How to Turn On Data Roaming (and Fix It When It Doesn't Work)
How to switch on data roaming safely on any phone — what to check first, how to set it up for a travel eSIM, and a troubleshooting checklist for when you have signal but no internet.
Quick answer
- Check your carrier's roaming terms before turning roaming on — the switch itself doesn't show prices.
- On iPhone it's under Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options; on Android it's in your mobile network settings.
- Travel eSIMs usually need data roaming on for the eSIM line, with roaming left off on your home line.
- If data doesn't work, check account roaming, the selected data line, network selection and APN settings.
Before you turn on data roaming
The Data Roaming switch doesn't tell you what you'll pay — your carrier's plan does. Before you switch it on, spend two minutes on these checks:
- Know the price. Look up your destination on your carrier's roaming page or app. See how roaming charges work.
- Confirm roaming is enabled on your account. Some carriers, especially for new or prepaid accounts, require you to opt in.
- Decide which line should roam. On dual-SIM phones, you may want roaming on for a travel eSIM but off for your home line.
- Turn on usage alerts in your carrier's app, if they're available.
New to the setting? What data roaming means on your phone explains what it does — and doesn't — control.
How to turn on data roaming on iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data / Mobile Service in some regions).
- If you have more than one line, choose the one you want to change.
- Tap Cellular Data Options (or Mobile Data Options).
- Switch Data Roaming on.
How to turn on data roaming on Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections.
- Tap Mobile networks.
- Switch Data roaming on.
How to turn on data roaming on Google Pixel
- Open Settings.
- Tap Network & internet.
- Tap SIMs, then choose your SIM.
- Switch Roaming on.
On other Android phones, search for "roaming" in the Settings app. Menu names vary by software version and region.
Turning on roaming for a travel eSIM
Many travel eSIMs connect through partner networks, so the eSIM line itself is technically roaming. That's why setup instructions often tell you to:
- Set the eSIM as your mobile data line.
- Turn Data Roaming on for the eSIM line.
- Leave Data Roaming off for your home line if you don't want roaming charges there.
- Turn off automatic data switching so your phone doesn't fall back to your home line.
Roaming on an eSIM line is covered by the prepaid plan you bought. Read more in eSIM roaming explained, and see the full setup in using an eSIM for international travel.
Which line should have roaming on?
| Your situation | Home line: Data Roaming | Travel eSIM: Data Roaming |
|---|---|---|
| Roaming is included in your plan | On | — |
| Roaming isn't included; you only want Wi-Fi | Off | — |
| You're using a travel eSIM for data | Off | On, if the provider asks |
| You're using a local SIM for data | Off | — |
The difference between this switch and the main mobile data switch is explained in data roaming vs mobile data.
How to fix data roaming that isn't working
- Toggle airplane mode on for 10 seconds, then off.
- Restart your phone so it registers on the local network again.
- Check mobile data and Data Roaming are on for the line you want to use.
- Check the selected data line on dual-SIM phones.
- Select a network manually — turn off automatic network selection and choose another local network.
- Check APN settings — some SIMs and eSIMs need a specific APN, listed in the provider's instructions.
- Check your account — your carrier may need to enable international roaming, or you may have hit a spending cap.
- Contact your carrier or eSIM provider if none of these work — they can see whether your phone registered.
"SOS only" or "No service"
This usually means your phone can't register on any network your SIM is allowed to use. Try manual network selection, then contact your carrier or eSIM provider.
Keep an eye on costs once roaming is on
- Turn on Low Data Mode (iPhone) or Data Saver (Android).
- Pause photo backups and app updates on mobile data.
- Use Wi-Fi for video and large downloads — see data roaming vs Wi-Fi.
- Check usage every day or two — roaming records can arrive late.
Our checklist for avoiding roaming charges covers every setting worth changing.
When to switch roaming back off
When you leave the country or switch to a different data source, review your settings again. If you turned roaming on for your home line, consider turning it off once it's no longer needed. Our guide to turning off data roaming covers every device, and international data roaming explains what changes from one region to the next.
Still have questions? Browse our data roaming FAQ or all roaming and eSIM guides.
Frequently asked questions
Why isn't my data roaming working?
Common causes are roaming not enabled on your account, the wrong line selected for data, automatic network selection picking an unsupported network, missing APN settings, or a spending cap.
Do I need to turn on data roaming for an eSIM?
Often yes. Many travel eSIMs use partner networks and require data roaming to be on for the eSIM line. Follow your provider's setup instructions.
Is it safe to turn on data roaming?
It's safe from a security point of view. The main risk is cost, so check your carrier's roaming prices before switching it on.
Will turning on data roaming charge me straight away?
Not by itself. Charges depend on your plan and on using data. With some daily passes, though, any data use — even a background app refresh — starts that day's fee.
Should I turn data roaming off again when I get home?
It usually makes little difference at home. Some carriers use domestic roaming in areas they don't cover, so check your carrier's advice before switching it off at home.
Next step
Set up a travel eSIM
Prefer a separate data plan instead of roaming on your home line? Here's how to choose and install a travel eSIM.
Set up a travel eSIMData Roaming Editorial Team
We write practical, plain-English guides about using your phone abroad. Roaming prices and rules change, so we update guides regularly — always confirm current terms with your carrier. About our editorial approach
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