Learn how to download over-the-air iOS software updates on your iPhone or iPad using cellular data (5G, 4G, LTE, 3G) if Wi-Fi is unavailable or too slow.
Download iPhone software updates via 5G mobile data
Downloading and installing an iPhone update using cellular data requires no setup. Just go to Settings > General > Software Update to download an iOS update as usual. If you’re disconnected from Wi-Fi or it’s too slow, iOS will put up a prompt seeking permission to use cellular data. Confirm, and you’re done!
Started downloading an over-the-air iOS update over Wi-Fi but lost connection? The download will remove over the cellular connection right where it abruptly stopped.
Allow more data on 5G
If you cannot download a multi-gigabyte iOS update using cellular data, go to Settings > Cellular> Data Mode and choose to allow more data on 5G. With that done, go to Settings > General > Software Update to download the latest iOS software update over 5G.
As the setting’s name implies, it allows the device to use speedy 5G data cellular for software updates, automatic iCloud backups, iCloud Photos updates, and higher-quality media.
Download and install iOS updates over 4G, LTE, or 3G
The iPhone also supports iOS updates over non-5G cellular data, like LTE, 4G, and 3G connections. Just go to Settings > General > Software Update and choose Download and Install. And if you’re on Wi-Fi but it’s performing poorly, you may see a popup asking permission to use cellular data instead. iOS updates over cellular apparently require a fast, stable connection, but there’s an easy workaround.
Closing paragraph
Don’t worry if you mistakenly authorize an iOS update over cellular—you can stop the download before it consumes mobile data if you’re on a metered plan.
If you feel like your iPhone’s cellular connection should be faster, try our tips to increase cellular data speed on an iPhone. Sometimes your iPhone won’t even use cellular data for some reason. In that case, be sure to read our troubleshooting tips.