About cellular data roaming options for your iPhone and iPad
Data Roaming permits internet access over a cellular data network in regions that are not covered by your carrier’s network. Carriers might include international roaming on select data plans without additional fees. Contact your carrier for details.
Shop roaming plans with your carrier
Before you go: To avoid fees and higher rates, contact your carrier by phone or online to shop international roaming plans.
After arrival: Open Settings. Tap Cellular or Cellular Data. Then:
If your device has a single SIM card or eSIM, turn on Cellular Data, then tap Cellular Data Options, and turn on Data Roaming and other settings suggested by your carrier.
If you want to turn data roaming off, go to Cellular Data, then tap Cellular Data Options, and turn off Data Roaming.
If your device uses Dual SIM or Dual eSIM, turn on Cellular Data, tap the number you want to modify, then tap Cellular Data Options, and turn on Data Roaming and other settings suggested by your carrier.
Shop roaming plans with eSIM
Before you go: If you have an iPad with an eSIM1 you can browse cellular data plans from select carriers. These plans allow you to stay connected in over 190 countries, regions, and territories when you travel.
After arrival: Go to Settings > Cellular Data and buy a roaming plan that fits your needs.
Learn how to use an eSIM while you travel abroad
Buy or rent local SIM cards or eSIM
Before you go: You can usually2 buy or rent a SIM card or eSIM3 for a specific country or region. Learn more from travel guides and websites related to the country or region.
After arrival: Replace your current iPhone SIM card or iPad SIM card with the new one. If you’re using an eSIM, make sure to turn it on. If you’re using a physical SIM card, you'll need the original when you return home, so put your original in a safe place. If you are no longer traveling, you might see a notification to switch your eSIM back to the one for your home plan.
If your iPhone uses eSIM, you can purchase an eSIM when you travel.
If your iPad uses eSIM, you can also purchase an eSIM when you travel.
To use eSIM with your iPad in China mainland, you need an iPad that supports eSIM in China mainland. Learn more about using eSIM with your iPad in China mainland.
To use bought or rented SIM cards, you need an iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular), unlocked iPhone, or SIM-free iPhone that supports a physical SIM card.
To use eSIM with your iPhone in China mainland, you need an iPhone that supports eSIM in China mainland. Learn more about using eSIM with your iPhone in China mainland.
Check your data usage
If you exceed the data-usage limits of your international data plan, you might run out of data or notice slower network speeds. To check data usage, open Settings and tap Cellular or Cellular Data. Then look under the Cellular Data heading.
Learn more about cellular data usage.
If you have roaming issues during international travel
If the date and time are wrong after you arrive, open the Settings app and tap General, and then tap Date & Time. Make sure that Set Automatically is turned on.
Turn on Airplane Mode for about 30 seconds. Then turn it off again and let your iPhone automatically select the best network.
If you see No Service or SOS only in the status bar of your iPhone, open the Settings app and tap Cellular or Cellular Data. Then:
If your device has a single SIM card or eSIM, turn on Cellular Data, then tap Cellular Data Options, and make sure Data Roaming is on.
If your device uses Dual SIM or Dual eSIM, turn on Cellular Data, tap the number you want to modify, then tap Cellular Data Options, and make sure Data Roaming is on.
If you still need help, try a different SIM card or contact your carrier for more information.
If you use an iPhone with an eSIM, learn more about your travel options for eSIM.
