How to Deactivate Roaming Smart – Stop Unexpected Charges
Quick Answer: To deactivate Smart roaming immediately, text ROAM OFF to 333. That’s the fastest method for most users. For more options, read the full guide below.
Ever opened your phone bill after a trip and felt your heart drop? Roaming charges are no joke. One day of accidentally leaving roaming on can cost you more than the whole trip itself, and honestly, that’s just painful.
If you’re a Smart subscriber looking to turn off roaming on your SIM, the process is easy. Whether you are on a Prepaid or Postpaid plan, you can easily manage your connection using SMS codes or your device’s internal settings.
This guide covers the essential steps you need to stop roaming services and avoid unnecessary charges.
What Is Smart Roaming and Why Should You Turn It Off?
Smart Roaming lets your Smart SIM connect to foreign or partner networks when you travel outside your home coverage area. The problem is, your phone connects automatically in the background. So even if you’re not actively using data, calls, or texts can still rack up charges.
That’s exactly why knowing how to deactivate Smart roaming is so important, especially before you travel, or if you’ve just returned and noticed unexpected charges on your account.
1 Send an SMS to 333 (Quickest Way)
This is the easiest method. No apps, no menus, no phone settings. Just your texting app.
For Prepaid users:
- Open your Messages app
- Type: ROAM OFF
- Send it to 333
You’ll get a confirmation message once it’s done. Takes about 30 seconds.
For Postpaid users, the same SMS to 333 should work, but if it doesn’t, jump to Method 5 below.
Is the SMS free to send? Yes, texting ROAM OFF to 333 is free of charge for both prepaid and postpaid Smart subscribers.
Do this before you leave for your trip, not after you land. Roaming can kick in the moment your plane touches down.
2 Use Dial Codes to Deactivate Smart Roaming
Not a texting person? Smart also lets you manage roaming using dial codes from your phone’s dialer.
Here are the codes that work for most Smart subscribers:
- Dial *123# and select the Roaming option from the menu
- Alternatively, dial 1800-10-888-9999 if you’re calling from a landline
Note: Smart does not publish a single universal roaming deactivation dial code because the menu options can vary depending on your handset and plan type. If *123# doesn’t show a roaming option on your specific phone, use the SMS method (Method 1) or the MySmart app (Method 4) instead; both are more reliable.
This method works even without a data connection, which is useful when you’re already abroad, and your data is acting up.
3 Turn Off Data Roaming in Your Phone Settings
Even if you deactivate roaming through Smart’s network, it’s also smart to turn off data roaming in your phone settings. Think of it as a double lock.
On Android:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Connections (or Network & Internet on some phones)
- Tap Mobile Networks
- Toggle Data Roaming to OFF
On iPhone:
- Open Settings
- Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data)
- Tap Cellular Data Options
- Toggle Data Roaming to OFF
This step is especially useful for travelers. Even after you’ve sent the ROAM OFF SMS, keeping this setting off means zero accidental data usage abroad.
4 Deactivate Smart Roaming via the MySmart App or Website
If you prefer doing things online, Smart gives you two digital options.
MySmart App:
- Download the MySmart app from Google Play or the App Store
- Log in with your Smart number
- Go to Account Settings → Roaming
- Toggle roaming OFF
Smart’s Website:
- Go to website
- Log in to your account
- Navigate to your plan settings → find the Roaming option
- Deactivate it from there
This is the best method for people who want to manage everything visually without code or settings menus.
5 Call Smart Customer Service (For Postpaid Users Especially)
Postpaid users sometimes have roaming tied to their plan differently. If the SMS or dial code methods aren’t working, the safest move is to call Smart directly.
- Smart Hotline: 888 (free from a Smart or Sun number)
- PLDT Landline: 1800-10-888-9999
Tell the agent you want to deactivate international roaming on your Smart account. They’ll handle it and confirm once it’s done. Takes about 5–10 minutes, depending on the queue.
How to Check If Smart Roaming Is Actually Off
Most guides skip this, but verifying that roaming is actually deactivated matters.
To check your roaming status:
- Text STATUS to 333, and you’ll receive an SMS confirming whether roaming is active or not
- Check the MySmart app under Account Settings → Roaming
- Call 888 and ask the agent to confirm your roaming status
If roaming is still on after trying a method, try once more or call customer support directly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Forgetting to turn off data roaming in phone settings
Even with Smart roaming deactivated on the network side, your phone can still try to connect. Always do both, the SMS method and the phone settings toggle.
Mistake 2: Waiting until you’re already abroad
Deactivate before you leave. Once you’re in another country, your phone might connect to a roaming network within seconds of landing.
Mistake 3: Confusing Airplane Mode with Roaming
Turning off Airplane Mode cuts off all connections. That’s not the same as turning off roaming. You can turn off roaming and still use local Wi-Fi just fine.
Mistake 4: Not checking your SIM card settings
If roaming keeps turning back on after you’ve deactivated it, contact Smart; your SIM-level settings may need to be adjusted from their end.
Quick Recap: All Methods in One Place
| Method | Best For | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| SMS ROAM OFF to 333 | Prepaid users | Under 1 minute |
| Dial *123# | No data connection | Under 2 minutes |
| Phone settings (Android/iPhone) | Extra security layer | Under 2 minutes |
| MySmart App / Website | Tech-savvy users | 3–5 minutes |
| Call 888 | Postpaid/complex issues | 5–10 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
The quickest way is to text ROAM OFF to 333. It’s free and works for both prepaid and postpaid users. You’ll receive a confirmation SMS once it’s done. For extra protection, also go into your phone settings and toggle Data Roaming to OFF.
There are several ways, depending on your preference. Text ROAM OFF to 333, dial *123# and select the roaming option, turn off Data Roaming in your phone settings (Settings → Mobile Networks on Android, or Settings → Cellular on iPhone), or log into the MySmart app and toggle roaming off from your account settings.
On Android, go to Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → turn off Data Roaming. On iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → turn off Data Roaming. To disable it at the network level on Smart specifically, text ROAM OFF to 333. Doing both is the safest approach.
Five things to do before you travel: (1) Text ROAM OFF to 333, (2) turn off Data Roaming in your phone settings, (3) connect to Wi-Fi only for internet use abroad, (4) check smart.com.ph/roaming for country-specific rates in case you need roaming later, and (5) text STATUS to 333 to confirm roaming is actually off before boarding.
Text STATUS to 333 and Smart will send you a confirmation of your current roaming status.
Yes. Text ROAM ON to 333, or call 888, and Smart can reactivate roaming remotely, though it may take a few minutes to kick in.