To turn off Background App Refresh on iOS 17, simply go to Settings, tap on General, select Background App Refresh, and toggle it off for each app or entirely. This disables apps from refreshing content in the background when they’re not in use, which can save battery life and data usage.
After you’ve disabled Background App Refresh, your apps won’t update themselves in the background anymore. This means that you might not receive new content or updates as quickly, but it also conserves battery life and can help with managing your data plan.
You can also watch this video about how to turn off background app refresh on iPhone for more on this topic.
Introduction
In the fast-paced world of technology, keeping your smartphone running efficiently is crucial. One of the features that can impact both your data usage and battery life on an iOS device is Background App Refresh. This function allows apps to refresh their content when they’re not in use, ensuring that you always have the latest information at your fingertips. However, this convenience can come at a cost.
For users who are keen on managing their battery and data usage, turning off Background App Refresh can be an appealing option. This article is essential for anyone with an iOS device, particularly those with limited data plans or those who find their phone battery draining faster than expected. Let’s dive into the details and discover how to manage this feature effectively.
Related: iOS 17: How to Enable or Disable Low Power Mode Easily
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Turn Off Background App Refresh in iOS 17
The following steps will guide you through disabling the Background App Refresh feature on your iOS 17 device. This will help in conserving your device’s battery and data usage.
Step 1
Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
This is usually found on your home screen and is represented by a gear icon.
Opening the Settings app is your gateway to customizing various aspects of your iOS device. From here, you can modify settings that affect your privacy, security, and overall functionality of the device.
Step 2
Scroll down and tap on General.
The General settings include a variety of system options that you can configure.
By tapping on General, you’re accessing a myriad of settings that control your device’s features such as software updates, device management, and more.
Step 3
Select Background App Refresh.
This option is nestled among other system settings within the General menu.
Selecting Background App Refresh will take you to a menu where you can control how and when your apps update their content in the background.
Step 4
Toggle off Background App Refresh for each app or entirely.
You can choose to turn it off completely or select specific apps that you want to disable it for.
Disabling Background App Refresh gives you control over which apps can update in the background. Turning it off entirely can significantly save on battery life and data usage.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Saves Battery Life | Turning off Background App Refresh can significantly extend your device’s battery life, as apps won’t be running and refreshing content in the background. |
| Reduces Data Usage | For those with a limited data plan, disabling this feature ensures that apps are not consuming data in the background, potentially saving you from additional charges. |
| Enhances Privacy | By disabling Background App Refresh, you limit the amount of information apps can access and update in the background, which can help in enhancing your privacy. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Slower App Updates | With Background App Refresh turned off, apps will not be updated with new content as frequently, which could lead to slower performance when you open them. |
| Possible Missed Notifications | Some apps rely on Background App Refresh to send notifications. Without it, you might miss important alerts. |
| Manual Refresh Required | Without automatic updates, you’ll need to manually refresh apps to get the latest content, which could be a hassle for active users. |
Video About Background App Refresh
Additional Information
When considering turning off Background App Refresh on iOS 17, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the potential downsides. If you’re someone who values up-to-the-minute updates from your apps, this feature might be essential for you. However, if you’re more concerned about conserving your device’s resources, disabling it could be beneficial.
Additionally, some apps are designed to function optimally with Background App Refresh enabled, so consider the usability impact on each app individually. A useful tip is to only disable this feature for apps that don’t need constant updates, such as games or reading apps, while leaving it on for communication or productivity apps. Remember, managing this feature effectively can lead to a more controlled and efficient use of your iOS device.
Summary
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on General.
- Select Background App Refresh.
- Toggle off Background App Refresh for each app or entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Background App Refresh?
Background App Refresh allows apps to update their content in the background when they’re not being actively used.
Does turning off Background App Refresh affect all apps?
Yes, you can choose to turn it off for all apps or selectively for individual apps.
Will disabling Background App Refresh save battery life?
Yes, turning it off can help extend your device’s battery life.
Can I still receive notifications with Background App Refresh turned off?
It depends on the app, as some may rely on this feature to send notifications.
Is it possible to turn Background App Refresh back on?
Absolutely. You can re-enable it at any time by following the same steps and toggling the switch back on.
Conclusion
In conclusion, managing Background App Refresh on iOS 17 is a simple yet impactful way to conserve battery life and data usage. While there are both pros and cons to turning off this feature, it ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you’re trying to stay within a data budget or simply looking to extend your device’s battery life, understanding how to control Background App Refresh is a valuable skill for any iOS user.
Remember, while it’s tempting to have all your apps up to date at all times, the trade-off in resources might not be worth it for every app on your device. So, go ahead, give your iPhone the break it deserves, and enjoy a more efficient iOS experience.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.