<html><body>
<h2 dir="ltr" id="tag-2"><strong>What is data roaming?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">When your phone leaves the coverage area of your carrier and is no longer connected to the main service network, it looks for another network to use in the meantime. </p>

<p dir="ltr">To cover their customers in areas with little to no primary service, all of the major cell phone carriers (AT&amp;T, Verizon, and T-Mobile) have roaming agreements with other providers. </p>

<p dir="ltr">This allows them to keep their customers talking, texting, and using data in more places.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="What does data roaming mean?" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off%20(2).jpg" style="height:400px; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>What does data roaming mean?</em></p>

<p dir="ltr">MVNOs (Mobile virtual network operators), on the other hand, are not always aligned with their parent networks' roaming agreements. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Customers will be without service in areas where their parent network does not provide coverage unless an MVNO has its roaming agreement. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Fortunately, the majority of the major MVNOs do.</p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-14">Domestic vs. International Data Roaming</h3>

<p dir="ltr">Domestic roaming is the use of your phone outside of the network within the United States. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Most carriers also do not charge additional roaming fees if your phone goes off-network while you are in the country.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Carriers also frequently have international roaming agreements that allow you to use your phone outside of the United States—but you'll almost certainly have to pay for the privilege.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr" id="tag-18"><strong>Difference between mobile data vs data roaming</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">After finding out the data roaming meaning, many people need clarification about roaming and mobile data.</p>

<p dir="ltr">These terms have similar functions, however, the way you use them depends on your location.</p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-22">Mobile data</h3>

<p dir="ltr">Mobile data enables you to connect to the internet when you can not connect to a Wifi network. </p>

<p dir="ltr">If you have this feature enabled on your device, you can browse the web, play video games, and stream videos and songs like other internet services.</p>

<p dir="ltr">What's even better is that you can do all of this while on the go. </p>

<p dir="ltr">All you need is a suitable mobile plan both internet speed and price. </p>

<p dir="ltr">If this feature is not enabled, you must connect your smartphone to the nearest Wifi source. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Then, run a <a href="https://gospeedcheck.com/article/wifi-speed-test-1060">Wifi speed test</a> to check the connectivity.</p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-30">Roaming</h3>

<p dir="ltr">Different from mobile data, data roaming works when your device is out of your internet network’s coverage.</p>

<p dir="ltr">This still allows you to connect to the internet through another cellular network. Thanks to that, you are able to make video calls and send texts to your lovers. </p>

<p dir="ltr">However, keep in mind that you will need to pay higher phone bills if you get data roaming.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Here is the comparison chart between mobile data and data roaming, take a look:</p>

<p> </p>

<table class="table table-bordered"><tbody>
<tr>
<td> </td>
			<td style="text-align:center"><strong>Mobile data</strong></td>
			<td>
			<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><strong>Data roaming</strong></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>
			<p dir="ltr"><strong>Definition</strong></p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p dir="ltr">Mobile data simply refers to unrestricted internet access provided by your internet provider wirelessly.</p>
			</td>
			<td>Data roaming means wireless internet access outside your home network coverage area.</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>
			<p dir="ltr"><strong>Data charge</strong></p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p dir="ltr">Provided charge a fixed monthly fee for the mobile internet services.</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p dir="ltr">Users are charged significantly more on top of the standard data charges for internet services.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>
			<p dir="ltr"><strong>Accessibility</strong></p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p dir="ltr">Switching off mobile data will stop all internet services regardless of which network you’re on.</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p dir="ltr">Switching off data roaming will restrict your ability to use the internet while roaming but doesn’t affect the mobile data.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>
			<p dir="ltr"><strong>Tower owner</strong></p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p dir="ltr">The device connects to towers owned by your wireless provider.</p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p dir="ltr">On roaming, your device connects to towers that are not owned by your wireless carrier.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2 dir="ltr" id="tag-76"><strong>Mobile plan for roaming charges</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">The roaming charges are very high.</p>

<p dir="ltr">What actually money you need to pay will depend on your internet provider. </p>

<p dir="ltr">However, the mobile plan for roaming charge is often breakdown like this:</p>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">$0.25/minute if you call on the phone</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">$0.1/ text message</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">$2-$5/ MB of data.</p>
	</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Needless to say, relying on roaming data while, well, roaming is prohibitively expensive. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Seriously, no matter which carrier you use, those roaming rates quickly add up, and you could end up paying $13,000 in roaming fees without even realizing it.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="Internet mobile plan for roaming charges" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off(10).jpg" style="height:426px; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Internet mobile plan for roaming charges</em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-94">Roaming Policies by Internet Carrier</h3>

<p dir="ltr">Within the United States, data roaming on Verizon, AT&amp;T, and T-Mobile is very similar, with Verizon's policy being the most generous. </p>

<p dir="ltr">You get unlimited <a href="https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhones/Guides/What-is-data-roaming">domestic data</a> (or up to your plan's regular data allowance), though depending on your location, quality and speeds may suffer.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="Data roaming policy of some internet providers" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off(11).jpg" style="height:405px; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Data roaming policy of some internet providers</em></p>

<h2 dir="ltr" id="tag-102"><strong>Do I want data roaming on or Off?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">Staying in contact with your family and friends is so important, however, the higher cost will make many people ponder.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Therefore, the question here is “should data roaming be on or off at home?”.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Which is the best time to enable roaming and mobile data on your smartphone?</p>

<p dir="ltr">Actually, should roaming be on or off depending on your need.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="Should cellular data roaming be on or off?" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off%20(3).jpg" style="height:400px; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Should cellular data roaming be on or off?</em></p>

<p dir="ltr">In this case, you’re going to another country and your mobile data likely does not work well as usual.</p>

<p dir="ltr">You can not send texts or call anyone with your cellular data.</p>

<p dir="ltr">That time, data roaming is a better choice for you.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Of course, using it for a long means high your phone bill.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Especially, T-mobile, Verizon, and AT&amp;T are top internet providers charging roaming fees a lot.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Thus, disable it on your smartphone when not in use.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr" id="tag-118"><strong>How to roam on/off on phone?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">It will be a big mistake if you use data roaming without your awareness.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Learn about the way to turn off/on data roaming on phones below to avoid this.</p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-122">Data roaming on or off iPhone </h3>

<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://gospeedcheck.com/article/why-is-my-phone-roaming-at-home-1149">Why is my phone roaming at home</a>? The reason may be you have forgot to turn it off. Follow our instructions on turning on or off data roaming iPhone below:</p>

<p dir="ltr">Step 1: Open your iPhone and go to the <strong>Settings</strong>, choose the <strong>Cellular</strong> option</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="Cellular settings" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off(13).jpg" style="height:777px; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr">Step 2: Tap the <strong>Cellular Data Options</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="cellular data options" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off(12).jpg" style="height:539px; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr">Step 3: Toggle the <strong>Data Roaming</strong> option off.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="data roaming" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off(15).jpg" style="height:649px; width:640px"></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-138">Data roaming on or off Android </h3>

<p dir="ltr">Step 1: Open your Android phone and go to <strong>Settings</strong>, choose <strong>Connections</strong> and tap <strong>Mobile networks</strong>.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="Mobile networks" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off(14).jpg" style="height:862px; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr">Step 2: Toggle the switch to turn the <strong>Data Roaming Access</strong> option off.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="data roaming access" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off(17).jpg" style="height:640px; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr">Read next: <a href="https://gospeedcheck.com/article/ee-mobile-data-not-working-1146">EE mobile data not working</a></p>

<h2 dir="ltr" id="tag-151"><strong>How do I monitor data usage?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">Monitoring data usage is a good way to help you avoid paying high roaming charges.</p>

<p dir="ltr">So, how to turn on/off roaming data Android/ iOS phone? Follow the following steps:</p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-155">Set a data limit on the Android phone</h3>

<p dir="ltr">Step 1: Navigate to the <strong>Settings </strong> <img alt="settings" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off%20(5).jpg" style="height:20px; width:20px"> , and you tap the <strong>Data Usage</strong>. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="android phone" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off(16).jpg" style="height:480px; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr">Step 2: You tap the <strong>set mobile data limit</strong></p>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">If the date listed beneath this differs from the day your allowance is refreshed, tap it and choose the <strong>Change Cycle</strong>.</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">Then select the correct day for your allowances to be refreshed.</p>
	</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Step 3: You'll now see two lines on the graph: one that specifies a limit for your data and another that allows you to set a warning.</p>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">Drag the top line (the limit) up or down until your data limit is reached. Although you can set a limit equal to your allowance, we recommend setting it slightly lower in case your carrier uses a different method of measuring data usage.</p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr">You can also set a limit by dragging the lower of the two lines (the warning) up or down, which we recommend setting at around 75% of your data allowance. </p>
	</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">For example, if you use 4GB of data per month, the warning should be 3GB. This is a very useful tool for making sure you don't go over.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="Set data usage limit" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off%20(4).jpg" style="height:500px; width:433px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Set data usage limit</em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-181">Enable data saver mode on iOS phone</h3>

<p dir="ltr">Step 1: Open your phone and tap <strong>Settings </strong><img alt="settings" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off%20(5).jpg" style="height:20px; width:20px">. Scroll down and choose the <strong>Cellular</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="Cellular Data" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off(18).jpg" style="height:411px; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr">Step 2: Then you tap the <strong>Cellular Data options =&gt; Data Mode</strong>. There are 3 options to choose: </p>

<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr"><strong>Allow more data on 5G</strong></p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr"><strong>Standard</strong></p>
	</li>
	<li dir="ltr">
	<p dir="ltr"><strong>Low data mode</strong></p>
	</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Select the 3rd option - Low data mode</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="Select the 3rd option" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off(19).jpg" style="height:361px; width:640px"></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-203">Data roaming on/off</h3>

<ol>
<li dir="ltr">
	<h4 dir="ltr" id="tag-206">On iPhone</h4>
	</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr">Step 1: Go to<strong> Settings</strong> <img alt="settings" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off%20(5).jpg" style="height:20px; width:20px"> =&gt; <strong>Mobile data </strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">Step 2: You will see the <strong>Mobile data options</strong>, click it.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Step 3: Toggle the <strong>Data roaming</strong> to the enable mode.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="data roaming" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off(20).jpg" style="height:347px; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center">iphone data roaming on or off</p>

<ol start="2">
<li dir="ltr">
	<h4 dir="ltr" id="tag-220">On Android</h4>
	</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr">Step 1: Go to <strong>Settings</strong> <img alt="settings" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off%20(5).jpg" style="height:20px; width:20px"> =&gt; <strong>Connections</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">Step 2: You will see the <strong>Mobile Networks</strong>, click it.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Step 3: Tap the <strong>Data roaming</strong> to enable/disable the mode</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="Data roaming off on Android phone" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off(21).jpg" style="height:428px; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Data roaming off on Android phone</em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-233">Limit data usage on specific apps</h3>

<ol>
<li dir="ltr">
	<h4 dir="ltr" id="tag-236">iOS phone</h4>
	</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr">Step 1: If you haven't already, go to <strong>Settings</strong> <img alt="settings" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off%20(5).jpg" style="height:20px; width:20px"> =&gt; <strong>Cellular</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">Step 2: Scroll down the list of your apps, check if and turn off the unnecessary apps from using data usage.</p>

<p style="text-align:center"><img alt="Choose and turn off data usage of specific apps" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off(23)%20(1).jpg" style="height:427px; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Choose and turn off data usage of specific apps</em></p>

<ol start="2">
<li dir="ltr">
	<h4 dir="ltr" id="tag-248">Android phone</h4>
	</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr">Step 1: Go to <strong>Settings</strong> <img alt="settings" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off%20(5).jpg" style="height:20px; width:20px"> =&gt; <strong>Network &amp; internet</strong> =&gt; <strong>Internet</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">Step 2: Scroll down the menu and select <strong>Non-carrier data usage</strong>.</p>

<p dir="ltr">A list of all apps on your phone will be shown on the screen.</p>

<p dir="ltr">You can click a specific app and see how much data the app has used.</p>

<p dir="ltr">If necessary, you are able to turn off the background app to save data. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="Turn off data usage of specific apps" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off(24).jpg" style="height:690px; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Turn off data usage of specific apps</em></p>

<h2 dir="ltr" id="tag-263"><strong>How to minimize data usage?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">Leaving such a service enabled on your smartphone can result in significant financial loss. You can, however, prevent this from happening with these tips below. </p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-266">Upgrade your mobile plan</h3>

<p dir="ltr">First of all, before leaving the country, you should get an affordable roaming plan.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Consider your online need and of course, its price.</p>

<p dir="ltr">This action will help you avoid incurring unwanted charges.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="Register an affordable roaming plan" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off(6).jpg" style="height:1136px; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr">Register an affordable roaming plan</p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-273">Keep track of your usage</h3>

<p dir="ltr">Besides, you can keep track of your data usage right on your smartphone.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In general, you need to go to Settings and then choose Cellular/Connections.</p>

<p dir="ltr">You will see a list of apps along with their data usage.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Furthermore, you can require your internet provider send you notifications if you reach your limit.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="Data usage of apps on Android phone" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off(7).jpg" style="height:1138px; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Data usage of apps on Android phone</em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-282">Use WiFi instead</h3>

<p dir="ltr">Downloading videos, streaming HD content, playing video games are activities consuming a lot of data.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Thus, you should limit doing these kinds of online activities to save the data.</p>

<p dir="ltr">It’s great to connect to Wifi instead.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Plus, you are able to use others messenger and calling apps such as Viber, Skype, Telegram to make international calls without paying any charges.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="Different messengers and callings apps" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off(8).jpg" style="height:360px; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Different messengers and callings apps</em></p>

<h3 dir="ltr" id="tag-291">Purchase a local SIM card</h3>

<p dir="ltr">You could also save money by purchasing a new local SIM card. </p>

<p dir="ltr">You can also rent one in a variety of countries. </p>

<p dir="ltr">These SIM cards are usually available at a reasonable price in convenience stores. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Simply open your phone's SIM slot and insert the new SIM card. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Keep your old SIM card because you will need it again when you return home.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="Purchase a local SIM card" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20240531/data%20roaming%20on%20or%20off/data-roaming-on-or-off(9).jpg" style="height:440px; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Purchase a local SIM card</em></p>

<blockquote>
<p dir="ltr">Related: <a href="https://gospeedcheck.com/article/roku-tv-not-connecting-to-wifi-1151">Roku TV Not Connecting To WiFi: Experts Share 11 Easy Fixe</a></p>
</blockquote>
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