How to Allow iCloud to Use Cellular Data for Transfers on an iPhone

Co-authored by Gonzalo Martinez and Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: October 14, 2024 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to use iCloud Drive and other iCloud services on your iPhone when you don't have access to Wi-Fi. Although it's not possible to sync an iCloud backup over the cellular network, you can transfer files using your iCloud Drive, as well as sync your Photos, Notes, Reminders, and more.

Steps

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This is the grey gear icon on your iPhone's home screen. If you don't see it there, it'll be in the Utilities folder in your app library.
It's in the first group of options.

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If the switch was already on (green), skip this step.
This option is at the bottom of the menu, past all of the other apps.
This ensures that the data on your iCloud drive will continue to sync over your cellular when Wi-Fi is unavailable.
6
Enable cellular data for other iCloud-related apps
. Scroll back up to look at the other apps in the list. If an app's switch is green, that the app or service can use cellular when Wi-Fi is unavailable. If the switch is gray/white, it cannot. These are the iCloud-related apps and services for which you can enable cellular data:
- App Store
- Calendar
- Contacts
- Find My
- Keynote
- Mail
- Messages
- Music
- Notes
- Numbers
- Pages
- Photos
- Reminders

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Tips

If you don't have an unlimited data plan, you may be charged for additional data usage when enabling cellular data.

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If you want to back up your iPhone but don't have access to Wi-Fi, you can back up the phone to a computer.

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