When does iOS updates download over cellular?

I was just informed that we were over our monthly data usage. I checked and my cellular usage shows 5.5GB for a software update.


I have always had my Software Update set to Download Only and specifically on the three settings:


Automatically Install

IOS Updates: Off

Security Responses: ON


Automatically Download

iOS downloads: ON


With those I've never seen a cellular data usage for an iOS Updates. Maybe I've been lucky and that last setting should be off but I thought that setting would only use Wifi.


Thank you for any info/recommendations.




iPhone 15 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Jan 14, 2025 10:40 AM

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Posted on Jan 14, 2025 9:20 PM

If you connect to Wifi, doesn't necessarily mean you are connected to the internet. --> Internet not available WiFi and Cellular … - Apple Community


Wi-Fi Assist is on by default. This will automatically switch to Cellular Data if the device is not connected to the internet.


About Wi-Fi Assist - Apple Support

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When does iOS updates download over cellular?

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