A Guide to Using Your iPhone in Germany

Also see our iPhone FAQ below.

Planning to take your US or Canadian iPhone to Germany and other European countries? This is the guide for you! We’ll tell you how to manage that without problems and nasty surprises. The iPhone is perfect for Europe, but there are some things you need to know.

Still need to buy an iPhone? Then see: Buying an iPhone for Germany.

Locked vs Unlocked
The first thing you need to know is that unlocked is better than locked. If possible, buy an unlocked iPhone. If you have an iPhone that you bought with a two-year contract (something that is becoming a thing of the past), it is usually locked. Once you pass the 24-month contract limit, you can get your phone unlocked, but you may have to ask your carrier to do that. (You’ll find instructions on how to do that below.)

But even if your iPhone is still locked, you have some good options for short-term use of your smartphone in Europe. Read on.

Military Exceptions: If you are military, you can get your mobile phone unlocked early if you’re being assigned to Germany or some other international assignment. All you have to do is verify your foreign deployment with your wireless provider. With an unlocked phone, you can use a SIM card or eSIM from a wireless provider in Germany for lower local rates. See the FAQ below for more.

SIM, eSIM, GSM, and 5G
Now that Verizon has joined the other US carriers in using 4G/LTE/5G technology, this is not as much of a concern as it once was. Now GSM has conquered the world, and iPhones sold by AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Apple in the USA use the mobile phone technology found in Europe and most countries around the globe. (Sprint is now part of T-Mobile USA.) Verizon’s old CDMA technology was scheduled to be completely phased out by the end of 2020.

The only remaining hitch is that different countries use different frequencies for their 4G/LTE or new 5G networks. But most iPhones are multi-band, able to function in most parts of the world. With the iPhone 12, Apple released their first 5G-capable iPhone, but 5G access is still limited in both Europe and North America. That’s why your status bar icon sometimes says “LTE” instead of “5G” (or 5G+/5GUW/5GUC).

All GSM mobile phones around the world, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile iPhones, use a SIM card or an eSIM chip, something required for international use.

The eSIM Advantage
In September 2018, with its then-new iPhone Xs, Xs Max, and Xr models, Apple began offering the eSIM option. As of the iPhone 14 release in 2022, eSIM is standard in US iPhones, and a physical SIM card is no longer an option. An eSIM is of particular interest to business people, travelers, and expats who want the freedom of having two different numbers on a single phone. On an iPhone, you can store eight or more eSIMs, which are available whenever you need them. But you can have only two eSIMs active at the same time. The tiny built-in, embedded eSIM chip can be activated electronically to add a second line to your iPhone. This way, for instance, you can have a US number for North American callers, and a second local (German) number for European callers. If you have a newer iPhone model, this is an option you can use – without having to insert a second SIM card. NOTE: All iPhone 14 models purchased in the United States have no physical SIM tray and support only eSIM. You can activate an unlocked iPhone 14 model that you purchased in the US with over 400 carriers in 100 markets all over the world that support eSIM on iPhone. Contact your carrier to confirm that they support eSIM on your cellular plan.

Already have an iPhone? Then just continue to read the information on this page. Still need to buy an iPhone? Then go to this page: Buying an iPhone for Germany

Taking Care of Business Before You Leave

Contract iPhones – Short-Term
If you already have a contract (locked) iPhone purchased in North America through AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon and you are visiting Europe for only a few weeks, you can get a special international roaming rate. You should do this before you travel.

A few years ago, T-Mobile introduced favorable rate plans that include “unlimited talk, text & data while on the T-Mobile network, and unlimited data & text in 120+ countries & destinations,” including Austria, Germany and Switzerland. T-Mobile’s Simple Choice plan (from $50/month) offers unlimited international data and text with talk at only 20 cents per minute in Germany and most of Europe. AT&T also has special international roaming plans when using your iPhone in Europe or other overseas locations, but AT&T charges about a dollar a minute. It does offer much lower rates using Wi-Fi. See the AT&T App info and the links below for current rates and details.

As a bonus, a T-Mobile USA plan now includes unlimited low-cost calls and texts to and from Mexico and Canada. There are a few restrictions, but it’s a pretty good deal. It does not include calls to Mexico and Canada while you’re in Europe. (Always check with your provider for the latest plans and pricing.)

If you don’t want to pay any data/text roaming charges at all, you can turn “Data Roaming” off and use only Wi-Fi (called Wlan/WLAN [vay-lahn] in Germany). That means you will only be able to view your email, text messages, web pages or other data via Wi-Fi. (But Wi-Fi calling is also available with some plans.) To turn off Data Roaming, go to Settings > General > Network > Data Roaming. Beneath this setting option you can read this notice: “Turn data roaming off when abroad to avoid substantial roaming charges when using email, web browsing and other data services.” If you don’t want to be limited only to Wi-Fi during your European stay, check on the international plans your carrier offers. See the links below.

T-Mobile USA’s Magenta plans: “Get 5GB of high-speed data abroad. With no international data-roaming charges.” See the T-Mobile link below for more.

• AT&T International Travel – AT&T International Day Pass and AT&T Passport
• T-Mobile International Calling and Data Plans – Simple Choice international roaming plans
• Planning a long-term stay in Germany? See Using a US iPhone in Germany/Europe – Long-Term below.

AT&T App for Android, iPhone, BlackBerry
The AT&T Call International Application provides cheaper international calls (from 4 cents/min.) via Wi-Fi from Europe. See the app store for your phone.

For other cell phone travel options in Europe see our main cell phone page.

FAQ: Using an iPhone in Germany and Europe

• I have an unlocked iPhone (6 or later). Can I use it in Europe?
  Yes. See more information on this page below.
• I have a locked (contract) iPhone (6 or later). Can I use it in Europe?
  Yes. For a short-term visit to Europe you can sign up for your carrier’s international roaming plan and data plan. (T-Mobile USA has one of the the best.) If you fail to do that and use roaming in Europe, you’ll pay a high price. Without a special plan, data and talk charges can be astronomical. – For a long-term stay (a month or more), you’ll be better off using an unlocked GSM cell phone (such as the iPhone). See more information on this page below.
• What if I have an iPhone from Sprint or Verizon?
  If it’s one of the later iPhone models, it will have a SIM slot that can be used with a German or other SIM card. Of course the phone must be unlocked to do that. If it’s locked, it can only be used with an international roaming plan, which is much more expensive than using an unlocked iPhone with a German/European SIM card.
• Are there Military Exceptions to allow my iPhone to be unlocked early for deployments?
  Yes. If you are deployed internationally or receive orders for international deployment, providers must unlock your device upon verification of deployment under the new standards. Contact your wireless carrier, provide verification of your deployment, and request that your device(s) be unlocked. (Source: fcc.gov)
• Can I keep all my data, photos and apps after I unlock my iPhone, or if I get a new iPhone?
  Yes. Make sure your current iPhone is backed up using iCloud. When you have the new iPhone you can restore your data from your backup. (See this Apple support page for more.) – If you’re replacing an Android or Windows phone, check with your provider on how to make the conversion. Also see this digitaltrends.com guide to making the Android to iOS conversion.
• I have an Android smartphone. Will it work in Europe and Germany?
  Samsung and other smartphone makers sell many models that work well in the US and Europe. The Samsung Galaxy models are good options.
• Will a US iPhone power adapter work in Europe?
  Yes. All Apple products (laptops, iPods, iPads, iPhones, etc.) operate with either 120 or 230-volt power. You only need a plug adapter to convert the US flat-pronged plug to the European round prongs.

International Text and Data

In German a text message is called an SMS (“short message service”). There are various international text messaging plans available, including T-Mobile’s Passport option. Another option, and a free one, that works with almost any smartphone or tablet is What’s App. As long as you have Wi-Fi, you can send and receive text and images for free, as long as the other person also has the same (free) app installed. Just use your phone to download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play (Android).

The “Messages” app included in the iPhone iOS also allows you to send free text, data and images using Wi-Fi from anywhere in the world.

Using a US iPhone in Germany/Europe – Long-Term
If you are an expat living and working in Austria, Germany, Switzerland or another European country, you need a long-term solution. You’ll want to set up your iPhone with a local prepaid plan or a rate plan with T-Mobile Germany, O2 or Vodafone (or other European carriers). If you have an unlocked iPhone this is no problem. If you have a carrier-subsidized (two-year contract) GSM-capable iPhone (from AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon), things get a little more complicated.

Unlocking Your US Phone
In February 2015 a new FCC regulation concerning mobile phone unlocking took effect in the United States. But prior to that date, the Federal Communications Commission had already acted to ensure that most people could unlock their phones. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler had pressured the wireless carriers to sign on to a new unlocking policy. Under the threat of new regulations, the major providers all agreed to unlock their customers’ phones upon request.

However, in order to be unlocked, your phone must meet certain conditions, the main one being that it is no longer under contract. And you have to ask. Your carrier will not automatically unlock your iPhone or any other smartphone. In fact they will gladly let you continue under your old contract, past the 24-month period, even though your phone is paid for. Some carriers now offer lease or upgrade plans that may include an unlocked phone. But you must satisfy any remaining financial obligations before you can leave your carrier.

So the first thing you have to do is ask your carrier to unlock your phone. The procedure for an iPhone is the same as any other smartphone. You need to make sure you have backed up your phone’s data (using iCloud for an iPhone or iPad). Below is an example for AT&T, but it is similar for all carriers. There is no charge for unlocking a phone in the US. Some Canadian carriers may charge a fee.

Unlocking a US or Canadian iPhone
Only your wireless carrier can unlock your phone. Apple will not unlock your iPhone until it gets approval from your carrier. One reason AT&T was very unpopular with a lot of people was their policy on unlocking iPhones – or rather NOT unlocking iPhones. Until 2012, the AT&T Wireless support website stated simply: “The iPhone cannot be unlocked, even if you are out of contract.” But in April 2012, in response to FCC pressure, AT&T changed this policy, making it possible to unlock an AT&T iPhone under certain conditions – mainly having an iPhone that has fulfilled its initial two-year contract. As we mentioned above, there is a military exception for personnel assigned overseas that allows early unlocking of your phone.

Canada: Five of the eight iPhone partner carriers in Canada now offer iPhone unlocking services. Bell and Virgin joined the existing providers Fido, Rogers and Telus in November 2012 in offering that option. As with AT&T in the United States, you must own the phone outright and have no time left on your contract. Unlike AT&T, Bell and Virgin charge a $75 (CDN) fee for unlocking your iPhone. Contact your Canadian carrier for current information.

Want to buy an unlocked iPhone? Try to buy it in the US from Apple or a US carrier! An unlocked iPhone is more expensive in Europe. See Buying an iPhone for Germany for more.

How to Unlock Your iPhone (AT&T and Other Carriers)
See instructions for other carriers below.
If you have an AT&T iPhone and have fulfilled your two-year contract, you can get it unlocked by AT&T and Apple. All you need is your phone’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number, which you can find on your phone under Settings > General > About (scroll down to find the IMEI). Then you ask AT&T to approve the unlock (online or in a store). Once that is done, you have to wait for Apple to actually unlock the phone, which is done via iCloud. The process normally takes only an hour or so, although Apple says to allow up to 72 hours.

For SIM instructions and a step-by-step guide for all wireless carriers, see the next section.

Other Carriers
For other wireless carriers the unlocking procedure is similar to AT&T. Here are instructions for unlocking an iPhone, a slightly edited version of those provided on the Apple iPhone Support site:

Get your iPhone’s IMEI as explained above. Your carrier will need to process your unlock request. Then you’ll back up, erase, and restore your iPhone to unlock it. Here are the steps you need to take:

1. Only your carrier can unlock your iPhone. All the major carriers will unlock since the new 2015 FCC rules on unlocking, but carriers have their own requirements for unlocking.
2. Contact your carrier and request an unlock. You might need to meet requirements to qualify for unlocking. After you submit the request to your carrier, it might take hours or days to complete. Contact your carrier for the status of your unlock request.
3. After your carrier confirms that your iPhone unlock has been processed, go to the next section.

If you have a SIM card from a carrier other than your current carrier, follow these steps:

1. Remove your SIM card and insert the new SIM card.
2. Complete the setup process.

If you don’t have another SIM card you can use, follow these steps to complete the process:

1. Back up your iPhone.
2. When you have a backup, erase your iPhone.
3. Restore your iPhone from the backup you just made.
4. When you have a new SIM card from the new provider, insert it in your iPhone. Note: If you have a SIM card from a German or European carrier, you should not insert it until you’re in Germany or Europe.

With or without a SIM card or eSIM, your iPhone will still work with Wi-Fi. You just can’t use the phone function without a SIM card. If no SIM card is in your phone, or you have a locked SIM card inserted, you will see the message “Locked SIM” at the top left of your screen (opposite the battery icon). You’ll need to enter the new SIM’s PIN in order to activate it. The new SIM will come with instructions for activating it. For an eSIM also see: Use eSIM while traveling abroad with your iPhone

Taking your iPhone to France, Italy, Spain, the UK or some other European country? All the above info on using an unlocked iPhone in Germany applies to other countries. The only difference is the carrier.

If You Have an Unlocked iPhone
If you already have an unlocked iPhone that you purchased without a contract, or an iPhone that is now unlocked, you have lots of options in Germany and Europe!

Germans and other Europeans have many more mobile phone choices than Americans. They are used to picking and choosing among a great variety of Handy (cell/mobile phone) providers. Besides the three major German iPhone service providers (Telekom, O2, Vodafone), there are many prepaid options and smaller service providers. Not all of them will work with the iPhone, but many will. All you need is a SIM card or eSIM from a German (or European) wireless carrier, and you’re in business.

The New Prepaid Problem
Since 2017, it has become a bit more complicated to obtain a German prepaid SIM card for short-term use. Before 2017, you did not need a German address to buy a prepaid SIM card to use in your unlocked phone. Now, in response to possible crime and terrorism (“burner phones”), you must provide a name and a German mailing address to which your prepaid German SIM card will be mailed. If a prepaid plan isn’t possible, you’ll want to make sure you have a good international roaming plan from your home mobile operator.

Mobile Roaming in the European Union (EU)
Once you have a SIM card or eSIM with a German or European carrier, you can enjoy the new international mobile phone RLAH (Roam Like at Home) regulations that the EU introduced in June 2017. Before that, if you went to France or Spain with a German mobile phone, you had to pay extra roaming charges when making mobile calls or texting from countries outside Germany. Now those roaming fees are no longer permitted. (Since Brexit, the roaming situation for the United Kingdom is a bit iffy. Check with the RLAH site about that.) Proposed time limits of 30 to 90 days were later dropped for a “fair use policy” that allows mobile operators to “apply fair, reasonable and proportionate control mechanisms to avoid abusive use” of the roaming rules. As long as you don’t overdo it, you can enjoy free roaming in the EU. Note that if you are on an EU prepaid plan, your carrier may impose data limits. Otherwise, your EU roaming data limits are determined by the type of plan you have with your domestic carrier.

Note that EU “roam like at home” regulations only apply when you are actually roaming abroad in the EU. The rates for calls or text from one country to another are still regulated by your home country, in this case Germany. If you call or text to another country from Germany, the rates are determined by German regulators and your carrier. Also, the EU roaming rules do not apply to non-EU nations such as Switzerland, but some mobile operators offer free roaming anyway. As always, check with your carrier!

You can discover the many iPhone options in Germany online, or by visiting one of the many mobile phone retailers in Germany. See Part 1 (Apple Stores and other options in Germany) for more.

Back | The iPhone in Germany – Part 1

Related Pages
AT THE GERMAN WAY

• The iPhone in Germany – Part 1 (Buying an iPhone for Germany)
• Apple Stores in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
• Cell Phones in Germany and Europe – “Handy” Cell Phone Tips – Useful advice for using a wireless phone in North America and Germany / Europe – and saving money.
• Mobile Phone Glossary – What is a SIM, CDMA, GSM or WLAN?
• Telephone Tips – Getting phone service and using a phone in Germany and Europe
• Electrical Facts – Some shocking facts about electrical appliances in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
• For Expats: Living in Germany – Advice and links for expats in German-speaking Europe.
• Hedy Lamarr – The Austrian actress was the co-inventor of “frequency hopping”—a technology that later became known as spread spectrum, a technology adapted for cell phones.

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