About mobile data roaming options for your iPhone and iPad
Turn Data Roaming off, prepare for international trips and more.
Turn off Data Roaming to prepare for a trip
Data Roaming permits internet access over a mobile data network if you’re in a region not covered by your service provider’s network. Service providers may include international roaming on selected data plans without additional fees. Contact your carrier for details.
If your service provider does not support Data Roaming, you can turn off Data Roaming to avoid roaming charges while you’re travelling. To do this:
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.
Turn off Data Roaming.1,2
Are you still planning your trip? Here are three other ways to prepare:
Shop roaming plans with your carrier
Before you go: To avoid fees and higher rates, contact your service 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, then turn on Data Roaming and other settings suggested by your service 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 service 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 service providers. These plans allow you to stay connected in over 190 countries, regions and territories when you travel.
After arrival: Go to Settings > Mobile Data and buy a roaming plan that fits your needs.
Learn how to use an eSIM while you travel abroad
As of 1 October 2022, Apple SIM technology is no longer 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 you are no longer travelling, you may see a notification to switch your eSIM back to the one for your home plan.
If your iPhone uses eSIM, you can purchase an eSIM when you travel.
If your iPad uses eSIM, you can also purchase an eSIM when you travel.
When you turn off Mobile Data and Data Roaming, the mobile data icon shouldn't appear in the status bar. Learn more about mobile data settings and usage.
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.
To use eSIM with your iPad in China mainland, you’ll need an iPad that supports eSIM in China mainland. Find out more about using eSIM with your iPad in China mainland.
To use bought or rented SIM cards, you’ll need an iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular), unlocked iPhone or SIM-free iPhone that supports a physical SIM card.
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.
Learn more about mobile data usage.
If you have roaming issues during international travel
If the date and time are wrong after you’ve arrived, go to Settings > General > Date & Time. Make sure Set Automatically is turned on.
Turn on Aeroplane Mode for about 30 seconds. Then turn it off again and let your iPhone automatically select the best network.
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.
If you still need help, try a different SIM card or contact your service provider for more information.
If you use an iPhone with an eSIM, learn more about your travel options for eSIM.
