Updating your iPhone is essential for security patches, bug fixes, and accessing new features. However, if you don’t have access to Wi-Fi, you might wonder how to update your device. In this concise guide, we’ll explore alternative methods to update your iPhone without Wi-Fi. By following these steps, you can ensure your iPhone stays up-to-date, even without a Wi-Fi connection.
How to Update iPhone Without Wi-Fi
In addition to introducing new features, software updates also improve the device’s performance and bring in security patches & bug fixes. It is important to update your iPhone regularly. Now, should you not update your iPhone in situations where no Wi-Fi is available or experiencing an outage? Of course, you should. There are multiple ways that you can follow to do the same.
Method 1: Update iPhone Using Cellular Data
If not Wi-Fi, you can simply prefer the convenience of cellular data to download and install software updates on your iPhone. All you need is to make sure that the internet speed is good enough and that you have enough data plan to download the update,
1. Drag down the Control Center on your iPhone.
2. Tap on the Cellular Data toggle to turn it on.
3. Once the device is connected to the internet, open the Settings app.
4. Tap on General, followed by Software Update.
5. If an update is available, you will see the Download and Install option. Tap on it.
Method 2: Connect to Mobile Hotspot
Now if you neither have an active WiFi connection nor mobile data, there is still a way to update the device. All you need is to ask your friend or anyone to turn on the mobile hotspot on their phone and you can use it as your WiFi source to download the update. Follow the steps below:
1. Open Settings on the other device and tap on Personal Hotspot.
2. Slide the toggle to enable Allow Others to Join.
Note: If it’s an Android device, they can enable the Mobile Hotspot directly from the quick toggles.
Now on your iPhone:
1. Pull down the Control Center, and then tap & hold the Wi-Fi icon till the window expands.
2. Tap on Wi-Fi settings, turn on the Wi-Fi, and select the hotspot network to connect to it.
Note: If it is a mobile hotspot network, you might have to enter the password configured by the source.
3. Once connected, download the update and install it.
Method 3: Update iPhone via iTunes/Finder on PC
Alright, don’t worry if you don’t happen to have an extra phone to use as a WiFi source. We can help you update your iPhone without WiFi using iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later). Both these software applications allow users to backup, restore, update, and organize their Apple devices.
Follow the steps below:
1. Connect your iPhone to your PC using a USB cable.
2. Open iTunes or Finder on the PC depending on the OS.
Note: Make sure that the software is updated to the latest version.
3. You might need to authenticate the device. Follow the on-screen instructions to authenticate both devices.
4. Click on the Device icon at the top left. Move to the Summary tab, and click on Check for Update.
5. Once you get the prompt for an available update, click on Download and Update.
Also Read: How to Transfer Playlist from iPhone to iTunes
Method 4: Update iPhone Using IPSW File (Not Recommended)
IPSW files (iPhone Software Files) contain the OS, system updates, and firmware for iOS devices and can be downloaded & used to manually update their iPhone. Follow the steps below:
1. Visit the official IPSW website and tap on iPhone.
2. Select the iPhone model for which you want to update.
3. Select the appropriate iOS version and download it on the PC.
4. Now connect the PC to your iPhone and open iTunes/Finder.
5. Click on the Device icon, followed by Summary, and select Check for Updates.
6. Press the Shift key (Windows) or Option key (Mac) and choose the IPSW file you downloaded.
That’s it! iTunes/Finder will now update the iPhone.
Also Read: Best Photo Stick for iPhone : Top 20 Picks
Should I Use Third-Party Websites to Update iOS?
It is quite debatable when it comes together whether you should or should not use third-party websites for updating your iOS software. However, we do not recommend doing so. Here’s why:
- Security Concerns: Unofficial or third-party updates can expose the device to security risks, as there are chances of the files being tampered with or containing malware or viruses.
- Compatibility Issues: iOS updates are designed to work well with the specific model and OS. However, that might not always be the same for updates from third-party sources, which can lead to device instability.
- No Official Support: Over-the-air updates ensure that you can receive support from Apple in case you face issues during or after the update process, which is not provided usually by third-party websites.
It’s always best to update your iPhone following the official methods provided by Apple to avoid potential risks and compromised security. Moreover, as the process is quite easy, you can avoid getting into the hassle of updating it via third-party apps.
As described in this article, there are multiple ways through which you can update your iPhone without WiFi. We hope our guide was helpful for you in doing so. If you have any queries or suggestions for us, do let us know in the comments box below. Stay tuned to TechCult for more such tips and tricks.