Data Roaming: Should You Turn It On or Off?

This article was reviewed by Stan Kats and by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals.

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Data roaming occurs when your mobile device disconnects from your mobile carrier's network and connects to another network outside your coverage area. When you use your phone while it's roaming, you'll usually be charged roaming fees by your cellular carrier. This wikiHow article teaches you when you should and shouldn't use data roaming.

Things You Should Know

Keep dating roaming off unless you absolutely need it, as roaming charges are expensive.
To avoid data roaming charges, use Wi-Fi when mobile data isn't available, and plan ahead to download maps and other data for offline use.
If traveling to a location where you can only use mobile data while roaming, save money by buying a local SIM for temporary use.

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Do You Want Data Roaming On or Off?

Don't turn on data roaming unless you absolutely need it. To avoid roaming charges, keep data roaming off. You can turn it back on if you need to do something important like access a map or make an emergency phone call—just make sure you understand your provider's roaming fees.

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Avoiding Data Roaming Charges

Domestic data roaming happens when you are connected to a mobile network outside your coverage area in your own country. Most cellular service plans charge little to no extra for domestic data roaming.
International data roaming is when you're traveling outside the country. International roaming almost always results in extra charges.

Understand your service plan. Contact your cellular carrier to ask if your plan covers data roaming and how much it charges. If you travel often, you may want to upgrade to a plan that has data roaming covered.

High-speed data may be limited with travel plans.

Download things you need for offline use. For example, you can download Google Maps in advance so you can still use your phone's GPS without roaming data. You can also download music, movies, and TV shows through streaming services to listen to or watch offline.

Use Wi-Fi instead of roaming. If you're in an area where your carrier doesn't have coverage, connect to Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi hotspots when possible. Most hotels offer Wi-Fi for their guests. You can also connect to Wi-Fi hotspots at cafes and other locations.

Local SIM cards usually have no contract and are available for any length of time. The downside is they tend to be more expensive than your average cellular service plan.
You need an unlocked phone to use a local SIM card.

Use an international SIM card. If you travel often, or will be for an extended time period, or will be traveling to multiple countries, using an international SIM might be the best alternative. An international SIM will provide extensive coverage with a single SIM card and work with an international cellular and data plan.

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How to Turn Off Data Roaming

Open the Settings app.
Tap Cellular or Mobile.
Tap Cellular data options or Mobile data options.
Toggle "Data Roaming" off. [1] X Research source

Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the gear.
Tap Connections.
Tap Mobile networks.
Toggle data roaming off. [2] X Research source

Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the gear.
Tap Network & Internet and select Internet.
Tap the gear icon next to your mobile carrier.
Toggle roaming off.

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