Roaming in the USA

From January 2023, mobile network providers in the USA are switching off their 2G and 3G coverage to make room for the more advanced 4G and 5G networks, giving better, faster and more reliable services.

This means to make and receive calls, send and receive texts, or contact the emergency services while you’re in the USA, you’ll need to make sure your phone is compatible with something called VoLTE Roaming, also known as 4G Calling abroad. And check 'VoLTE' is switched on in your device settings.

Before you travel to the USA...

1. Check if your phone is compatible

Many phones support VoLTE Roaming (4G Calling abroad) in the USA, including:

  • iPhone 7 and above running iOS15 or higher.
  • Samsung S10 and above, and Samsung A series, running Android 12 or higher.

To check if your phone is compatible:

  1. Go to Device Support.
  2. Select your phone make and model.
  3. Scroll down and select the Specifications/Specs tab and go to/select Network.
  4. Check whether your phone is compatible with VoLTE Roaming (works in the USA).

Compatible device examples:

Device Support screen showing two compatible devices. One example showing a green tick and another saying 'Yes (with Android 12 or higher)' beside 'VoLTE Roaming (works in in the USA)'

If ‘VoLTE Roaming (works in the USA)’ isn’t listed or has a red cross (X) beside it, your device is not compatible .

2. Make sure VoLTE is switched on in your device settings

  • iPhones: Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data > switch VoLTE on.
  • Android devices: Go to Settings > Connections/Network & internet > Mobile networks > switch VoLTE on.

5G iPhones might have VoLTE on by default.

3. Check your spend cap

To roam in the USA, you’ll need a compatible device and the Roaming Passport Plus pass (£2 for 24 hours). If your spend cap is set too low, you won’t be able to access Roaming Passport Plus and won’t be able to use your device abroad. Check your spend cap limit

Useful info