How to Use Cellular Data for Automatic App Downloads on Your iPhone

* This post is part of iPhone Life's Tip of the Day newsletter. . *

Do you have an unlimited data plan?  If not, you’ll want to pay close attention to today’s tip. One of the many convenient features Apple offers is the ability to share downloads across devices, as long as you use the same Apple ID for each one. This means you can purchase an iBook on your iPad, and read it on your iPhone as well. While that’s very exciting, the data overages you can incur if your iPhone automatically downloads that content without a Wi-Fi connection could be… less thrilling.  So here’s how to find out if your iPhone is set to automatically download new purchases made on other devices, and if it uses your cellular data to do so!

Related: How to Avoid Roaming Charges on iPhone While Traveling

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How to Use Cellular Data for Automatic App Downloads on Your iPhone

  • Go to Settings and click on iTunes & App Stores.
  • Halfway down the page you’ll find the Use Cellular Data switch.

How to Use Cellular Data for Automatic App Downloads on Your iPhone
How to Use Cellular Data for Automatic App Downloads on Your iPhone
  • Toggle on to use your data for downloads, or off to save your data and wait until you’re connected to Wi-Fi.

How to Use Cellular Data for Automatic App Downloads on Your iPhone

Now that you know how to change Automatic App Download settings, you can decide what you prefer based on your data plan and Wi-Fi availability.  

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Author Details

Leanne Hays's picture

Author Details

Leanne Hays

Leanne Hays has over a dozen years of experience writing for online publications. As a Feature Writer for iPhone Life, she has authored hundreds of how-to, Apple news, and gear review articles, as well as a comprehensive Photos App guide. Leanne holds degrees in education and science and loves troubleshooting and repair. This combination makes her a perfect fit as manager of our Ask an Expert service, which helps iPhone Life Insiders with Apple hardware and software issues.
In off-work hours, Leanne is a mother of two, homesteader, audiobook fanatic, musician, and learning enthusiast.