How to Turn On Data Roaming for Your eSIM Only (iPhone and Android)

Short answer: set the eSIM as your mobile data line, turn data roaming on for the eSIM, turn data roaming off for your home SIM, and switch off automatic data switching between lines. That way you browse on the plan you already paid for, and your home carrier can't charge you for roaming data.

Why turn on roaming for the eSIM line only?

When you travel with an eSIM, your phone holds two lines: your home SIM and the eSIM you bought for data. If data roaming is also on for your home line, the phone may use it for data and generate roaming charges from your carrier back home.

The fix is simple: make the eSIM your only data line, turn roaming on for it, and leave roaming off on your home line. You browse on the plan you paid for in advance, and you can still receive calls and SMS on your regular number (subject to your carrier's rates).

Below are the exact settings for iPhone, Samsung and Google Pixel.

How to turn on data roaming for an eSIM on iPhone

Open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data).
Tap Cellular Data and choose the eSIM line.
Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching, so the iPhone doesn't fall back to your home SIM for data.
Go back to Cellular and tap the eSIM line under SIMs.
Make sure Turn On This Line is on, then turn on Data Roaming.
Go back to Cellular again, tap your home line, and make sure Data Roaming is off.

Tip: you can rename the lines (for example "Home" and "Travel") under Cellular Plan Label, so each line is easy to recognize.

How to turn on data roaming for an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager.
Under Mobile data, choose the eSIM line.
If you see Auto data switching (or a similar option), turn it off.
Go back to Connections → Mobile networks.
Turn on Data roaming. With the data line set to the eSIM only, roaming applies to it.

Note: menu names vary slightly between One UI versions. If you can't find an option, search for it in the search bar at the top of the Settings screen.

How to turn on data roaming for an eSIM on Google Pixel and other Android phones

Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs.
Choose the eSIM line and turn on Mobile data.
On the same screen, turn on Roaming.
Go back to SIMs, choose your home line, and turn off both Mobile data and Roaming.

On Xiaomi, Huawei and other brands the principle is the same: set the eSIM as the data line, turn roaming on for it, and turn roaming off on your home line.

Pre-flight checklist and common mistakes

✔ The eSIM is installed and turned on.
✔ Mobile data is set to the eSIM line.
✔ Data roaming is on for the eSIM line.
✔ Data roaming is off for your home line.
✔ Automatic data switching between lines is off.

The most common mistake is leaving automatic data switching on. When the eSIM signal is weak, the phone quietly switches to browsing over your home line without you noticing.

Another mistake is forgetting to turn on roaming for the eSIM itself. The line then shows signal but there's no internet. If that happens, see eSIM not connecting after landing.

Frequently asked questions

Will turning on roaming for the eSIM cost me extra?

No. Roaming on the eSIM lets it connect to local networks at your destination, and the data comes out of the plan you already bought.

Can I still receive calls and SMS on my home number?

Yes, as long as your home line is turned on. Receiving calls and texts abroad may be charged at your carrier's rates, so check with them in advance. Here's more on using two numbers at once.

When should I turn on the eSIM?

Install it at home while you have a stable internet connection, and turn on data roaming for the eSIM when you land. See when to install and activate a travel eSIM.

What if there's no internet after landing?

Make sure roaming is on for the eSIM and that it's set as your data line. If there's still no connection, turn airplane mode on for a few seconds and then off again.

Summary

Three settings guarantee data abroad with no surprises on your bill: the eSIM is your data line, roaming is on only for the eSIM, and roaming is off on your home line.

Don't have an eSIM for your destination yet? Choose a travel eSIM and start browsing the moment you land.