You may have heard of data roaming. What does this mean as related to your iPhone, though? We will talk about data roaming right now. Data usage can mean a huge difference in your phone bill, so it’s in your best interest to know about it.
What is Smartphone Data?
If you’ve ever heard the term “mobile data,” that is normally used interchangeably with the term “cellular data.” Mobile data or cellular data is internet connectivity. It is delivered wirelessly to your mobile device.
Let’s say you’re using the internet on your phone. If you are not connected to Wi-Fi, that means you are utilizing some of your allotted mobile data or cellular data.
You Only Have a Certain Amount of Mobile Data on Most Phone Plans
It’s crucial you understand that you only have a set amount of mobile data with most of the phone plans you can buy. If you pay more, though, you can get phone plans with unlimited mobile data.
Which Data Plan is For You?
Cellular data options like unlimited data usually appeal most to people who are constantly on their mobile devices watching movies, TV shows, YouTube videos, etc. Mobile data options like limited data plans are better for individuals who don’t use their phones much while they’re on the go.
Anyone who uses their iPhone more when they have access to Wi-Fi is also usually okay with more limited mobile data options as well. If you use your device this way, you utilize none of your precious data when you have Wi-Fi connectivity.
Now, let’s discuss data roaming.
What Does Data Roaming Mean?
The data roaming concept refers to what happens when you’re not in an area that’s covered by your network provider. Network providers include companies like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, and others.
Limited Coverage
These network providers try to cover as much of an area inside the US as they can. However, there will be sections that they don’t cover. Those might include regions across the US, and also in other countries.
Data roaming is what occurs if you need internet access with your mobile device via a cellular network, and you can’t use your preferred one. Rather than being unable to access the internet at all, instead, you can get online by using data roaming.
The High Cost of Internet
You get the internet access you want via your phone’s mobile data options, but you’re going to be paying more for it. This cost is added to your bill at the end of the month. These are called roaming charges.
You can choose cellular data options on your iPhone. When you do, you can turn off data roaming if you’re so inclined. If you turn data roaming off, that could mean you have no internet access at all if you’re in certain parts of the US or overseas, though.
Can You Use Your Settings App to Turn Off Data Roaming?
You should know that it’s possible to turn off data roaming on your mobile device, and you can do so without needing to contact Apple Support. You can do that by adjusting your phone’s settings if you don’t want to get hit with high roaming fees that your network is inclined to charge.
From your Home screen, go to Settings, then tap Cellular. Then, tap Cellular Data Options.
There, you will notice an option to turn data roaming off. It’s just as easy as turning on Airplane mode from your Home screen or accessing your SIM card.
Roaming on Your iPhone is Within Your Power to Control
If you’re going to be doing some international travel and you don’t want to pay for roaming, go to Settings and make the necessary adjustment. If you’re using your Apple iPhone in a region that your network doesn’t cover, you can do the same thing.
Owners of the Apple iPhone who have a limited data plan or who enjoy traveling internationally can avoid annoying roaming fees when they control this smartphone function.
