Quick reference checklist
- If unsure, log a case with PCONNECT Support to confirm roaming is active on your account
- Understand the roaming data pack options (see Travel & Roaming guide)
- Note the international support number: +61 2 8395 0222 (1300 numbers can't be dialled from overseas)
- Download offline maps and essential content before departure
- Turn off Airplane Mode
- Enable Data Roaming in your phone settings
- Wait 2–5 minutes for your phone to find a network
- If no connection, restart your phone
- Try manual network selection if automatic doesn't work
- Disable automatic app updates over mobile data
- Turn off background app refresh for non-essential apps
- Disable iCloud / Google Photos auto-backup when on mobile data
- Use Wi-Fi Calling when connected to hotel or café Wi-Fi
- Monitor data usage in Settings to avoid surprises
Device setup walkthroughs
Step-by-step screenshots — tap any image to zoom.
Open Settings
Tap the Settings app on your home screen.
Tap Mobile (or Cellular)
Scroll down and tap "Mobile" (or "Cellular" in some regions).
Tap Mobile Data Options
Select "Mobile Data Options" or "Cellular Data Options".
Enable Data Roaming
Toggle "Data Roaming" to ON. You may see a warning about charges — tap OK to confirm. Using a travel eSIM? Make sure roaming is enabled on that specific line.
Access Network Selection
Go to Settings → Mobile → Network Selection.
Disable Automatic
Turn off "Automatic" to see available networks.
Select a network
Choose a local network from the list. If one doesn't work, try another. Remember to turn Automatic back ON when leaving the country.
Tap Network & Internet
Open Settings, then select "Network & internet".
Select Mobile Network
Tap "Mobile network" (or "SIMs" on newer Android versions, then select your SIM).
Enable Roaming
Toggle "Roaming" to ON. Confirm any prompts about additional charges.
Open Settings
Tap Settings from your app drawer or notification shade.
Tap Connections
Select "Connections" at the top of the Settings menu.
Tap Mobile networks
Select "Mobile networks".
Enable Data roaming
Toggle "Data roaming" to ON and confirm any warnings.
Access Network Operators
From Mobile network settings, tap "Network operators" or "Choose network".
Search for networks
Disable 'Select Automatically'. Your phone will scan for available networks — this may take 30–60 seconds.
Select a network
Tap a network from the list to connect. Try different networks if the first doesn't work.
iPhone
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings. Warning: this erases saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings.
Android (Pixel / Stock)
Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
Samsung
Settings → General management → Reset → Reset network settings.
Can't connect to a network
Enable data roaming on your device
Roaming is active on your PMOBILE plan by default — you just need to switch it on in your device. iPhone: Settings > Mobile Service > Mobile Data Options > Data Roaming (toggle on). Android (Pixel/stock): Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Roaming. Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Data roaming.
Restart your device
Power off completely, wait 30 seconds, then power back on. This forces your phone to search for available networks fresh.
Try manual network selection
iPhone: Settings > Mobile Service > Network Selection > toggle off Automatic, then pick a network from the list. Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Network operators > Search manually. Choose a major local carrier.
Check airplane mode
Toggle airplane mode on, wait 10 seconds, then toggle it off. This resets the radio connection and often resolves connectivity issues.
Data not working
Verify data roaming is toggled on
Even if roaming is enabled on your account, the setting on your device must also be turned on. Check Settings > Mobile Data Options > Data Roaming.
Check APN settings
Go to Settings > Mobile Service > Mobile Data Network (iPhone) or Settings > Mobile Network > Access Point Names (Android). APN should be set to: telstra.internet — leave username and password blank.
Reset network settings
iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Android: Settings > System > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Warning: this will remove saved Wi-Fi passwords.
Try a different network manually
The automatically selected network may not have a data roaming agreement. Manually select a different local carrier to see if data works on an alternative network.
Calls not connecting
Check you have signal
If you have no signal bars, follow the 'Can't connect to network' steps above first.
Dial with international format
When calling Australian numbers from overseas, dial +61 followed by the number without the leading 0. For example, 0412 345 678 becomes +61 412 345 678.
Check Wi-Fi Calling is disabled
Wi-Fi Calling can sometimes interfere with roaming calls. Try disabling it: iPhone: Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling. Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Wi-Fi Calling.
Restart your device
A restart clears temporary network issues that may be blocking calls.
iPhone-specific steps
Update carrier settings
Go to Settings > General > About. If a carrier settings update is available, you'll be prompted to install it.
Check for iOS updates
Settings > General > Software Update. Outdated iOS versions can have network compatibility issues in certain countries.
Reset network settings
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Re-enter Wi-Fi passwords after.
Remove and re-add eSIM (if applicable)
If using an eSIM, go to Settings > Mobile Service > select the PMOBILE plan > Remove eSIM. Then re-scan the QR code or use the activation link to reinstall.
Android-specific steps
Clear SIM toolkit cache
Settings > Apps > Show system apps > SIM Toolkit > Storage > Clear cache.
Set preferred network type
Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Preferred network type. Try switching between 4G/LTE and 3G to see which connects in your location.
Reset network settings
Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Mobile & Bluetooth. Re-enter Wi-Fi passwords after.
Check for system updates
Settings > System > System update. Install any available updates, as they may include network fixes.
FAQs
Still having issues?
Contact us on +61 2 8395 0222 from overseas, or 1300 049 211 within Australia, or email support@pconnect.com.au. Include your destination country, device model, and what you've already tried so we can help faster.
This usually means roaming is not enabled on your account, or there's no roaming agreement with the local network. Contact us to verify your roaming status.
Background apps can consume data without you realising. Disable background app refresh and automatic updates immediately. Contact us to review your usage and discuss a data cap.
Cruise ships use satellite networks with very high rates. We strongly recommend keeping your phone in airplane mode on cruise ships and using the ship's Wi-Fi instead. Contact us before your cruise for advice.
Still need help?
Talk to our team
Our Australian-based team is here to help you get the most out of PMOBILE. Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM AEST.
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