We take using our smartphones and connecting to the Internet for granted these days.
Our iPhones can connect to networks, either cellular or Wi-Fi, and consume data at an astonishing rate.
If you’re traveling in another nation, you can still connect to data networks, but the fee may be prohibitively expensive.
If you are concerned about potentially high mobile bills while traveling outside the nation, our tutorial below will show you how to turn off roaming on your iPhone.
You can also watch this how to turn on roaming on iPhone 13 video on YouTube.
How Do I Turn Off iPhone Data Roaming? – Quick Summary
- Launch the Settings application.
- Select Cellular as your mode of communication.
- Click on Cellular Data Options.
- Disable Data Roaming.
Additional information and screenshots regarding how to switch off roaming on iPhone are provided in the section below.
Your iPhone’s cellular plan most likely has terms that charge you extra if you travel outside of your home network.
This is uncommon in the United States but fairly prevalent when traveling abroad.
If you are unaware of your cellphone provider’s data roaming restrictions, you should contact them before embarking on any international journey to determine what types of costs you may face.
When traveling internationally, though, you can usually use your iPhone 5 on Wi-Fi networks, which can be a very convenient method to keep in touch.
So, if you plan on traveling with your iPhone and want to prevent any roaming charges due to data consumption, follow the steps below on how to turn off roaming on iPhone devices.
Changing the iPhone Data Roaming Setting Video
What is iPhone Data Roaming?
You may be wondering what the data roaming feature on your iPhone is before deciding whether or not to disable it.
When you connect to cellular rather than Wi-Fi, your iPhone requires access to a data network.
Connecting to this network allows you to get emails, stream movies, surf the Internet, and basically gather information through the programs you use on the smartphone.
Cellular providers own these data networks, and the monthly charge you pay your provider allows you to utilize a set amount of data on their network each month.
If your phone is unable to connect to your provider’s data network, you have the option of connecting to a different provider’s network.
This form of connection requires you to activate data roaming on your phone so that it can identify and connect to these other networks.
Using data on another provider’s network is typically more expensive than using data on your own network, and might result in some fairly significant costs, depending on how much data you use.
Data roaming simply means that your iPhone can connect to any data network it finds, regardless of the cost.
How to Disable Data Roaming on an iPhone in iOS 16
The procedures in this section were carried out using an iPhone running iOS 16. If you’re using an older version of iOS and don’t see some of the options listed here, proceed to the next section for information on disabling data roaming in older versions of iOS.
Step 1: Launch the Settings application.
Step 2: Select the Cellular option.
Step 3: Go to the Cellular Data Options menu.
Step 4: Select the Roaming option.
Step 5: Toggle off Data Roaming by tapping the button to the right of it.
You will be able to control this setting, and eventually, your cellular bill, while traveling in other countries now that you know how to turn off roaming on your iPhone.
It is worth noting that there is a separate Voice Roaming option that you may wish to disable if you do not want any roaming to occur.
As previously stated, the following section contains instructions and information for disabling data roaming on older versions of iOS.
How to Disable iPhone 5 Data Roaming (Old Method)
This article will walk you through the steps to stop data roaming on your iPhone 5 with iOS 7. If you are traveling overseas with your iPhone 5 and want to avoid extra expenses from your cellular network, read this article to learn how to turn off all sorts of roaming on your iPhone 5.
Step 1: On your Home screen, tap the Settings icon.
Step 2: Go to the Cellular tab.
Step 3: Select the Roaming option.
Step 4: Tap the Data Roaming button on the right.
When there is no green shading surrounding the button, you know it is switched off.
Once you understand how to switch off roaming on your iPhone, you will be able to toggle this setting on and off as needed, avoiding an unexpectedly high cellular bill after a vacation or business trip.
Other roaming options are available on this screen as well. For example, if you are concerned about potential roaming charges from voice usage, you can disable voice roaming.
Many mobile companies provide options for overseas travel that are far less expensive than roaming. For example, Verizon offers a TravelPass function that allows you to utilize data in foreign countries at a considerably lesser cost. You only need to make sure it’s turned on before you go.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing technology how-to articles and tutorials for over a decade. He has extensive experience in information technology both in small business and as a consultant.
His articles have appeared on dozens of websites and been read millions of times.
He covers many different topics concerning technology, but focuses primarily on smartphones, consumer software, and consumer electronics.
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