Data roaming on your eSIM: why to turn it on and how to avoid roaming fees

A travel eSIM needs data roaming turned on to get online, because it uses a local operator’s network in the country you’re visiting. Your own operator doesn’t charge you for it: the switch is per line, and on your usual SIM it stays off.

Why does the eSIM need roaming turned on?

Because, as far as the phone is concerned, the network the eSIM connects to at your destination isn’t its own operator’s: it’s someone else’s network, and data over other networks is roaming.

Data roaming is exactly that: permission for the phone to use data over other operators’ networks when it’s outside its own operator’s area. A travel eSIM works like this in almost every destination, and with the switch off the phone shows signal but won’t go online.

Why doesn’t my operator charge me roaming?

Because roaming is turned on separately for each line. You turn it on for the eSIM, which is already paid for, and leave it off on your SIM.

  • The eSIM’s data is included in the plan you bought: turning its roaming on doesn’t add any charge.
  • Your SIM, with data roaming off, doesn’t use data outside your home country, so your operator doesn’t charge you for data.
  • Also, stop the phone from switching lines on its own: on iPhone, turn off Allow Mobile Data Switching; on Android, automatic data switching. That way it won’t use your SIM even if the eSIM briefly loses signal.

How do I turn it on on each phone?

iPhone

  1. Open Settings → Mobile Data (on some versions, Mobile Service; in some countries, Cellular) and tap the eSIM line.
  2. Tap Mobile Data Options and turn on Data Roaming.
  3. Go back, tap your usual line → Mobile Data Options and check that Data Roaming is off.
  4. In Settings → Mobile Data → Mobile Data, choose the eSIM and turn off Allow Mobile Data Switching.

Google Pixel

  1. Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs and tap the eSIM.
  2. Turn on Roaming.
  3. Tap your SIM and check that Roaming is off.
  4. Under Mobile data, keep the eSIM selected. If your Pixel has Automatic data switching (Pixel 8a and later), turn it off.

Samsung Galaxy

  1. Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager (on some versions, “SIM card manager”), choose the eSIM for Mobile data and turn off Auto data switching.
  2. Turn on Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Data roaming for the eSIM.

Names can vary slightly depending on your One UI version.

Installation steps are in our guides for iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel.

What if my SIM is from the EU and I travel in the EU?

Then your operator’s roaming works like at home: calls, texts and data on the same terms as in your own country.

An eSIM can still make sense if your plan has little data or a cap for use abroad. Outside the EU, or with a SIM from the UK, the US or anywhere else, there’s no such protection: each operator sets its own prices and data roaming can be very expensive. That’s where the eSIM with roaming on, and your SIM with it off, saves you a nasty surprise on your bill. If you’re not sure, eSIM or roaming has the criteria to decide.

Data roaming: frequently asked questions

Does turning on data roaming for the eSIM cost anything?

No. The eSIM’s data is already paid for with the plan. What could cost you is data roaming on your own SIM, and that stays off.

When should I turn roaming on: before I leave or when I land?

You can leave it on for the eSIM from the moment you install it. What matters is that it’s off on your SIM before the plane lands.

I have signal but no internet. Is it roaming?

It’s the first thing to check. If it’s on for the eSIM and you still can’t get online, follow what to check when your eSIM won’t connect on arrival.

Can I still receive calls with my SIM’s data roaming off?

Yes. Data roaming only affects data: calls and texts still reach your number, as long as your operator provides service in that country.

More questions in the FAQ.