How to update your iPhone iOS without using mobile data

For many iPhone users in Nigeria, updating iOS is not always easy. These updates are often large, and using mobile data can drain your subscription in a short time. Because of this, Apple Inc. limits most major updates to Wi-Fi connections.

High cost of data remains a concern for many households and due to this, some  users tend to  postpone updates, sometimes for weeks, simply because they cannot afford the data. 

Yet, updating your iPhone iOS often helps to fix faults, improve performance and address security gaps that could affect the safety of personal data.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights simple and practical ways to update your iPhone without using your own mobile data.

Use Wi-Fi 

This remains the easiest and safest method. Once you connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network, go to Settings, tap General, then Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

Wi-Fi can be found in many places, including offices, campuses, hotels and cafés. Even if the connection is not very fast, it is usually good enough to handle a one-time update..

Use another phone’s hotspot

If you cannot find Wi-Fi, you can use another smartphone.Turn on the hotspot on the second phone and connect your iPhone to it. 

Your iPhone will see it as Wi-Fi and allow the update to start. This method is common because it is simple, but keep in mind that it still uses data from the second phone. It works best if that device has a large or unlimited data plan.

Update through a computer

Updating through a computer  is another option many users still rely on, especially when internet access on the phone is limited.With iTunes, the process is straightforward. 

Once your iPhone is connected to a computer with a USB cable, open iTunes and allow it to recognise the device. The phone will appear at the top left corner, click on it to continue. From there, go to the Summary section. On the main screen, select Check for Update. If a new iOS version is available, the option to Download and Update will appear. Click it and follow the steps.

What to do before you start updating iPhone iOS 

Before updating, take a few minutes to prepare your device:

• Make sure your battery is at least 50 per cent, or plug it in
• Ensure you have enough storage space
• Back up your important files, just in case 
• Use a stable connection to avoid interruptions

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