The fastest way to reduce data usage abroad is to cut what your phone uses in the background, download what you need on Wi-Fi, and get a local data plan so you don't pay roaming rates. Turn on Low Data Mode (iPhone) or Data Saver (Android), switch off Data Roaming on your home line, and save maps and shows offline before you go.
Quick wins to use less data abroad
If you only have a minute, do these before you leave:
- Turn off Data Roaming on your home SIM so it can't use a foreign network by accident.
- Turn on Low Data Mode on iPhone or Data Saver on Android.
- Download maps, music, podcasts and shows on Wi-Fi.
- Update apps over Wi-Fi only.
- Set a data warning so you see your usage early.
- Get a travel eSIM for the country you visit, so mobile data costs a fixed amount.
Menu names change a little between phone brands and software versions. If you can't find a setting, search for it in Settings.
Avoid roaming charges first
Roaming is the biggest data cost abroad, so start here. Apple says to turn off Data Roaming to avoid roaming charges when you travel. Keep it on only if your carrier has given you an international data plan (Apple: Use cellular data on your iPhone or iPad).
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming. With two SIMs or eSIMs, choose the line first (Apple: About cellular data roaming options).
- Android: look for Roaming in your SIM settings. The exact path depends on your phone brand, so search for "roaming" in Settings.
Not sure what your own plan allows? Ask your carrier before you travel. More in understanding data roaming, the correct roaming settings and why to disable roaming.
Use a travel eSIM instead of roaming
A travel eSIM is a data plan you install on your phone before you fly. You pay for a set amount of data for a set number of days, so there are no surprise roaming bills. You keep your home SIM in your phone for calls and texts, and use the eSIM for mobile data. Our travel eSIMs are data-only, so they don't come with a phone number.
To use it abroad, set the eSIM as your line for Cellular Data and turn Data Roaming on for that eSIM line only. Keep Data Roaming off on your home line. Our guide to international roaming with an eSIM explains how this works, and how to install an eSIM shows the steps.
Going to Europe? Here is a 10 GB regional plan to start from:
How to use less data on iPhone
1. Turn on Low Data Mode
Low Data Mode stops apps from using network data when you aren't using them, turns off Background App Refresh, lowers streaming quality, and turns off automatic downloads and backups (Apple: Use Low Data Mode on your iPhone and iPad).
- 4G/LTE: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Low Data Mode.
- 5G: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Mode > Low Data Mode.
- Dual SIM: Settings > Cellular, tap the number you use for data, then turn on Low Data Mode.
2. Switch off cellular data for single apps
Go to Settings > Cellular and scroll down to the list of apps. Turn off the toggle for any app you want to keep on Wi-Fi only. Apple also shows how much each app used, and lets you tap Reset Statistics to start counting from the day you land (Apple: Use cellular data on your iPhone or iPad). See also how to check your data usage on iPhone.
3. Limit Background App Refresh
Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Turn it off, or limit it to Wi-Fi (Apple: Switch apps on your iPhone).
4. Check Connectivity Assist
When your Wi-Fi is weak, your iPhone can switch to cellular data. Apple calls this Connectivity Assist, and says it can add to your cellular data use. You can turn it off in the Cellular settings.
How to use less data on Android
1. Turn on Data Saver
Open Settings > Network & internet > Data Saver and switch it on (Google: Use less mobile data with Data Saver). To let one app keep using data in the background, go to Data Saver > Unrestricted data and turn that app on.
2. Set a data warning and limit
On a Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Data warning & limit. A warning sends you a notification at the level you choose. A limit turns mobile data off when you reach it (Google: Reduce & manage mobile data usage). Set the warning a bit below the data in your eSIM plan.
3. See which apps use the most
In the same SIMs menu, tap App data usage to see a list of apps and pick a time period. Samsung and other brands name these menus a little differently.
4. Update apps over Wi-Fi only
In Google Play, tap your profile picture > Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps and choose over Wi-Fi only (Google Play Help: How to update apps on Android).
Download first, stream less abroad
Streaming video is where most travellers lose their data. Netflix says its Low setting uses up to 0.3 GB per hour, Medium up to 0.7 GB, and High up to 1 GB for standard definition, up to 3 GB for HD and up to 7 GB for 4K (Netflix: How to control how much data Netflix uses). A few good habits:
- Download shows and music on Wi-Fi before you leave, or at your hotel. In the Netflix app you can set downloads to Wi-Fi only.
- Lower the streaming quality in video and music apps when you have to use mobile data.
- Save offline maps. In Google Maps, search for the place, tap More, then Download offline map (Google Maps Help: Download areas and navigate offline). Offline downloads aren't available in every country.
- Download podcasts on Wi-Fi. See how much data podcasts use.
- Use lighter apps or app modes if the app offers one, and skip video autoplay.
Use Wi-Fi smartly
Hotel and airport Wi-Fi saves mobile data, but public networks aren't always safe. Read our tips on hotel Wi-Fi safety before you log in to banking apps. You can also make calls over Wi-Fi if your carrier supports it (see Wi-Fi calling). If you're not using data at all, Airplane Mode with Wi-Fi on stops your phone using mobile data.
Pick a data plan that fits your trip
Match the plan to your trip so you don't run out, and don't pay for data you won't use. Our eSIM data plan guide helps you choose. If you also use these settings, your plan will last longer. For more general ideas, read how to save mobile data and how to use less data abroad.
USA, Canada and Asia plans shown · data-only eSIMs, no phone number · Find the eSIM for your destination or see our Europe eSIMs
FAQ
How can I reduce data usage when streaming abroad?
Download shows and music on Wi-Fi before you travel, lower the video quality, and turn on Low Data Mode or Data Saver. Netflix lists up to 0.3 GB per hour on its Low setting and up to 3 GB per hour for HD, so quality makes a big difference.
How do I avoid expensive roaming charges while abroad?
Turn off Data Roaming on your home line, and use Wi-Fi or a travel eSIM for mobile data. Ask your carrier about its international options before you leave.
Does Low Data Mode or Data Saver slow down my phone?
No, they limit background data use. Some apps may load more slowly, update later or show lower quality video until you're on Wi-Fi.
Should I turn off mobile data completely abroad?
You can. Switch cellular data off in Settings, use Wi-Fi, and turn it on only when you need maps or messages. A travel eSIM lets you keep data on without roaming fees.
Do offline maps work without data?
Yes, if the area is downloaded. Google says offline navigation works while your whole route is inside the downloaded area, and it doesn't cover every country.