How to Update Cell Phone Roaming

Update your cell PRL to improve service in areas where you roam.

If you are outside of your standard cell phone coverage area, your phone may switch to "roaming" mode. When the phone is roaming, you are essentially borrowing a cell signal from another network's tower. This is beneficial as you can still maintain cell phone coverage in areas where your cell provider is not present, but users are often charged extra when making roaming phone calls. Updating the preferred roaming list (PRL) on your cell phone can improve your cell phone reception in areas where you are roaming and possibly lower the amount of roaming time.

Instructions

1. Dial "*228" on your wireless phone, and press the "Send" button.

2. Listen to the instructions and press the "2" button when the voice prompts you to update roaming capabilities.

3. Allow the phone to update roaming. Once the process is complete, the phone will inform you and may automatically reset itself. If it does not reset, turn your phone off and back on.

Tips & Warnings

• According to Verizon Wireless, you should update your phone's roaming capability regularly, at least once every three months.

• Some cell phone providers update PRL automatically. Check with your provider to find out if you need to regularly update your cell phone roaming capability.

• Updating your PRL does not guarantee your phone will stop roaming in certain areas. It will, however, improve the reception of your phone in roaming areas.

References

• Verizon: Roaming Indicator
• Verizon: Wireless Support
• Northern Illinois University: Update your cell tower roaming list