What is data roaming and do you need it on?

Key takeaways

• Data roaming lets your phone use mobile data on another network when your own network isn't available, usually when you're abroad.
• In the UK, you can keep data roaming off because your phone uses your own network. Abroad, switch data roaming on only when you need mobile data. Check what your plan includes first, as charges depend on your network and where you are.
• "Current period roaming" on an iPhone is a running total of the data your phone has used on other networks since the counter was last reset.

 

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Heading abroad soon and unsure what to do about the Data Roaming switch in your settings? It has a slightly ominous name, so many people ignore it or switch it off just in case.

This guide explains what data roaming is, when to have it on or off, and how to avoid a surprise on your bill.

What is data roaming?

Data roaming lets your phone use mobile data on another network when your own isn't available, usually when you're abroad.

Switch it on, and your phone can connect to the internet via a local network. Switch it off, and it can't, though WiFi works either way. Your SIM and number stay exactly the same.

The setting itself doesn't cost anything. What you pay, if anything, depends on your plan.

Is data roaming the same as mobile data?

No. Mobile data is your phone's connection to the internet over a mobile network. Data roaming is the permission to use that connection on a network that isn't your own. To use mobile data abroad, both settings need to be on.

	Mobile data	Data roaming
What it controls	Whether your phone can use the internet over a mobile network	Whether your phone can use mobile data on a network that isn't your own
Where it matters	Anywhere you have a mobile signal and no WiFi	Mostly abroad, or anywhere your own network doesn't reach
When it's switched off	Your phone has no mobile internet anywhere, and only WiFi works	Your phone has no mobile internet on other networks, but mobile data still works on your own network
Needed for mobile data abroad	Yes, it must be on	Yes, it must be on too

Should data roaming be on or off?

Keep data roaming off at home, and switch it on abroad only when you need mobile data. The right setting depends on your location and what you're doing:

• At home in the UK: Off is fine. Your phone uses your own network, so data roaming isn't needed for mobile data, calls or texts.
• Abroad, and you need mobile data for maps, messages or bookings: On. Your phone needs permission to use a local network, and mobile data won't work abroad without it. Check what your plan includes first.
• Abroad, and WiFi is enough: Off. WiFi works with data roaming off, and your phone can't quietly switch to a mobile network if the WiFi drops.
• On a ferry or cruise ship: Off, unless your plan covers it. Phones can connect to a ship's satellite network, which can cost more than standard roaming.

Does data roaming cost money?

It can, but it doesn't have to. It depends on your provider, your plan and where you are.

Each UK provider sets its own EU roaming charges. Some include EU roaming in their plans, while others charge a daily fee or ask you to buy a pass. Outside Europe, charges vary by country and provider.

You do get some protection. Providers must message you when you arrive abroad to explain the charges and warn you when your allowance runs out.

If you're on SMARTY, EU roaming is already included in your plan, up to 12GB a month, at no extra cost. You can see which countries are covered on our roaming page.

Where charges tend to catch people out

• Going over a fair use limit. Roaming allowances can be lower than your UK data allowance, even on plans that include EU roaming.
• Connecting to a ship's satellite network on a ferry or cruise, which can cost more than standard roaming.
• Roaming by accident near a border, when a stronger signal from a network in another country causes your phone to switch.
• Leaving data roaming on while WiFi drops out, as your phone may switch to a mobile network without asking.
• Background apps. Updates and photo backups can use mobile data even when you're not looking at your phone.

What does "current period roaming" mean?

"Current period roaming" is the amount of data your iPhone has used on other networks since the usage counter was last reset. You'll find it in Settings, under Mobile Service (or Mobile Data, or Cellular), next to "Current Period".

A zero is normal if you've stayed in the UK. A higher number after a trip is just a counter, not a bill, so check your provider's app or account for the exact figure.

How to turn data roaming on or off

On an iPhone

Go to Settings, then to Mobile Service (or Mobile Data, or Cellular). Open Mobile Data Options (or Cellular Data Options), then switch Data Roaming on or off.

On an Android phone

On many Samsung phones, go to Settings, then Connections, then Mobile networks, and switch Data roaming on or off. On other Android phones, the fastest way is usually to type "roaming" into the Settings search box.

Data roaming on SMARTY

If you're on SMARTY, EU roaming is included in your plan, so you can use your monthly allowance in EU countries at no extra cost, up to 12GB a month. Outside the EU, you'll need an add-on first. There's also a default £45 limit on data roaming spend, with alerts as you approach it.

You'll find the full details, including how long you can roam, in our guide to roaming with SMARTY. Choose your plan today!

FAQs

Do I need data roaming on in the UK?

No. In the UK, a phone uses its own provider's network, so data roaming can stay off without affecting mobile data, calls or texts.

What happens if data roaming is off?

With data roaming off, a phone can't use mobile data on any network other than its own provider's. Abroad, mobile internet stops working, but WiFi works regardless of the setting.

Does data roaming cost money?

Sometimes. Whether data roaming costs extra depends on the provider, the plan and the country. Check the plan's roaming terms before you travel.