Roaming is an essential feature for those who travel outside their country and want to stay connected no matter where they are. Enabling roaming on an iPhone allows you to use mobile data, make calls, and send messages over foreign networks.
And although its use is free for European users in Zone 1, you should know that this tool may generate additional costs in other areas, so it is essential to know when it is necessary to activate it and how to configure it correctly.
Below, we'll explain in detail everything you need to know about roaming on an iPhone, from the ideal times to enable it to the steps required to configure it and take advantage of it efficiently.
Why is it important to activate roaming on an iPhone?
Roaming, also known as data roaming, is a feature that allows your iPhone connect to mobile networks outside the coverage of your usual operator, something made possible by agreements between mobile operators from different countries that bill each other for voice and data traffic.
The main benefit of roaming is that you can continue using mobile services, such as browsing the Internet, making calls and sending messages, even when you are away from your home network.
However, because it uses third-party networks, this service usually incurs additional fees, making it crucial to activate it only when you really need it.
When should you activate roaming on your iPhone?
Roaming should be turned on when you plan to use your iPhone outside of your usual country or region and need to access mobile data, calls, or messages—and really, really need to do so. However, if your destination has public Wi-Fi options or you prefer to use a local SIM card, You can avoid activating roaming to reduce costs.
Some common scenarios include:
- International travel: If you visit another country and don't have access to constant Wi-Fi, roaming allows you to stay connected.
- Emergencies during the trip: Even if you try to rely on Wi-Fi, turning on roaming can be a useful backup in case of an emergency.
- Jobs or activities that require constant connectivity: For those who need to be available at all times, roaming ensures that important notifications arrive without interruption. Sometimes the benefit outweighs the “bill,” so to speak.
How to activate roaming on an iPhone
The process to activate roaming on an iPhone is simple and quick.
First, before enabling it, make sure to check with your mobile operator about rates and policies to avoid surprises on your bill and specifically, If you have roaming active on their systems since you may have it capped by default.
Enable roaming from settings
And now that you know that, what you need to do is access the application Configuration from your iPhone. Within the menu, select the option Mobile data or Cellular, depending on your region or language. Once there, tap on Mobile data options.
In this section, you will find the Data Roaming switch. When enabled, you allow your iPhone to use foreign networks to connect to the Internet.
If you also need to make or receive calls, Make sure you enable Voice Roaming, which is usually available in the same section (but it depends on the operator, sometimes everything is included in the roaming settings)
Additional settings to optimize roaming
Roaming can be adjusted to suit your needs, to limit its use to essential things and little else. For example, if you want to control data usage, you can disable the Background Refresh option from Settings > General, this will prevent apps from consuming data without your knowledge.
In addition, You can turn on Wi-Fi Calling if you want to make calls over Wi-Fi networks available instead of using the foreign mobile network, as long as your native operator supports calls via Wi-Fi Calling o VoWiFi.
This option is in Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Callingiy can be a cost-effective alternative when you have access to reliable Wi-Fi.
How to minimize costs when using roaming
Since roaming can be expensive, it is important to implement strategies that help you reduce the impact on your budget:
Check with your mobile operator
Before travelling, Check if your provider offers international packages or plansMany companies have specific options for travelers that include a limited amount of data, minutes and messages.
Use Wi-Fi whenever possible
Even if you have roaming activated, Connect your iPhone to public or private Wi-Fi networks to avoid consuming your mobile data.
Monitor your data consumption
En Settings > Mobile data, you can check how much you have used since you activated roaming. This will help you adjust your usage and avoid exceeding the limits.
Turn off roaming when you don't need it
If you don't plan to use mobile data constantly, consider disable the function temporarily to avoid accidental charges.
Download content before you travel
Before leaving your country, Store maps, music, movies or any files you might need during your trip. This will reduce your dependence on mobile connection.
Alternatives to roaming on iPhone
But if you don't want to get into the mess of having to control anything, there are alternatives that may be cheaper or more convenient depending on your situation and that I personally recommend before using roaming.
- Local SIM card: Buying a SIM card in the country you are visiting allows you to access local networks with generally lower rates, the only thing you will need to know is that your iPhone is unlocked to use SIM cards from other operators. (in the EU since 2015 all phones are sold unlocked).
- International plans: Some mobile operators offer global roaming plans that include coverage in multiple countries for a fixed price, which can be an ideal option if you travel frequently.
- eSIM for travelers: If your iPhone supports eSIM, you can purchase a temporary data plan directly from an app, without having to change your physical SIM card. Carriers such as HelloFly that sell cheap roaming data rates, but somewhat more expensive than local prepaid plans.
I'm back home now: do I need to disable roaming on my iPhone?
Once you return from your trip, It is advisable to deactivate roaming, not because you're going to be using roaming in your country (no, you won't), but in case you decide to go on a trip another time and forget to remove it for that trip.
This is done since Settings > Mobile data > Mobile data options, turning off the Data Roaming switch will ensure that your iPhone does not accidentally use foreign networks, which is something that people who live on the border with Andorra or in Ceuta or Melilla, for example, need to be very clear about.
And of course, we also advise you that Check with your operator if there were additional charges during your trip and make sure that the roaming service is back to its normal settings, because we have seen lines that have been “stuck” by the roaming settings and then do not work correctly in the native country.