Skip to roaming guide

THE BEFORE-YOU-GO CHECK

Your travel data.
The right settings.

A minute in Settings can help you avoid unexpected data roaming charges on your usual SIM. Here’s what to check before you explore.

Check my settings

For iPhone and Android · No technical know-how needed

YOUR USUAL NUMBER

Primary SIM

Data Roaming OFF

YOUR TRAVEL DATA

GrabaSIM

Data Roaming ON

Selected for mobile data
Automatic data switching OFF
The settings to aim for at your covered destination.
Illustrations only — change these in your phone’s Settings.
01

Primary SIM roamingOFF

02

GrabaSIM roamingON

03

Mobile data usesGrabaSIM

TWO LINES. DIFFERENT JOBS.

Keep your data
on the right line.

Data roaming lets a SIM connect to another network while you’re away. Your home provider may charge extra for this. Your GrabaSIM travel eSIM uses partner networks, so its own Data Roaming setting should stay on at a destination covered by your plan.

Choose GrabaSIM for mobile data and turn automatic data switching off. This helps keep your phone from moving data to your primary SIM.

What about calls and texts?

LET’S SET YOU UP

Find your phone.
Follow the steps.

Start on Wi-Fi with your eSIM installed. Label your lines “Primary” and “GrabaSIM” so they’re easy to tell apart.

01 / IPHONE

A few taps.
Ready to roam.

Menu names may be Mobile Service, Mobile Data or Cellular, depending on your region and iOS version.

  1. Protect your primary line.

    Open Settings → Mobile Service / Cellular → Primary. Find Data Roaming (it may be under Mobile Data Options) and turn it OFF.

  2. Enable your travel connection.

    Return to your SIMs and choose GrabaSIM. Keep this line enabled and turn Data Roaming ON for your covered destination.

  3. Choose the data line.

    Go back to Mobile Service / Cellular → Mobile Data / Cellular Data. Select GrabaSIM, then turn Allow Mobile / Cellular Data Switching OFF.

Device help: Apple roaming settings (opens in a new tab)↗ · Apple Dual SIM guide (opens in a new tab)↗

Mobile Data

PrimaryNot selected
GrabaSIM✓
Allow Mobile
Data Switching

Data switching: OFF

Also check each line

Primary roamingOFF
GrabaSIM roamingON
Illustrative iPhone settings.
Labels and layout vary by iOS version.

02 / ANDROID

Your travel SIM.
Your data choice.

These steps use Google Pixel as a guide. Other Android phones may use Mobile network or SIM manager. Search Settings for “SIM” or “roaming” if needed.

  1. Set your primary SIM to roaming off.

    Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs / Internet. Choose your primary SIM (or its settings icon) and turn Roaming OFF.

  2. Set GrabaSIM to roaming on.

    Choose your GrabaSIM line. Keep Use SIM enabled and turn Roaming ON at your covered destination.

  3. Keep data with GrabaSIM.

    Under your SIM preferences, choose GrabaSIM for Mobile data. Turn Automatic data switching OFF where available. Also disable options that use your primary SIM’s data during calls.

Device help: Google roaming settings (opens in a new tab)↗ · Google Dual SIM guide (opens in a new tab)↗

SIMs

Your SIMs

PrimaryRoaming OFF
GrabaSIMRoaming ON

Your preferences

Mobile dataGrabaSIM✓
Automatic data
switchingOFF
Illustrative Android / Google Pixel settings.
Check your manufacturer’s guide for your model.

One last check, when you arrive.

Confirm your destination is covered, your plan is valid and GrabaSIM is selected for data. Then turn Wi-Fi off briefly to check your connection. Need connection help? ↗

THE OTHER PART OF THE PICTURE

Data settings
aren’t the whole bill.

Turning off primary-SIM data roaming helps control data use. It does not block every service your home provider can charge for.

Calls, SMS & voicemail

Making or receiving calls, sending texts and accessing voicemail may incur charges on your primary line. Check your provider’s roaming and Wi-Fi calling terms.

Keeping your number

You can keep your primary line on if you need it, with its data roaming off. For more control, temporarily disable that line if you do not need calls or verification texts.

When you get home

Choose your primary SIM for data again and review its roaming setting for your home plan. Turn off your travel line when you no longer need it; avoid deleting an eSIM you may reuse.

GOOD TO KNOW

Less guesswork.
More exploring.

Settings vary by device, plan and network. Your plan’s installation instructions are the place to check any extra requirements.

Should Data Roaming be on or off for my GrabaSIM eSIM?

Keep Data Roaming on for your GrabaSIM line when using your plan at its covered destination. Travel eSIMs connect through partner networks. Keep Data Roaming off for your primary SIM and select GrabaSIM for mobile data. Follow any additional instructions supplied with your plan.

Does turning off Data Roaming prevent every charge on my primary SIM?

No. The Data Roaming setting controls mobile data. Your home provider may still charge for calls, SMS, voicemail, Wi-Fi calling or other services, depending on its terms. Check those terms before travelling. If you do not need your home number, you can temporarily turn that line off; it will not receive calls or verification texts while disabled.

Why should I turn automatic data switching off?

Automatic data switching can allow your phone to use another SIM for data. Turn it off to keep GrabaSIM as your chosen data line. Features such as using both SIMs during calls may be affected, depending on your phone and network.

My phone uses different menu names. What should I look for?

On iPhone, look for Mobile Service, Mobile Data or Cellular in Settings. On Android, look for Network & internet, SIMs, Mobile network or SIM manager. Menu names and available features vary by device, software version and network. The Android illustrations on this page use a Google Pixel style; check your manufacturer’s guide for exact steps.

What should I do if my GrabaSIM eSIM has no connection?

Connect to Wi-Fi first. Check that your plan covers your current destination, has started and still has data and validity. Make sure the GrabaSIM line is enabled, selected for mobile data and has Data Roaming on. Follow your plan’s network and APN instructions, then contact GrabaSIM support if you still need help. Do not delete your eSIM while troubleshooting.

When should I download the GrabaSIM app?

Download the app over Wi-Fi to save your eSIM data while roaming. It lets you check your remaining data and validity, and top up eligible plans. Network usage reports may be delayed.

YOUR DATA, CLOSE AT HAND

All set?
Keep an eye on your data.

Check your allowance and validity, and top up eligible plans in the GrabaSIM app.

Explore the app
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Download the app over Wi-Fi to save your eSIM data while roaming.

Free to download. Data plans purchased separately.
Usage reports may be delayed.

Still finding your way? We’ll help you get connected.

Contact support