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Learn about refreshing suspended apps on iPhone and iPad
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Are you curious about the Background App Refresh feature? If you turn on Background App Refresh, apps will continue to refresh the content even when you're not using it. However, you may want to turn this feature off if your iPhone has storage, data, or battery issues. We'll explain what Background App Refresh on an iPhone is and how to enable or disable it.

Background App Refresh: Fast Facts

Background App Refresh allows your apps to continue running in the background when you're not using them. To turn this feature on, go toSettings>General>Background App Refresh>Background App Refresh>Wi-FiorWi-Fi & Cellular Data.

Section 1 of 4:

What Is Background App Refresh on iPhone?

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  1. If you leave apps open as you're using another app or after you lock your iPhone, Background App Refresh allows the content in these apps to constantly refresh.[1]
    • For example, if you leaveTwitter (X)open in the background and come back to it later, you should see the same tweet or page you left on. If this feature is disabled, X may refresh and show you the top of your home page again.
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Section 2 of 4:

Should I disable Background App Refresh?

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  1. Disable Background App Refresh if you havebatteryordata issues.Since Background App Refresh uses resources to keep things updated behind the scenes, it can drain your battery more quickly than you'd like. If you have preexisting battery issues, this can even worsen it.
    • Additionally, if you have a strict data plan, you may want to stop apps from using more than necessary, especially if you're not on Wi-Fi.
    • If you don't want to enable or disable Background App Refresh fully, you can turn off or on for certain apps.
Section 3 of 4:

Do apps running in the background use data?

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  1. Yes, apps use data when they are running in the background.If you have a data-sensitive plan, having Background App Refresh enabled can use up your free data.
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Section 4 of 4:

Enabling or Disabling Background App Refresh

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  1. This is the grey cog icon.
  2. You can find this belowScreen Time.
  3. This is underneathiPhone Storage.
  4. This is at the top.
  5. If you have a limited data plan, select Wi-Fi instead.
    • If you want to turn off Background App Refresh, selectOffinstead.
  6. If you want this feature only enabled for certain apps, return to theBackground App Refreshscreen. You should see a list of all your apps.
    • Tap the switch next to the app. It should turn green. This will enable Background App Refresh for that app.
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About This Article

Stan Kats
Reviewed by:
Professional Technologist
This article was reviewed byStan Katsand by wikiHow staff writer,Rain Kengly.Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals. This article has been viewed 6,694 times.
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Co-authors:5
Updated:January 17, 2025
Views:6,694
Categories:IPhone Applications
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