Quick answer: on iPhone go to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options and turn off Data Roaming. On a Pixel it's Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, then your SIM, then Roaming. On Samsung it's Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Data Roaming.
Step by step
iPhone
- Open Settings > Mobile Data (or Mobile Service).
- If you have two lines, tap the one you want to change, such as your UK SIM.
- Tap Mobile Data Options.
- Turn off Data Roaming.
Android (Google Pixel)
- Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
- Tap the SIM you want to change.
- Turn off Roaming.
Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings > Connections > Mobile networks.
- Turn off Data Roaming.
- If the switch is greyed out, turn mobile data on first in Connections > Data usage.
When to turn it off, and when not to
- Using a travel eSIM? Turn data roaming off on your UK SIM but leave it on for the travel eSIM, which needs it to connect.
- Your plan includes roaming? Apple notes some providers include roaming at no extra cost. O2, for example, includes its Europe Zone up to 25GB. Check your plan before you turn it off and lose data you've already paid for.
- On a cruise? Ships use their own satellite network at sea, which can be very expensive. Turning data roaming off is the safest option.
Want to know what roaming costs where you're going? See our UK Roaming Cost Report and ski holiday roaming guide.
Good to know
- Resetting your iPhone's network settings can switch data roaming off, so check it again after a reset.
- Wi-Fi still works with data roaming off, so you can use hotel and café Wi-Fi as normal.
- Calls and texts aren't affected by the data roaming switch, but your network may still charge for them abroad.
Need a travel eSIM?
Data eSIMs for 27 destinations, set up before you fly. Keep your UK number for calls and texts.
FAQs
Will I still get calls and texts with data roaming off?
Yes. Data roaming only controls mobile data. Calls and texts still work, though your network may charge for them abroad depending on your plan.
Does turning off mobile data do the same thing?
Turning off mobile data stops all mobile data, at home and abroad. Data roaming off only stops data when you're on a foreign network, so it's the better switch to use when you travel.
Can I still use WhatsApp with data roaming off?
Yes, over Wi-Fi or a travel eSIM. WhatsApp just needs an internet connection.
Why is the Data Roaming switch greyed out on my Samsung?
Samsung says mobile data needs to be on first. Turn it on in Settings > Connections > Data usage, then the Data Roaming switch will work.
Steps checked on 2 November 2026 against official help pages: Apple: roaming · Google Pixel help · Samsung UK: data roaming. Menu names can vary slightly by phone model and software version.