Level 3

645 points

Unable to update iOS 26.6.1 using cellular data

Hello Community,

im trying to download latest iOS update, 26.6.1 and am having some difficulty. For starters it told me my cellular data mode was set to low ( it wasn’t) then once I got that worked out by restarting phone a couple times I noticed the old update spinning gear icon returned. It spun for close to 15 minutes and then said unable to

update. I tried again and it has been spinning for last 10+ minutes. I’m not connected to WiFi so maybe that is the issue.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iOS update

Posted on Aug 17, 2026 1:07 PM

Top-ranking reply

WheelieNick

Level 9

73,296 points

Posted on Aug 17, 2026 2:11 PM

Yes, not being connected to Wi-Fi is likely the cause. iPhones often block large iOS system downloads over cellular data unless you explicitly enable high-data options, and unstable mobile signals frequently cause the update prep to freeze, spin indefinitely, or fail.

unless you’re on a high data 5G plan, I recommend against updating over cellular networks

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68 replies

Aipi

Level 1

63 points

Aug 27, 2026 3:48 AM in response to Leroy7

"More Data on 5G" is not the solution!

Aipi

Level 1

63 points

Aug 31, 2026 3:17 AM in response to lobsterghost1

I do not have T-Mobile and it never works. There is absolutely no reason to restrict only iOS updates from Apple on mobile data but let through all other data!

Sep 8, 2026 8:19 AM in response to Aipi

If you think your carrier doesn't know where your data is going to or coming from, you're sadly mistaken.

Aipi

Level 1

63 points

Sep 8, 2026 12:40 PM in response to robertjbott

"Turning off low power mode" does not make it work! Even if mobile data is set to "more 5G data" it does not work!

Kurtosis12

Level 10

82,346 points

Sep 8, 2026 2:31 PM in response to Aipi

iOS 26.6.2 just came out today and it fixes this issue. Try installing it.

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/09/08/apple-releases-ios-26-6-2/

Sep 9, 2026 12:25 PM in response to Joh-Meeresbrise

I tried everything and this answer with the different WiFi is the only one that actually worked

Sep 10, 2026 12:09 AM in response to Kurtosis12

You can't update to 26.6.2 over mobile data - it is exactly the same issue as trying to update to 26.6.1

Sep 14, 2026 5:53 PM in response to Saegzz

CONSTANT problem installing updates. Spinning “wheel” appears.. No progress thereafter.😡

Unable to update iOS 26.6.1 using cellular data