Background app refresh is a feature on iPhone that allows apps to update their content in the background while you’re using other apps or when your phone is locked. This means that when you open the app, the latest information will be waiting for you without the need to manually refresh. It’s easy to enable or disable this feature, and doing so can help you save battery life and manage your data usage.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Manage Background App Refresh on iPhone
Before we jump into the steps, it’s important to understand what we’re trying to achieve. By managing background app refresh, you can control which apps have permission to update in the background. This can help improve your iPhone’s battery life and ensure that you’re not using unnecessary data.
Step 1: Open the Settings App on your iPhone
Open the Settings app on your iPhone to get started.
The Settings app is the gear icon that’s typically located on your home screen. If you can’t find it, you can also swipe down on your home screen and use the search bar to locate the app.
Step 2: Tap on "General"
Once you’re in the Settings app, scroll down and tap on "General."
The General settings contain various options for managing your iPhone, including software updates, device information, and background app refresh.
Step 3: Select "Background App Refresh"
After tapping on General, find and select "Background App Refresh."
This will take you to the menu where you can manage the background app refresh settings for each app individually.
Step 4: Toggle Background App Refresh On or Off
Here, you can toggle the background app refresh setting on or off for your entire device or for specific apps.
If you want to disable background app refresh completely, tap on the "Background App Refresh" at the top and select "Off." If you’d like to manage it app-by-app, toggle the switch next to each app accordingly.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your iPhone will follow your preferences for background app refresh. Apps that are turned off won’t update in the background, which can save battery life and data. However, keep in mind that turning off background app refresh may mean that apps will take longer to update their content when you open them.
Tips: Maximizing Efficiency with Background App Refresh on iPhone
- Only enable background app refresh for apps that you use frequently and need up-to-date information from.
- Consider disabling background app refresh when you’re low on battery or don’t have access to a charger.
- Use Wi-Fi instead of cellular data for background app refresh to save on your data plan.
- Keep in mind that some apps may not function properly without background app refresh enabled.
- Regularly review your background app refresh settings to make adjustments as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does background app refresh use a lot of battery?
Yes, background app refresh can use a significant amount of battery, especially if many apps are refreshing in the background.
Can I choose which apps use background app refresh?
Absolutely! You can control which apps can refresh in the background individually through the settings.
Will turning off background app refresh affect my notifications?
It might. Some apps rely on background refresh to send timely notifications, so turning it off could delay these alerts.
Is background app refresh necessary for all apps?
No, it’s not necessary for all apps. It’s best used for apps where you’d like to see new content as soon as you open them.
How often do apps refresh in the background?
The frequency of background refreshes can vary based on your usage, the app’s design, and other factors like battery optimization.
Summary
- Open the Settings App
- Tap on "General"
- Select "Background App Refresh"
- Toggle Background App Refresh On or Off
Conclusion
Managing your iPhone’s background app refresh settings can have a significant impact on your overall device experience. By taking control of which apps are allowed to refresh in the background, you not only conserve battery life but also manage your data usage more effectively. Remember that while it’s a useful feature, not all apps need to be constantly updated. Assess your app usage and make informed decisions about which apps require background refreshing. It’s also a good idea to revisit these settings periodically, as your app usage may change over time. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to optimize your iPhone’s performance and ensure that you’re only using background app refresh where it’s truly necessary.