For now, you can only download iOS updates over 5G on iPhone 12 models. Older models need to be connected to an active Wi-Fi network to carry out the operation. Unfortunately, the date change method doesn’t work on newer iOS versions anymore. Users had to set their dates 6 months ahead which allowed them to download updates over their own data.
Good news is, there’s still a workaround. But you’ll only benefit from it if you fall into these categories:
- You just want to use your mobile data: Could be that you have enough data to complete the update or your mobile internet is faster than available Wi-Fi
- You have a PC: Could be a laptop or desktop, as long as it supports internet sharing. Windows/Mac is most recommended
- You have a USB Cable: Could be the lighting cable you normally use to charge your phone
For Windows
- Connect your iPhone to PC through USB
- Make sure your mobile data is turned on and Wi-Fi is off
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot
- Turn on Personal Hotspot. If prompted, choose “Bluetooth & USB”
- On your PC, the iPhone should be connected as an Ethernet
- Share your PC’s internet by Enabling Mobile Hotspot.
- Turn on your iPhone’s Wi-Fi and connect to the network your PC just created
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update to update your iOS
Remember to keep your USB connected. You basically just created a cycle with the same internet. Your iOS device now thinks it’s connected to a Wi-Fi network. This way, you’ll be able to update your iOS with your mobile data.
