Learn how to back up your iPhone or iPad using cellular data (5G, 4G, LTE) if Wi-Fi or another device’s Personal Hotspot isn’t 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 lets you back up whenever you want, rather than relying entirely on your proximity to a Wi-Fi network.
If your iPhone is on iOS 16 or later, Apple officially lets you back up over cellular data. But make sure you do that 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 at 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 for your permission to back up using cellular data. Tap Use Cellular Data to confirm.
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