Learn how to back up your iPhone or iPad using cellular data (5G, 4G, LTE) if Wi-Fi or another device’s Personal Hotspot is not available.
Back in the day, iCloud Backup relied on being connected to a Wi-Fi network (or mobile Hotspot), which is obviously pretty ideal for speeds and size. But, being able to back up while connected to a cellular network can also be handy because it means you can back up whenever you want, not based entirely on your proximity to a Wi-Fi network.
If your iPhone is on iOS 16 or later, Apple officially lets you use not only a 5G network to back up your device but also a 4G/LTE network.
Note: Make sure you back up over mobile data only if you have an unlimited allowance or your plan has a high data cap.
Back up your iPhone using cellular data
The steps are the same as backing up over Wi-Fi.
- Open the Settings app and tap your name from the top.
- Tap iCloud.
- Choose iCloud Backup.
- Make sure the switch for Back Up This iPhone is enabled. After that, tap Back Up Now.
- You’ll see an alert asking your permission to back up using cellular data. Tap Use Cellular Data to confirm.
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