Turning off data from account (not in phone settings) when roaming

@fdicello

Yes. 

Told her to ignore calls, and text if she needed service on in an emergency. 

Yes,  no data can be used anywhere, wifi still works. 

and yes. Data is required for location services 

Remember, when roaming you are not connected to ATT’s network. I don’t know what information is passed to the roaming carrier when your phone connects other than whether or not to allow roaming. I can’t say I’ve ever seen anyone post that they were able to stop data roaming by turning data off at the account level. It is possible the phone will still be able to use data and run up roaming charges.

Actually @sandblaster, I can tell you that during my last trip abroad using IDP, I had to turn data off from the account in order to stop all data traffic. I checked my log and despite having roaming (and later also mobile data) off in the phone settings, small amount of data (few kb) was still exchanged and I was afraid it would trigger the daily fee. One more reason why I don't like IDP and wish passport was still available.

Unfortunately I didn't think of testing if turning off data only from the account would prevent charges.

Hello @fdicello, we're happy to help with information about turning off your data on your devices. 

Thank you, @formerlyknownas for the information provided. In addition, authorized users on the account may temporarily suspend data access for each device on the plan.

• Turning off data usage is temporary, lasting to the end of the current billing period. When your next billing period begins, all devices on your plan automatically reactivate.
• Any disabled device will still have data access when connected to a Wi-Fi network, which doesn't count against your shared data plan.
• Monthly charges will continue to apply.

Although, its recommened to have a International plan added to the device to avoid unexptected international charges. If you don’t want to be charged a daily fee, stop using your device before your 24-hour International Day Pass expires. You should turn off Data Roaming in your device Settings to avoid triggering a daily fee for unintentional data usage.

And as mentioned above, data is required for location services as well. Feel free to reach back out if you have any questions. Thank you for contacting AT&T Community Forums. 

Alasani, AT&T Community Specialist 

I turned off data regularly when my mom was traveling abroad.  

Dear @ATTHelp,

As you yourself state, the best way to avoid triggering the daily fee is turning roaming off.

But doing that disables the location services as well. So it's pretty much pay the daily fee or brick the phone.

That is why I asked if turning off data usage in the account, leaving roaming switched on in the phone settings is enough to avoid triggering a daily fee. I know that deactivates location services as well but at least it can be reactivated remotely.

By the way. I didn't have to worry about any of this with ATT Passport but unfortunately, regrettably, inconceivably, it's been discontinued...

@formerlyknownas Do you mean on the account?

I turned off data regularly when my mom was traveling abroad.  

@formerlyknownas But how do you know it stopped roaming data? If her phone had data roaming already turned off, that alone would prevent data usage, at least it always has for me.

That's a good point @sandblaster. Did you ever check the logs though? The amount of data I saw was minimal and not evident in the usage meter. In the end it did not trigger the day pass.

It could also be that my phone is unlocked.

@formerlyknownas do you know if the phone also had roaming turned off? I think the default is indeed off.