Tap on (or Mobile Data depending on your region) and ensure the main Cellular Data toggle is On .
Downloading files, apps, and even full iOS system updates using your cellular data is easier than ever on modern iPhones. While Apple once strictly limited large downloads to Wi-Fi, you can now customize these settings to use your LTE or 5G plan whenever you’re away from a hotspot. download with cellular data iphone
For large system updates (like moving to iOS 18 or 26), your iPhone typically prefers Wi-Fi. However, if you have a (iPhone 12 or newer), you can enable a specific mode to bypass this. Tap on (or Mobile Data depending on your
Go back to the main Settings menu, scroll down, and tap > App Store (or just App Store on older iOS versions). Under the Cellular Data section, tap App Downloads . Choose your preferred restriction level: For large system updates (like moving to iOS
To download new apps or update existing ones without a Wi-Fi connection, you must first give the App Store permission to use your mobile data. Open the app on your iPhone.