BackHow to Use Data Roaming Efficiently?
Your phone burns roaming data before you open a single app. These 10 settings stop that: Low Data Mode, WhatsApp auto-downloads, cloud backups, and more. Full iPhone and Android steps, plus how StarHub connects you to the best network automatically.
In This Guide
- Before you fly: data settings to change
- When you land: how roaming works?
- In what order is your roaming data used up?
- What happens when your data runs low?
- FAQs
This guide follows your trip in order
Before you fly: data settings to change
Set these up on your home Wi-Fi before you head to the airport. It takes less than five minutes and will prevent unexpected roaming bills.
1. Switch on "Data Saver" Mode
It prevents apps from performing background tasks and pauses non-essential updates. This ensures your data is strictly reserved for your immediate needs, such as navigation or accessing travel documents.
Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Data Mode > Low Data Mode.
Using an eSIM? Tap that line first.
Samsung: Settings > Connections > Data Usage > Data Saver.
Pixel: Settings > Network > Data Saver.
2. Disable Automatic Network Switching
If your hotel Wi-Fi signal is weak, your phone will automatically switch to roaming data without asking. Turn this off so you only use data when you choose to.
Settings > Mobile Data > scroll to the very bottom > turn off Wi-Fi Assist.
Samsung: Connections > Wi-Fi > 3-dots > Intelligent Wi-Fi > turn off Switch to mobile data.
Pixel: Covered by Step 1.
3. Reset Data Usage Statistics
By resetting your stats on your departure day, you can see exactly how much you've used during your holiday. It’s the easiest way to avoid hitting your limit before the trip ends.
Settings > Mobile Data > scroll to the bottom > Reset Statistics.
Settings > Network > Mobile Network > Data usage > 3-dots > Reset statistics.
4. Pause Cloud Photo Backups
High-resolution photos are large files that can quickly consume hundreds of megabytes. Adjusting your settings to sync only over Wi-Fi ensures your memories are backed up securely overnight at your hotel rather than over expensive roaming networks.
Settings > Photos > Mobile Data > turn off Mobile Data.
Google Photos > Profile > Backup > Mobile data backup > turn Off.
5. Restrict WhatsApp Media Downloads
Group chats often receive high volumes of photos and videos. Setting media to "Wi-Fi Only" allows you to receive and read urgent text messages immediately while deferring large media downloads until you have a WiFi connection.
WhatsApp Settings > Storage and Data > When using mobile data > Uncheck all.
WhatsApp > 3-dots > Settings > Storage > When using mobile data > Uncheck all.
6. Turn off automatic App Updates
A single background app update can be 200MB+. Make sure your phone waits for hotel Wi-Fi before updating apps so you don't waste data on software you aren't even using.
Settings > App Store > turn off App Updates under Automatic Downloads.
Play Store > Profile > Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps > Wi-Fi only.
7. Switch email from "Push" to "Fetch"
"Push" settings keep your phone constantly connected to mail servers, which increases data and battery consumption. Switching to "Fetch" (e.g., every 30 minutes) is much more efficient for travel while still ensuring you receive updates regularly.
Settings > Mail > Accounts > Fetch New Data > turn off Push > Every 30 Mins.
Gmail > Profile > Manage accounts > select account > turn off Sync Gmail. (Check manually).
8. Manage Background Data for Social Apps
TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook refresh feeds and preload videos in the background even when closed. Restricting mobile data for these apps prevents this background consumption, ensuring they only use data when you choose to open them.
Settings > Mobile Data > scroll down and toggle off social apps you don't need on the go.
Samsung: Settings > Apps > App > Mobile data > turn off Allow background data.
9. Configure Streaming Quality Caps
Streaming apps default to the best quality your connection allows. Manually setting Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify to "Low" ensures a quick video doesn't eat through your entire day's allowance.
Open App Settings > Cellular Data > Low/Data Saver. Disable cellular downloads.
Open App Settings > Data Quality > Low/Data Saver. Disable cellular downloads.
10. Download Offline Maps
Google Maps uses a lot of data to load tiles as you move. By downloading your destination map at home, GPS navigation will work perfectly even if you turn your data off completely.
Google Maps > Search city > tap name > 3-dots > Download offline map.
Google Maps > Profile > Offline maps > Select own map > Download.
When you land: how roaming works?
The moment you turn off Airplane Mode, your phone automatically connects to the strongest network in StarHub's partner area. On 5G Unlimited+ Plans, roaming is built-in, no activation, no eSIMs and no hidden fees.
UNINTERRUPTED CONNECTIVITY
Stay connected the moment you land. StarHub links you to local networks without manual activation or swapping SIM cards.
Calls and data are already paid for. If your data runs out, it simply pauses—zero bill shock.
5G Unlimited+ Plans cover up to 165 destinations across SEA, APAC, and Global tiers. Check the list before you fly to ensure you're covered.
In what order is your roaming data used?
Expiry date first
Whichever expires sooner is used first. Add-ons purchased ahead of a trip are used before your monthly plan data if their expiry date is earlier.
Built-in before add-on
When expiry dates are the same, built-in plan data is deducted first. Add-on data is held in reserve until your built-in allowance is gone.
Most specific region first
Data is drawn from the pool most localised to you: SEA first, then APAC, then Global. This leaves your Global pool available for trips further afield.
💡 Example: Thailand then Japan
On a 5G Unlimited+ Plus Plan (10GB APAC / 5GB Global) in Thailand, your SEA data is used first, followed by APAC. When you fly to Japan, your APAC pool continues. Your 5GB Global pool stays untouched and ready for a future trip to Europe or the US.
What happens when your
roaming data runs low?
✓ Your data simply pauses
Once your allowance is used, data stops. There are no per-MB charges and no overages. You will not come home to an unexpected bill.
✓ Calls and SMS continue even after data runs out
Roaming calls and SMS are unlimited on all 5G Unlimited+ Plans across 165 destinations. Running out of data does not affect your ability to call or receive calls. Your Singapore number stays reachable throughout your trip.
✓ Top up in seconds from anywhere overseas
The StarHub app alerts you when your data is running low. Open the app, buy an add-on pack, and your data resumes. APAC add-on: $10 for 10GB across 20 destinations. Global add-on: $15 for 15GB across 165 destinations.
💡 What this means in practice
You only use data you have already paid for. StarHub cannot charge you for unexpected roaming usage. If your data runs out, buy a top-up and you are back online.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Low Data Mode restricts background data processes only. Calls and SMS work normally regardless of whether Low Data Mode is switched on.
Your data pauses immediately. There are no per-megabyte charges after your allowance is used. Calls and SMS continue normally. Roaming calls and SMS are unlimited on all 5G Unlimited+ Plans regardless of your data balance. To resume data, open the StarHub app, buy an add-on pack, and your data resumes.
No. Checking your balance in the StarHub app does not consume your roaming allowance. [VERIFY with product team before publishing]
No. Set your network selection to Automatic and your phone connects to the strongest available StarHub partner network on its own. No manual carrier selection needed.
Yes. Open the StarHub app from anywhere overseas to purchase additional roaming data. Your service resumes as soon as the purchase is confirmed.
From unlimited 5G to global roaming, we got you.
All 5G Unlimited+ Plans include global roaming across 165 destinations, unlimited roaming calls and SMS, and no bill shocks. Roaming is built into your monthly plan fee. No contract required.
5G Unlimited+ Core, $38/mth
Unlimited local data, calls and SMS. When roaming: unlimited incoming and outgoing calls and SMS, 3GB Global data, 5GB SEA data.
5G Unlimited+ Plus, $48/mth
Unlimited local data, calls and SMS. When roaming: unlimited incoming and outgoing calls and SMS, 5GB Global data, 10GB APAC data.
5G Unlimited+ Max, $78/mth
Unlimited local data, calls and SMS. When roaming: unlimited incoming and outgoing calls and SMS, 20GB Global data across 165+ destinations.
Disclaimer:
This content is provided for general information and convenience. While we take care in preparing our articles, readers should refer to official sources or professional advice for specific, up-to-date details.
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