How to Turn Off Data Roaming on iPhone
Three taps in Settings and your iPhone will never rack up a roaming charge again. Works on iOS 17, iOS 18, and every iPhone model with eSIM support.
Turn off data roaming on iPhone
Works on iPhone XS and later, iOS 17 and iOS 18.
- 1
Open Settings
Tap the Settings app on your iPhone home screen.
- 2
Tap Cellular
Scroll down and tap 'Cellular' (or 'Mobile Data' in some regions).
- 3
Tap Cellular Data Options
Under your carrier name, tap 'Cellular Data Options'.
- 4
Turn off Data Roaming
Toggle 'Data Roaming' to OFF (the switch should be grey, not green). Your iPhone will no longer use foreign carrier data networks.
Your iPhone automatically connects to foreign carriers the moment you land. AT&T and Verizon charge $10/day, triggered by a single network ping. iCloud Photo backups, Mail, and app updates run in the background and consume roaming data while you sleep.
Turn off data roaming (step above). Install a travel eSIM from Airalo or Holafly while on WiFi. Set the eSIM as your default data line in Settings > Cellular. Your home number stays active for WiFi Calling. Total cost: under $10 for a week.
Other iPhone settings that prevent roaming charges
Disable iCloud Photo backup on cellular
Go to Settings > Photos > Cellular Data and switch it off. This prevents your iPhone from uploading photos over any cellular connection, including accidental roaming.
Turn off Background App Refresh
Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Off. Apps like Facebook, Instagram, and email clients fetch data in the background. On roaming, each refresh costs money.
Enable WiFi Calling
Settings > Cellular > WiFi Calling > Enable. This lets you make and receive calls over hotel or airport WiFi at domestic rates, bypassing roaming voice charges entirely.
Install an eSIM before departure
Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code from your eSIM provider. Label it "Travel Data" for easy identification. Set it as default data line when you arrive.
iPhone roaming questions, answered
Does turning off data roaming on iPhone stop all charges?
It stops all data roaming charges, which cause 95%+ of bill shock. Voice calls and texts may still incur roaming fees unless you also enable Airplane Mode or use WiFi Calling exclusively.
Can I still use WiFi with data roaming turned off?
Yes. Turning off data roaming only blocks cellular data on foreign networks. WiFi works normally. Connect to hotel, airport, or cafe WiFi for free internet access.
Will I still receive calls and texts with roaming off?
Yes. Disabling data roaming only blocks mobile data. Your phone can still receive calls and texts on your home carrier's line, though incoming calls abroad may incur charges depending on your plan.
Where is the data roaming setting on iPhone?
Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming. On iOS 18, it may also appear under Settings > Cellular > [your carrier name] > Data Roaming.
Should I turn off data roaming before or after I land?
Before departure, ideally. Turn it off while still at home on WiFi. If you forget, enable Airplane Mode the moment you land, then turn off data roaming before disabling Airplane Mode.
What happens if I forget to turn off data roaming?
Your iPhone will automatically connect to a foreign carrier network the moment you land. Carriers like AT&T and Verizon charge $10/day automatically. Background apps, photo backups, and email syncing can consume data without you actively using the phone.
Roaming off. eSIM on. Done.
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