How to Download Large Apps Over Cellular on iPhone and iPad - MacRumors
Skip to Content

How to Download Large Apps Over Cellular on iPhone and iPad

by

Apple used to limit the size of App Store downloads over cellular to 150MBs to prevent iPhone users from accidentally downloading a large app over 3G or 4G networks and using up all their data allowance or running up data charges.

app store 2019
In May 2019, Apple upped the limit of over-the-air downloads to 200MB, but offered no way to opt out of the limit at the time, leaving users with unlimited data plans frustrated.

Thankfully, with the release of iOS 13, Apple made the 200MB maximum for app downloads over a cellular network an optional limit. By default, when you try to download a big app over cellular on your iPhone or iPad, you'll be asked if you really want to go ahead.

You can customize this behavior by following these steps.

  1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or ‌iPad‌.
  2. Tap iTunes & App Store.
  3. Tap App Downloads.
    settings

  4. Select Always Allow to permit all apps to download automatically using cellular data; select Ask If Over 200 MB to only permit apps under 200MB to download automatically using your carrier's cellular connection (the default setting); or select Always Ask if you'd always liked to be asked for permission to download apps using cellular data, regardless of their size.

Note that permission to download is always required when you're roaming, which helps avoid receiving a mammoth phone bill at the end of a vacation.

Popular Stories

app store monthly sub commitment

Apple Introduces App Store Monthly Subscriptions With 12-Month Commitment

Monday April 27, 2026 12:52 pm PDT by
Apple today announced the launch of a new subscription option for App Store developers: monthly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment. The new option allows developers to offer subscribers discounted pricing typically associated with an annual subscription but paid on a monthly basis to keep payments more affordable. This new payment option allows you to offer subscribers more affordable...
app store blue banner epic 1

Epic Games Wins Reversal of Stay in App Store Fee Legal Battle

Wednesday April 29, 2026 5:05 am PDT by
Apple will not be able to delay a district court battle over fee calculations while it waits to hear whether the U.S. Supreme Court will weigh in on the latest developments in its long-running dispute with Epic Games. On Tuesday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed an earlier decision letting Apple keep its current zero-fee link-out commission structure in place while it appeals to...
app store blue banner epic 1

Apple Asks Supreme Court to Pause Epic Games Case Ahead of App Store Fee Ruling

Monday May 4, 2026 4:08 pm PDT by
Apple today filed an emergency application with the Supreme Court, asking for a stay on App Store fee calculations while it waits to hear whether the Supreme Court will weigh in on the latest developments in its legal battle with Epic Games. Apple argues that without a stay, it will face irreparable harm. Apple says it will have to litigate the fundamentals of its business model with the...