Mobile internet

Will my phone work in Spain?

Yes, your cell phone will work in Spain. Learn about frequency bands, unlocking your phone, and staying connected, including via a digital travel solution.

Before planning your many paella excursions, there’s one practical question you have to ask yourself: “Will my phone work in Spain?” Yes, you can use your cell phone in Spain, but there are some things to ensure peace of mind and stress-free data while you’re abroad.

This guide covers everything you need to know, from confirming whether your phone will work in Spain to various methods of staying connected, including an unlimited data travel eSIM.

In this article

Can I use my phone in Spain?

Yes, but there are a few crucial specifics to check before travelling. Here’s what to make sure of:

Unlock your phone

If your device is tied to your original provider, it will not accept Spanish networks, regardless of whether you have a local SIM card, a pocket WiFi device, or even an eSIM. Unlocking your phone ensures full international use.

To unlock and use your iPhone in Spain:

iPhone: Go to Settings → General → About → Scroll down until you find Carrier Lock → If you see “SIM Locked” your iPhone is locked. If you see “No SIM restrictions”, your iPhone is unlocked and ready to use an eSIM.

To unlock and use your Android in Spain:

Android: Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network Operators → Turn off Select automatically to view available operators. If you only see your carrier name, your phone is locked, but if you see names of several providers different from yours, your Android is unlocked.

Check frequency band compatibility

Ensure your phone is compatible with Spain’s frequency bands to enjoy the best coverage. Here are some network bands used in Spain:

3G: B1 (2100 MHz), B8 (900 MHz)
4G/LTE: B1 (2100 MHz), B3 (1800 MHz), B7 (2600 MHz), B8 (900 MHz), B20 (800 MHz), B28a (700 MHz), and B38 (2600 MHz)
5G: n1 (2100 MHz), n3 (1800 MHz), n28a (700 MHz), n78 (3500 MHz), and n258 (26 GHz

UK phones typically support most 3G, 4G, and 5G bands in Spain (and Europe). When it comes to GSM standards, UK phones utilize the 900MHz and 1800MHz frequency bands. As such, most UK phones will be fully compatible with Spanish cell networks.

On the other hand, compatibility may vary for US phones, especially older versions. Modern and unlocked US phones often work, but it’s best to verify compatibility before travelling.

Home country	Carrier	Will my phone work in Spain?
United States	AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon	Yes, but check it is unlocked and have older models checked for frequency bands.
United Kingdom	EE, O2, Three, Vodafone UK	Yes, it will work on Spanish networks, and all models sold after 2021 are carrier-unlocked.

How do I know if my phone will work in Spain?

You can check your device’s compatibility by looking up its supported bands on sites like Kimovil or FrequencyCheck, then comparing them to Spain’s mobile networks.

Once you’ve confirmed that your phone is unlocked + compatible with Spanish frequency bands, you need to find a way to stay connected and get mobile internet in Spain.

How to use your cell phone in Spain

There are several main ways to stay connected in Spain. Each option has pros and cons, depending on your data usage needs, convenience, and even the number of people travelling. Here’s the scoop on each option, from digital solutions to more traditional methods.

eSIM for Spain

An eSIM is one of the more contemporary solutions for getting online in foreign destinations. It’s gaining traction in the travel industry, and for good reason.

With an eSIM, you can get:

Unlimited, high speed data plans (with providers like Holafly)
Fast internet and reliable network coverage
Online and instant activation via QR codes

Plus, you can avoid roaming charges and unexpected fees and keep your original number. With Holafly’s eSIM for Spain, you can match your eSIM plan to your vacation! With this flexibility, it’s the perfect travel buddy for visiting Spain for a short term or even a more extended period since plans cover between one and 90 days.

Roaming in Spain

You can also choose to roam internationally with your home provider. Check to confirm whether you’re already on a roaming-inclusive monthly plan with Spain as an eligible destination. If that’s the case, you’re already covered.

If not, you can always opt for a roaming add-on for data, text, and minutes allowances. While this is a great option for a quick international trip, you will be subjected to extra roaming charges for add-ons, and it isn’t the most cost-effective for longer stays.

Wondering whether your home carrier offers international plans for Spain? Read our telecom-specific articles below to learn more.

For the US:

For the UK:

Can I use my phone for free in Spain?

Technically, no. If you’re from the USA or UK, you’ll almost certainly face roaming charges or daily fees if you use your phone in Spain without an international plan. You’ll have to purchase a roaming add-on, have a roaming-inclusive monthly plan, get a local Spain SIM card, or opt for an eSIM.

Physical Spain SIM card

A more traditional option is buying a Spanish SIM card once you arrive in the country. You can visit popular local phone carriers in Spain, like Vodafone, Orange, Yoigo, or Movistar, to get a Spain SIM card.

Getting a local prepaid SIM card comes with affordable rates and prepaid phone plans for local calling, SMS, and mobile data. This is a solid option if you want a Spanish phone plan with a local number. However, you’ll have to comply with strict tourist requirements, swap your physical SIM card (with the risk of misplacing your original), and spend time searching for local carriers.

Pocket WiFi for Spain

The final option is a pocket WiFi for Spain. This is ideal for larger travelling groups, including families, digital nomads, or heavy mobile data users. A pocket WiFi acts as a small, portable hotspot emitting a WiFi signal. Multiple devices can connect to this and enjoy reliable coverage.

However, you must carry an extra device everywhere you go and charge it to ensure it works. Plus, pocket WiFi devices are known to be pricey, with rental fees, deposits, and insurance reaching $200+. Get all the benefits of a pocket WiFi and avoid the hassle with Holafly Plans. This is Holafly’s digital version of a pocket WiFi where you can connect multiple devices to a rolling eSIM subscription and get unlimited data + unlimited hotspot for only $64.90 per month.

Will your phone work in Spain? The verdict

Yes, your cell phone will work in Spain. With options like roaming, physical SIM cards, and pocket WiFi devices, you’ll find a way to stay online.

But, for those who want the smoothest experience with peace of mind, Holafly’s eSIM for Spain is the best option. Get unlimited data for your trip to Spain, and never worry about running out or roaming surprises!

Manage your eSIM plan from the Holafly app, and get connected as soon as you land.

If you’d like to know more about using your phone in other countries, check out our blogs on:

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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