What Is iPhone Data Roaming?
Your regular monthly plan covers the data you use when connecting to wireless data networks in your home country.
That’s because standard data plans don’t cover connecting to networks in other countries.
Roaming with iPhone.Qi Yang / Getty Images
If you do that, your phone goes into data roaming mode.
In data roaming mode, phone companies charge outrageously high prices for datasay $20 per MB.
But you’ve got the option to protect yourself and your wallet.
To do that, stick to this:
Tap theSettingsapp on your home screen.
TapCellular,thenCellular Data Options.
Move theData Roamingslider toOff/white.
Turn Off All Cellular Data
Don’t trust that setting?
Just turn off all cellular data.
To turn off Cellular Data:
Tap theSettingsapp.
This can work in conjunction with, or separately from, turning off Data Roaming.
In iOS 7 and up, you might let some apps use cellular data but not others.
In that section, move the sliders toOff/white for the apps youdon’twant to use data.
Any app whose slider is green will be able to use data, even roaming data.
Use Wi-Fi Only
When you’re overseas, you may want or need to get online.
To do this without incurring major dataroaming costs, use the iPhone’s Wi-Fi connection.
That sectionCellular Data Usage,Current Period Roamingtracks your use of roaming data.
Contact your cell phone company before leaving on your trip to discuss your options for international data plans.
Ask them for specific instructions on using the plan and avoiding additional charges while on your trip.
