This post will walk you through turning off the iOS feature that allows apps to automatically download contents in the background. Here’s a quick guide to disable background app refresh on iPhone 13 in iOS 15.4.1.
What is Background App Refresh?
Background app refresh is a smartphone feature that makes the apps update contents automatically for as long as the device is connected to the internet. The process takes place even when you are not using the apps. Refreshing of app contents is carried out through a Wi-Fi or Cellular data connection in the background.
While background app refresh yields benefits in terms of seamless updating apps as it happens in the background, keeping this feature enabled may likewise inflict some adverse effects.
Among the common issues tied to it is battery drain. That said, disabling Background app refresh is likewise regarded among the recommended workarounds to reduce power consumption among different smartphones that support this feature.
If you’re wondering how to access and manage this feature on your new iPhone 13, this quick walkthrough will help you do so. Just keep reading for more detailed instructions.
Steps to disable background app refresh on iPhone 13
The following procedure will stop apps from automatically downloading content via Wi-Fi or cellular data connection in the background. These steps are also applicable when disabling the same feature on other iPhone models but actual screens may vary between devices and carriers.
Feel free to start whenever you’re all set to configure your iPhone settings.
Step 1: From the Home screen, tap Settings to launch the iOS settings app menu.
Step 2: While in the main Settings menu, find and then tap General. Another screen launches with general settings and options.
Step 3: Find and then tap Background App Refresh to proceed.
Step 4: To disable the feature completely, turn the Background App Refresh switch OFF.
After turning off background app refresh, you should see a noticeable improvement on your iPhone’s battery life unless other battery consuming files are ruining the iOS power system.
You may also keep Background App Refresh enabled but only for certain apps. Simply toggle to turn off the switch next to the app that you’d like to disable background app refresh for.
Automatic downloading of content for other apps will continue in the background except for the disabled applications.
And since disabled apps will no longer update in the background, you’ll need to open them individually in order to go online and check for new updates.
Advantages of disabling Background App Refresh
Aside from battery-saving, turning off background app refresh is also beneficial in terms of privacy concerns as it would prevent any background activity that involves sharing of data about you or your device.
Should you wish to keep this feature on, be sure to scrutinize which third-party apps to grant permission to access certain information on your device.
You can control and audit what apps have access to your iPhone files including personal information and iPhone data through the iOS Privacy settings menu.
Re-enabling Background App Refresh
If battery life is not an issue, then you can always change the settings and re-enable Background app refresh anytime you want.
Be sure to set which connection type to use for apps to download content in the background. If you’re on cellular data subscription, you may set it to Wi-Fi & Cellular. Otherwise, set it to Wi-Fi only.
When you select Wi-Fi only, Background app refresh only occurs when the device is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi network.
When you select Wi-Fi & Cellular data, Background app refresh occurs whether your device is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data network. Just be sure to keep track of your data usage so as not to exceed your data plan.
There are plenty of other ways to save and reduce power consumption on your iPhone when needed though. That said, your device could still last longer even with Background app refresh turned on.
Putting the device in Low Power Mode to restrict your iPhone’s processes is one effective way to save battery.
This feature can be accessed through your iPhone’s battery settings or through the control center shortcut menu.
And that’s how to turn background app refresh feature off on the Apple iPhone 13 device running in iOS 15.4.1.
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