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Phones & Tablets

How do I get cellular data working with Roam Like Home on iPhone?

Answer

Turn on Cellular Data and Data Roaming under Settings > Cellular, then toggle Airplane Mode briefly to force a new network registration. If data still fails, check carrier lock status and confirm the roaming add-on is active with your carrier.

Before you start: stop right away if…

  • Do not share carrier account passwords or verification codes with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly about roaming.

Follow these steps

  1. Turn on Cellular Data

    Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) and turn Cellular Data on at the top.

    You should see: Cellular Data is enabled and the list of apps or data options becomes available.

  2. Enable Data Roaming

    Tap Cellular Data Options, then turn Data Roaming on. Leave Low Data Mode off while testing.

    You should see: Data Roaming is on and the phone can attempt a partner data network.

  3. Refresh the network connection

    Open Control Center, turn Airplane Mode on for about 15 seconds, then turn it off and wait for the carrier name and signal to return.

    You should see: The phone reconnects and data apps begin loading again.

  4. Check carrier lock and plan status

    Go to Settings > General > About and look for Carrier Lock. If it says SIM Locked, the phone may be limited to one carrier. Also contact your carrier or check their app to confirm the roaming plan is active for your current country.

    You should see: You know whether the phone is unlocked and whether roaming data is provisioned.

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Extra tips

What to look for: Status bar icons such as No Service, SOS, or cellular bars without LTE/5G, and whether Data Roaming is available under Cellular Data Options.

Before you change anything: Confirm your carrier plan includes Roam Like Home or international data for the country you are in. Note whether calls or texts still work while data does not. Avoid removing the SIM unless basic cellular settings fail. Never share account passwords or one-time codes with unexpected callers.

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