About mobile data roaming options for your iPhone and iPad

Turn Data Roaming on or off, prepare for international trips and more.

Turn off Data Roaming or prepare for a trip

Do you need to avoid roaming charges because you've arrived at your destination without an international data plan? Check your Cellular/Mobile Data options and turn off Data Roaming.

  1. In the Settings app, tap Mobile or Mobile Data. Then:

    • If your device has a single SIM card or eSIM, turn on Mobile Data, then tap Mobile Data Options.

    • 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.

  2. Turn off Data Roaming.1,2

Are you still planning your trip? Here are three other ways to prepare:

Shop roaming plans with your network provider

Before you go: to avoid fees and higher rates, contact your network provider by phone or online to shop international roaming plans.

After arrival: open Settings. Tap Mobile or Mobile Data. Then:

  • If your device has a single SIM card or eSIM, turn on Mobile Data, then tap Mobile Data Options, turn on Data Roaming and other settings suggested by your network provider.

  • 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, then turn on Data Roaming and other settings suggested by your network provider.

Shop roaming plans with eSIM

Before you go: if you have an iPad with an eSIM3, you can browse mobile data plans from selected network providers in more than 90 countries, regions and territories.

After arrival: go to Settings > Mobile Data and buy a roaming plan that fits your needs.

From 1 October 2022, Apple SIM technology will no longer be available for activating new mobile data plans on iPad. If you’re not sure whether your iPad uses Apple SIM, find your iPad model and click the link for its tech specs.

Buy or rent local SIM cards

Before you go: you can usually4 buy or rent a SIM card for a specific country or region. Find out more from travel guides and websites related to the country or region.

After arrival: replace your current iPhone SIM card or iPad SIM card with the new one. You'll need the original when you return home, so put it in a safe place.

If your iPhone has eSIM capability, you can purchase an eSIM when you travel. Learn how to use an eSIM while you travel abroad.

  1. When you turn off Cellular/Mobile Data and Data Roaming, the cellular data icon shouldn't appear in the status bar. Find out more about mobile data settings and usage.

  2. Apple Watch Series 4 doesn’t support data roaming. While using data roaming on your iPhone, your Apple Watch Series 4 will only be able to use Wi-Fi or your iPhone mobile connection.

  3. To use eSIM with your iPad in China mainland, you’ll need an iPad (10th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, model number A3162. All other iPad models, including those purchased outside China mainland, are unable to install an eSIM profile from network providers in China mainland. Find out more about using eSIM with your iPad in China mainland.

  4. To use purchased or rented SIM cards, you'll need an iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular), unlocked iPhone or SIM-free iPhone.

Check your data usage

If you exceed the data-usage limits of your international data plan, you may run out of data or notice slower network speeds. To check data usage, open Settings and tap Mobile or Mobile Data. Then look under the Mobile Data heading.

ios-17-iphone-14-pro-settings-cellular-cellular-data

Find out more about mobile data usage.

If you have roaming issues during international travel

  1. If the date and time are wrong after you’ve arrived, go to Settings > General > Date & Time. Make sure Set Automatically is turned on.

  2. Turn on Airplane Mode for about 30 seconds. Then turn it off again and let your iPhone select the best network automatically.

  3. If you see No Service or SOS only in the status bar of your iPhone, open Settings and tap Mobile Data. Then:

    • 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.

  4. If you still need help, try a different SIM card or contact your network provider for more information.

  5. If you use an iPhone with an eSIM, find out more about your travel options for eSIM.

Published Date: