Cannot Download iOS 18 with Mobile Data? 6 Real Fixes to Update

Jerry Cook
Updated on 2024-09-04 to iOS 17

Updating your iPhone’s operating system is crucial for optimal performance and security. However, some users have reported that they need help to download iOS 18 with mobile data, resulting in frustration and missed features. This common issue arises due to Apple’s policy limiting downloads over a certain size on mobile data to prevent potential excessive data charges. This article will describe why this happens and provide practical solutions. Whether you’re a seasoned Apple user or new to the ecosystem, you’ll find these tips useful in keeping your device updated with the latest iOS version.

Part 1: Why Can't I Download iOS 18 on Mobile Data
Part 2: Use UltFone iOS Upgrade Tool to Update iPhone to iOS 18 [Quick Update]
Part 3: Use iTunes/Finder to Update iOS 18
Part 4: Tricks to Fix iPhone/iPad Cannot Download iOS 18 with Mobile Data

Trick 1: Change the Date to Download iOS 18
Trick 2: Use Hotspot to Download iOS 18
Trick 3: Update iOS 18 by Allowing More Data on 5G

Part 1: Why Can't I Download iOS 18 on Mobile Data?

To understand why you cannot download iOS 18 with mobile data, it’s essential to know Apple’s policy concerning software updates. Apple has a size limit for downloads over cellular data, which is generally set to 200MB, though this can vary with different versions of iOS. This limit is in place to prevent unintentionally high data usage, which can lead to significant charges on your mobile plan.

When Apple releases a new iOS version like iOS 18, the update file usually exceeds this limit due to the inclusion of many features and enhancements. Consequently, users must connect their devices to a Wi-Fi network to download and install the update.

In short, the inability to download iOS 18 with mobile data is not a software glitch or hardware issue with your iPhone but a restriction put in place by Apple to prevent potential excessive data usage and associated costs. The following sections of this article will provide methods to circumvent this restriction and successfully update your iPhone.

Part 2: Use UltFone iOS Upgrade Tool to Update iPhone to iOS 18 [Quick Update]

Are you unable to update iOS 18 with mobile data? For iPhone users across the globe, UltFone iOS Upgrade Tool is the best answer to iOS-related complications. It can easily upgrade your iPhone to iOS 18 or downgrade from iOS 18 within clicks. What's more,this tool can easily deal with common iOS problems like an iPhone stuck in recovery mode or on the Apple logo. Even the more complex situations like your iPhone screen freezing, going through a boot loop, suffering from a fast-draining battery, or being stuck in headphone mode are skillfully managed by this versatile software.

Let me walk you through the simple steps that can help you resolve the problem of being unable update iOS 18 with mobile data:

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Step 1 Download and Launch UltFone iOS Upgrade Tool. Connect your iPhone/iPad/iPod touch to the computer. Click “iOS Upgrade/Downgrade” at the bottom left of the panel.
Step 2To proceed, select "Upgrade" on the following screen to update to iOS 18.
Step 3Select the "Download" option to get the lastest firmware package.
Step 4 Once the firmware package is downloaded on your computer, you can click "Initiating Upgrade" to upgrade to iOS 18.
Step 5 You have successfully download the iOS 18 profile. Any issue causing your iPhone/iPad cannot download iOS 18 with mobile data can be well solved.

Advantages of UltFone iOS System Repair:

UltFone also offers a convenient one-click solution for upgrade/downgrade iOS version.
It can also reset your iPhone to factory settings under varied situations, providing a full-scale solution for almost all iOS predicaments.
With UltFone iOS System Repair, you secure a sturdy, dependable, and professional tool that makes iOS system repair comprehensible for all iPhone users.
Besides being cost-effective, its intuitive interface and clear-cut instructions promise a smooth user experience.

Part 3: Use iTunes/Finder to Update iOS 18

If you are facing a problem download iOS 18 with mobile data fail, another viable option is to use iTunes on your computer or Finder on a Mac with macOS Catalina 10.15 or later. This process involves connecting your iPhone to your computer and allowing iTunes or Finder to download and install the update. Here are the steps:

Pre-step: Backup your data: Always safeguard your information before any update. It’s a critical first step to prevent data loss.

Step 1: Update iTunes/Finder: Confirm that your iTunes (for Windows users) or Finder (for macOS Catalina 10.15 or later users) is up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone: Launch iTunes or Finder, then link your iPhone using the USB cord.

Step 3: Access the device summary: Click the device icon at the top left, followed by the "Summary" tab.

Step 4: Initiate iOS update: Click "Check for Update" then "Download and Update". Enter your passcode if prompted.

Pros:

You avoid consuming mobile data, which is helpful for limited data plans.
It offers a chance to back up data, ensuring the safekeeping of your vital info.
It allows for a comprehensive, one-time download, potentially leading to a smoother installation process.

Cons:

It’s reliant on access to a computer - only sometimes feasible for everyone.
It can be a lengthy process, particularly with slow internet connections.

Part 4: Tricks to Fix iPhone/iPad Cannot Download iOS 18 with Mobile Data.

Need help with updating iOS 18 with cellular data issue? Let’s unravel some tricks to solve this:

Trick 1: Change the Date to Download iOS 18

Interestingly, altering your iPhone’s date settings may allow larger downloads via cellular data and help you find the solution to download iOS 18 with mobile data fail.

Step 1: Access Settings > General > Date > Time, disable > Set Automatically > and set the date a month ahead.

Step 2: Return to "Software Update" under "General settings".

Step 3: Select "Download and Install".

Step 4: Afterward, remember to reset your date settings.

Trick 2: Use Hotspot to Download iOS 18

If you have a Mac and an iPhone and are finding it hard to handle and cannot update iOS 18 with cellular data, consider using a hotspot to download iOS 18.

Step 1: Disconnect your Mac from Wi-Fi.

Step 2: Activate your iPhone’s mobile data, and disable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Personal Hotspot.

Step 3: Connect your iPhone to your Mac, and go to the "Personal Hotspot" settings.

Step 4: Allow connections via USB.

Step 5: On your Mac, navigate to System Preferences > Sharing > Internet Sharing, choose "iPhone USB", select "Wi-Fi" under "To computers using" and start your hotspot.

Trick 3: Update iOS 18 by Allowing More Data on 5G

If you use iPhone 12, 13, or 14, use the "Allow More Data on 5G" feature for downloading updates.

Step 1: Open Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Mode.

Step 2: Select "Allow More Data on 5G". This will let your iPhone use more data for system tasks, including software updates.

update ios 18 by allowing more data on 5g

Conclusion

While it can be frustrating to encounter the cannot download iOS 18 with mobile data issue, there are effective workarounds to update your iPhone successfully. The solutions are diverse, from employing tools like UltFone iOS Upgrade Tool to adjusting settings and leveraging 5G features. Ensuring your device runs the latest iOS version is essential for optimal performance and security. Thus, we hope these solutions provide the assistance needed to keep your iPhone up-to-date.

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