How to Allow iCloud to Use Cellular Data for Transfers on an iPhone

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This wikiHow teaches you how to use iCloud Drive and other iCloud services on your iPhone when you don't have access to Wi-Fi. Although it's not possible to sync an iCloud backup over the cellular network, you can transfer files using your iCloud Drive, as well as sync your Photos, Notes, Reminders, and more.

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    This is the grey gear icon on your iPhone's home screen. If you don't see it there, it'll be in the Utilities folder in your app library.
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    It's in the first group of options.
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    If the switch was already on (green), skip this step.
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    This option is at the bottom of the menu, past all of the other apps.
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    This ensures that the data on your iCloud drive will continue to sync over your cellular when Wi-Fi is unavailable.
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    Scroll back up to look at the other apps in the list. If an app's switch is green, that the app or service can use cellular when Wi-Fi is unavailable. If the switch is gray/white, it cannot. These are the iCloud-related apps and services for which you can enable cellular data:
    • App Store
    • Calendar
    • Contacts
    • Find My
    • Keynote
    • Mail
    • Messages
    • Music
    • Notes
    • Numbers
    • Pages
    • Photos
    • Reminders
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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open your iPhone's Settings.
      2. Tap Cellular .
      3. Toggle the "Cellular Data" switch to On.
      4. Toggle the "iCloud Drive" switch to On.
      5. Toggle other iCloud-related apps to On.

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