Data Roaming Problem

[Suzie63]

I’ve just returned from a weeks holiday to Spain and Portugal.  During that time I was unable to use data roaming despite everything being switched on as it should be (it worked fine upon my return to the UK).  Customer Services are unable to say why this happened and suggested a re-set (which I had already done whilst on holiday), but still no luck.  Has anybody else experienced this problem and do they know the solution?  I’m going away again later in the year and I obviously don’t want this happening again.

[Enlli]

Some phones need data AND data roaming turned on in the settings.

Don't know if that was the problem

[MI5]

@Suzie63 

Some things to try:
Manually search for another network
Turn off 5g
Change your data APN to "mobile.o2.co.uk"
Check with O2 whether you have a roaming bar on your account. Do this via social media
If you message O2 on Facebook ( https://o2uk.co/O2CFB) , Twitter ( https://o2uk.co/O2CTW) or Instagram ( https://o2uk.co/O2CIG) , they should be able to help.

[Suzie63]

Thanks for the reply.  Both the above were switched on.  

[pgn]

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@Suzie63 wrote:

Thanks for the reply.  Both the above were switched on.  

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Then, as pointed out above:

Check with O2 whether you have a roaming bar on your account. Do this via social media

The link just below this post will tell you how to get to O2 on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

[Suzie63]

Thanks for the info.  Customer Services are adamant that I should be able to use data roaming as nothing appears to be blocking it.  Can I ask if the data APN suggested should be used all the time (mine is currently idata.o2.co.uk)?

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@Suzie63 

I suspected that would be your problem.

You don't have the iData bolt on applied to your account which means there are some iPhone features that you can't use.

You have 2 choices:

1 - Change the data apn to mobile.o2.co.uk and your data will work everywhere.

2 - Ask O2 to apply the idata bolt on and leave your apn as it is now. Data will work everywhere and you will also get visual voicemail working and the ability to use your mobile phone as a wifi hotspot.

[Suzie63]

You’re right - apparently the idata bolt-on hadn’t been applied.  Find it a bit strange as I could use data roaming fine last year in Italy.  Hopefully it’s all sorted now.

[MI5]

Welcome @Suzie63