To turn data roaming on or off on an iPhone 13, open Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Cellular Data Options and switch Data Roaming on or off. If you use two lines (a SIM and an eSIM), tap the line you want under SIMs first, then open its options. With Data Roaming off, your iPhone won’t use cellular data on other carriers’ networks abroad, which helps you avoid roaming charges; calls and texts may still work depending on your carrier.
This guide covers the steps, what roaming does and doesn’t control, how to avoid surprise charges when traveling, and fixes when data doesn’t work abroad.
Turn data roaming on or off
- Open Settings and tap Cellular.
- Tap Cellular Data Options. With two lines, tap the line under SIMs first.
- Turn Data Roaming on to use data abroad, or off to block it.
What Data Roaming controls
- Controls – cellular data on partner networks outside your carrier’s coverage, usually when traveling internationally.
- Doesn’t control – Wi-Fi, and in many cases voice calls and texts. Some carriers show a separate Voice Roaming option; check your carrier’s settings.
- Domestic roaming – within your own country, carriers often include partner coverage at no extra cost, and your iPhone may still use it.
Avoid roaming charges when traveling
- Check your carrier’s international plans or day passes before you leave.
- Turn off Data Roaming and use Wi-Fi when you don’t have a plan.
- Buy a local or travel eSIM; the iPhone 13 supports dual SIM with two eSIMs or a physical SIM and an eSIM. Set the travel line for cellular data and keep your home line for calls if needed.
- Turn on Low Data Mode in Cellular Data Options to reduce background data.
- Turn off cellular data for data-hungry apps in Settings > Cellular.
- Turn off Wi-Fi Assist at the bottom of the Cellular page so the iPhone doesn’t switch to cellular when Wi-Fi is weak.
Data doesn’t work abroad?
- Make sure Cellular Data and Data Roaming are both on for the correct line.
- Check that your carrier plan includes international data.
- Toggle Airplane Mode or restart the iPhone.
- Choose a network manually in Settings > Cellular > Network Selection.
- Update carrier settings in Settings > General > About.
- Contact your carrier to confirm roaming is enabled on your account.
Frequently asked questions
Should I turn off data roaming at home?
You can leave it off at home in most cases. If you lose service in rural areas where your carrier uses partner networks, turning it on may help; check your plan for fees.
Does turning off data roaming stop all charges?
It stops roaming data. Calls and texts abroad may still cost extra depending on your plan.
Are the steps different on other iPhones?
No. The same steps work on all recent iPhones.
Matthew Burleigh is the head writer at solveyourtech.com, where he covers topics like the iPhone, Microsoft Office, and Google apps. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has over 15 years of IT experience.
He has been writing online since 2008 and has published thousands of articles that have been read millions of times.