How to avoid data roaming charges on your iPhone

This is easier (and safer) than removing a physical SIM card, and it will fully disable your Primary SIM (phone number and/or data plan) while you’re in another country.

Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans > Primary > Toggle Turn on This Line “OFF”

We need your eSIM to be switched on and allowed to “roam” so we can automatically connect you to the best supported network at all times during your travels.

Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans > Your eSIM > Turn Data Roaming “ON” and toggle Turn on This Line “ON”

Even though you’ve already toggled off your Primary SIM, this setting tells your iPhone to only use your eSIM for data right now, and not to ever switch back and forth.

Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > Select your eSIM and make sure “Allow Cellular Data Switching” stays “OFF”

Since your phone number won’t be working while you travel, the only way to continue to send/receive iMessages is by making sure it can use your Apple ID email address.

Settings > Messages > iMessage > Make sure your Apple ID email address is checked off

Just like with iMessage, you want it to be connected to your Apple ID (which will continue to work via Wi-Fi or your aloSIM data). Make sure FaceTime can use your Apple ID email address.

Settings > FaceTime > Make sure your Apple ID email address is checked off

If you’d like a way to call and text affordably while you’re travelling, our sister app Hushed has real phone numbers that work over Wi-Fi or data (300+ area codes) starting at $1.99.

Download Hushed for your iPhone > Choose a phone number > Select a plan for calling and texting