A lot of travellers have always had connectivity problems when they most need them. This problem is quite common during international trips.
This problem occurs often, no matter if you arrive in New York, London, or Dubai.
Roaming may fail for simple reasons. What are some of the common causes of these issues?
Generally, it boils down to three factors. It’s either your plan does not offer International coverage, your network does not have a Roaming agreement with the local carrier, or Data roaming is disabled.
International roaming is meant to ensure you’re connected as soon as you arrive in a new country.
Ideally, your phone should seamlessly connect to a local partner network, enabling you to make calls, send messages, and use the internet just like you would at home.
However, in practice, things don’t always go as planned, and problems can arise.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to troubleshoot international roaming not working, provide practical steps to fix your connection, which covers phone settings, network selection, carrier issues, and reliable alternatives like eSIMs.
What Is International Roaming?
International roaming is a mobile service that lets you use your phone outside your home country while continuing to be billed by your regular service provider.
This is made possible through commercial agreements between your home network and mobile operators in other countries.
Once you cross a border, your phone automatically links to a compatible local network, allowing you to place calls, send messages, and access mobile data much like you would at home, though charges are usually higher.
In simpler terms, international roaming is when your cell phone company temporarily uses the services of another nation to be able to stay connected. Roaming keeps your existing number active abroad.
You do not need to change SIM cards or sign up for a new local plan.
The convenience is evident, but the price can be high when roaming rates are not verified beforehand.
How International Roaming Works?
When you arrive in another country and power on your phone, it scans for available mobile networks.
After identifying a compatible carrier, your device connects automatically.
From that point onward, your phone functions normally, but the local network handles your activity on behalf of your home provider.
The foreign operator records your usage and charges your home carrier, which then includes those costs in your regular bill.
This process happens in the background without manual input, making roaming easy to use, but also easy to overspend on if rates are not reviewed beforehand.
International roaming generally covers three core services:
1. Voice roaming
You can make and receive phone calls using your usual number. Call rates are typically higher than local charges and may vary depending on the destination.
2. SMS roaming
Text messaging works in much the same way as at home, though each message sent or received may attract an international fee.
3. Data roaming
Mobile internet access allows you to use apps, maps, email, and web browsing abroad.
Data roaming is often the most expensive service, making it important to track usage closely or rely on Wi-Fi where available.
What are the Common Reasons for International Roaming Not Working?
International roaming can stop working for a variety of reasons, and many of them are surprisingly easy to overlook.
Here are the most common issues that travellers encounter when roaming abroad:
1. Service Activation Issues
- One of the simplest reasons roaming might not work is that it hasn’t been activated with your provider. Sometimes, this step is overlooked when preparing for travel.
- Prepaid users may also face problems if their account runs out of credit or if their plan expires, preventing roaming services from functioning.
2. Network Compatibility Problems
- Another issue arises when your phone’s network bands are not compatible with the local carrier. Different countries and regions use different network frequencies, and if your device can’t connect to the local network, roaming won’t work.
- In some areas, particularly rural or less developed regions, 4G or 5G may not be available, leaving only 2G or 3G for data and voice services.
3. SIM Card or eSIM Problems
- If your SIM card isn’t correctly configured for roaming, it will fail to connect to local networks.
- Physical damage to the SIM card can interfere with its ability to connect to foreign networks. For eSIM users, incorrect activation or configuration can be a culprit.
4. Device Settings and Configuration
- It’s easy to forget that airplane mode disables all wireless services, including roaming. If you have airplane mode enabled, your phone won’t connect to any network, even if roaming is activated.
- Additionally, some devices have a specific setting to turn roaming on or off. If it’s disabled in your phone’s settings, roaming won’t work.
5. Regulatory Restrictions
- Some countries place restrictions on specific carriers or network bands, which may prevent roaming.
- Your SIM card may be locked by your home carrier, limiting its use in foreign networks.
6. Network Overload or Technical Glitches
- During peak traffic times, local networks can become overloaded, especially in high-traffic areas or tourist spots, making it difficult to get a stable roaming connection.
- Temporary outages or technical issues with the local network can also disrupt roaming services, even if everything else is set up correctly.
How to troubleshoot international roaming not working issues
Take these troubleshooting steps to resolve your data roaming not working:
1. Ensure International Roaming is Enabled
Log in to your carrier’s app or website to check if roaming is activated on your plan. Alternatively, contact customer support to confirm.
2. Check Mobile Settings on Your Device
After confirming that roaming is included in your plan, you can enable it through your phone settings:
- For iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and toggle Data Roaming ON.
- For Android: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks and enable Data Roaming.
Also, make sure Airplane Mode is off and restart your phone.
3. Manually Choose a Network
When you reach your destination, navigate to your phone’s Network Selection settings and set it to manual. From there, select a compatible local network.
4. Reset Network Settings
Resetting your network settings can resolve any software issues.
iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Android: Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth.
5. Update Software and Carrier Settings
If you’re still facing issues, try updating your carrier settings. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About.
6. Check SIM Card Compatibility
Ensure your SIM card supports international roaming. You can test it on another device to verify if it’s working.
7. Disable WiFi Calling
WiFi calling may cause problems if your WiFi signal is weak. Disable WiFi temporarily to connect through the cellular network, and re-enable it once troubleshooting is complete.
8. Verify APN Settings
The Access Point Name (APN) settings dictate how your phone connects to mobile data and networks.
Incorrect APN settings can prevent roaming from working even if it’s enabled.
- For iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Network and check the APN.
- For Android: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names and check or edit the APN.
How to Fix International Roaming Not Working on Your Phone
Check Roaming Settings on Android Devices
- Android phones don’t all look the same, but the idea is the same. Open Settings, find Network/Connections, then locate Mobile Network and turn Data Roaming on.
- Also check your preferred network mode. If your phone is set to LTE Only, it may struggle in places where LTE is weak. Set it to Auto (like LTE/3G/2G) so the phone can connect to what’s available.
- If you have two SIMs, confirm the correct SIM is being used for mobile data. Some phones accidentally use the wrong SIM for data when travelling.
Check Roaming Settings on iPhone
- On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Cellular Data Options and turn Data Roaming on.
- Next, check Voice & Data and choose LTE (or 5G if available). If you keep losing service, switching to LTE can be more stable than 5G in some locations.
- If roaming is still not working, try manual network selection. Go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection and turn off Automatic. Then select a different network from the list.
- If you suspect your phone settings are confused, reset network settings: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
This won’t delete your photos, but it will remove saved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections.
How to Avoid International Roaming Issues Before Traveling
- Confirm roaming is active before you travel, not at the airport. Ask your carrier to confirm it is enabled for your line.
- Check your destination coverage and write down the roaming partner networks. This helps if you need manual network selection later.
- Save your carrier’s customer care numbers and support channels where you can reach them through Wi-Fi like WhatsApp support.
- Enable Wi-Fi calling and test it at home so you know it works.
If you want peace of mind, install a backup eSIM before you travel. Keep it ready so you can activate it quickly if roaming fails.
FAQ’s: How to Troubleshoot International Roaming Not Working
1. Why is my international roaming not working even though it’s enabled?
Roaming can still fail due to account restrictions, unpaid bills, low prepaid balance, missing roaming plans, destination coverage gaps, or your phone connecting to the wrong network.
Try manual network selection and confirm with your carrier that roaming is active on your line.
2. Does international roaming work automatically when I land?
It should, but it doesn’t always. Sometimes you need to toggle airplane mode, restart your phone, or manually choose a supported network.
3. Can roaming fail because of my phone model?
Yes. Some phones don’t support the network bands used in certain countries, especially older or budget devices. Your phone may also be locked to a carrier.
4. Should I reset my network settings to fix roaming?
Yes, if basic steps fail. Resetting network settings can fix deep connection problems, but you’ll lose saved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections.
Final Thoughts
International roaming problems can be quite frustrating, but most can be resolved with calm, simple troubleshooting.
Begin with the basics: restart your phone, switch airplane mode on and off, and ensure data roaming is enabled.
If that doesn’t work, try manually selecting a network and checking with your carrier.
When roaming still refuses to work, an international eSIM can quickly restore your connection and keep your trip moving smoothly.
The best way to avoid roaming problems is to prepare before you travel. Activate roaming ahead of time, verify coverage, and have a backup plan in place.
