If you travel internationally or even switch between mobile networks, data roaming can cause unexpected charges on your iPhone 11. Turning it off prevents your phone from using mobile data while outside your carrier’s network. This guide shows you how to turn off data roaming on an iPhone 11 easily and safely.
📱 What Is Data Roaming?
Data roaming allows your iPhone to connect to mobile networks that are not part of your carrier’s plan, typically when you’re abroad. While convenient, it can result in:
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High mobile data charges
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Unintentional app updates or downloads
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Increased battery usage
Turning off data roaming ensures that your phone only uses Wi-Fi for data, preventing extra costs.
🔹 Method 1: Turn Off Data Roaming via Settings
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Open the Settings app on your iPhone 11.
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Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data depending on your region).
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Select Cellular Data Options (or Mobile Data Options).
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Toggle Data Roaming to OFF.
✅ Your iPhone will now avoid using mobile data while roaming, but calls and SMS messages will still work.
🔹 Method 2: Disable Data Roaming for Specific SIMs (Dual SIM Feature)
If your iPhone 11 uses dual SIMs, you can disable roaming for a specific line:
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Go to Settings → Cellular.
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Select the line you want to manage (Primary or Secondary).
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Tap Cellular Data Options → Data Roaming.
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Turn Data Roaming OFF for that line.
This is useful if you use one SIM for local data and the other for international travel.
🔹 Method 3: Use Airplane Mode (Optional Temporary Solution)
If you want to completely avoid roaming and calls, you can enable Airplane Mode:
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Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner.
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Tap the Airplane icon.
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Wi-Fi can be turned on separately if needed.
Note: Airplane Mode disables all cellular and wireless connections, so you won’t receive calls or texts unless you re-enable Wi-Fi.
🔹 Method 4: Check Carrier Settings for Roaming
Some carriers offer network-specific roaming settings:
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Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Roaming.
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You may see Voice Roaming and Data Roaming options.
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Turn Data Roaming OFF to avoid charges while still allowing calls.
This ensures only voice roaming is active if necessary.
🔹 Method 5: Turn Off Roaming for Apps
To prevent apps from using roaming data:
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Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data.
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Scroll down to the list of apps using mobile data.
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Toggle off data access for specific apps while roaming.
This helps reduce data usage for apps like streaming services or social media without completely turning off roaming.
💡 Tips to Avoid Roaming Charges
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Connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible.
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Download maps or entertainment offline before traveling.
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Check your carrier’s international plan for reduced roaming rates.
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Monitor mobile data usage in Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Usage.
⚙️ How to Know if Data Roaming Is Off
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Open Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Data Roaming – toggle should be OFF.
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No “Roaming” icon will appear near the signal bars.
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Your phone will only connect to your carrier’s network or Wi-Fi.
🧠 FAQ – Data Roaming on iPhone 11
Q1. Can I still make calls if data roaming is off?
Yes. Turning off data roaming only stops mobile internet usage. Calls and texts will work on your carrier’s network.
Q2. Will my iPhone use Wi-Fi while roaming is off?
Yes. Wi-Fi works independently of data roaming settings.
Q3. Can I turn off roaming temporarily while traveling?
Absolutely. You can toggle Data Roaming ON or OFF anytime in Settings → Cellular.
Q4. How do I avoid accidental roaming charges?
Keep Data Roaming OFF, use Wi-Fi, and monitor app usage in Cellular settings.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Turning off data roaming on an iPhone 11 is a simple yet effective way to prevent unexpected charges while traveling. Whether you toggle it off via Settings, control it for specific SIMs, or restrict app access, your iPhone will only use data when it’s safe and cost-effective.
By following this guide, you can enjoy your travels without worrying about roaming fees, while still staying connected via Wi-Fi.
