi assist to automatically switch to Wi-Fi when a mobile network is weak.

How do I turn off data roaming? ›

How To Turn Off Data Roaming
  1. Navigate to the menu.
  2. Select settings.
  3. Select wireless and network.
  4. Select mobile networks.
  5. Untick data roaming.

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.

How can I use my phone internationally without charges? ›

Option 3: Rely on Wi-Fi Only. You can avoid paying all international roaming fees by keeping your phone in airplane mode and sticking with whatever free Wi-Fi you can find, or by renting a Wi-Fi pod.

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