Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

How to download bigger apps without Wifi

When I download apps my Iphone 4 tells me I need to activate Wifi to download it. Is there an option somewhere to tell the phone to always use 3G instead so i don't have to activate Wifi evertime I want to download? I think this only applies to bigger apps, last one i tried was 30mb+.

Iphone 4, iOS 4

Posted on Jan 25, 2011 3:48 PM

Reply
102 replies

Dec 24, 2016 8:19 AM in response to brandmankajan

This is Apple being primitive, there should at least be an option to unlock this under settings.

I have unlimited data downloads to my phone, but tethering (personal hotspot) is limited. I do everything through my phone. So to download through my computer uses up my tethering data limit and could cost me, but if I could download direct to my phone, even a 2GB OS upgrade, it would be free and cost me nothing.

Common Apple - wake up - downloading through iTunes is costing me!!!

Dec 30, 2016 12:36 PM in response to Prmcconn

If you think that Samsung is better because of commercials, you need to think again. Just because you have had some droid phone doesn't mean that it's better. You said that you were adjusting to the phone, well adjust, when your done give your opinion now because you haven't explored all the features. Apple has many good features and will come out with iOS updates many months before any smartphone company competition.

Dec 30, 2016 12:50 PM in response to ukandrew

ukandrew wrote:


This is Apple being primitive,

No, this is cellular carriers protecting their networks. The original limit was 20 MB; thanks to improvements in cellular technology the limit has been increased to 100 MB. The same limit applies on any smartphone, not just iPhones. The real problem is that cellular networks operate close to capacity most of the time, so if lots of people started large downloads the cellular network would crash and nobody would have access to any data. It isn't an Apple decision; it was negotiated between Apple and the major carriers. As technology improves this is likely to change, but you are unlikely to see any change in the near future.



if I could download direct to my phone, even a 2GB OS upgrade, it would be free and cost me nothing.


And during the 20 to 40 minutes (assuming 5-10 Mbps) you were downloading that 2 GB upgrade no one else connected to your tower could download anything. That's rather selfish, don't you think? And if someone else started the same upgrade download just before you how happy would you be waiting 20-40 minutes?


BTW, what carrier gives you unlimited data with no throttling? No US carrier does.

How to download bigger apps without Wifi

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.