How to sync iCloud Photos over cellular data on iPhone and iPad

iCloud Photos allows automatic syncing of your photos and videos across Apple devices. By default, this syncing happens only over Wi-Fi to limit cellular data usage. However, in situations where Wi-Fi is unavailable, you can configure your iPhone or iPad to sync using mobile data. This feature is especially useful when you need to back up or access your photos while on the go.

iOS and iPadOS provide specific settings to control how your device uses cellular data for iCloud Photos. You can enable this option to sync over mobile networks, allowing uploads and downloads to happen even when you're not connected to Wi-Fi. The system also offers an option to allow unlimited data usage for photos, which is helpful for those with large data plans or when dealing with high-resolution images.

Enabling cellular data for iCloud Photos ensures continuous photo syncing regardless of network type. This option helps maintain an up-to-date photo library on your devices, but it’s important to monitor data usage. The following steps will guide you through configuring your device to sync iCloud Photos over cellular data.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Scroll down and tap on Photos.
3. Enable iCloud Photos if it is not already turned on.

   iCloud Photos must be enabled for syncing to work. This setting ensures that all your photos are backed up to iCloud and available across all your Apple devices.

4. Tap on Cellular Data within the Photos settings.
5. Turn on the Cellular Data switch.

   Enabling Cellular Data will allow syncing over mobile networks, even when Wi-Fi is not available.

6. If you have a large data plan, enable Unlimited Updates to allow iCloud Photos to sync without restrictions.

   Enabling Unlimited Updates may result in higher data usage, especially if you upload or download large files like videos and high-resolution photos.

7. Monitor your cellular data usage by going to Settings > Cellular and scrolling down to see the data consumed by the Photos app.

   Keep track of data usage regularly to avoid overages, especially if you're on a limited data plan.