Background App Refresh on iOS 17: Easy Steps to Turn Off

Turning off Background App Refresh on your iPhone in iOS 17 is a straightforward process. Simply go to Settings, tap General, select Background App Refresh, and then choose either ‘Off’ to disable the feature entirely or ‘Wi-Fi’ to only allow background refreshing when connected to a Wi-Fi network.

After turning off the Background App Refresh, your apps will no longer update content in the background when they’re not in use. This can help save battery life and reduce data usage, but may also mean that app content won’t be as up-to-date when you open them.

You can also watch this video about how to turn off Background App Refresh on an iPhone for more information.

Introduction

Background App Refresh is a feature on iPhones that allows apps to update their content in the background, ensuring that the latest information is available as soon as you open the app. This can be a handy feature, but it can also drain your battery and use up your data allowance.

If you’re looking to conserve battery life or save on data usage, turning off Background App Refresh may be a wise move. This article will take you through how to turn off Background App Refresh on an iPhone in iOS 17, why it’s important, and who might benefit from disabling this feature.

Related: Enabling/Disabling Low Power Mode in iOS 17

How to Turn Off Background App Refresh on an iPhone in iOS 17

Before we dive into the steps to turn off Background App Refresh, it’s important to understand what the feature does. When enabled, it allows apps to update content when on Wi-Fi or cellular in the background. Turning it off can save battery life and data but might mean your apps take a moment to refresh when opened.

Step 1: Open Settings

Navigate to your iPhone’s home screen and tap on the Settings icon.

Opening Settings is your gateway to managing your iPhone’s various features and preferences, including the Background App Refresh function.

Step 2: Tap General

Scroll down and select the General option in your Settings menu.

The General settings section houses multiple device management options and is where you can access the controls for Background App Refresh.

Step 3: Select Background App Refresh

In the General settings, find and tap on Background App Refresh.

This will take you to a menu where you can customize how and when your apps refresh their content in the background.

Step 4: Turn Off Background App Refresh

You’ll be presented with three options: Off, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi & Cellular. To turn off the feature completely, tap ‘Off.’

Once turned off, none of your apps will refresh in the background. If you select ‘Wi-Fi,’ apps will only refresh when you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, saving your cellular data.

Pros

Benefit	Discussion
Battery Savings	Turning off Background App Refresh can significantly extend your iPhone’s battery life since apps won’t be running and updating in the background.
Reduced Data Usage	Disabling the feature can also help save on your data plan as apps won’t be updating unless you’re connected to Wi-Fi.
Improved Performance	Without apps constantly refreshing in the background, your iPhone may perform faster, especially if it’s an older model.

Cons

Drawback	Discussion
Less Convenient	With Background App Refresh turned off, apps won’t update in the background, which means they may take longer to load new content when opened.
Potential for Missed Updates	You might miss important app updates or notifications that would have otherwise downloaded in the background.
Manual Refreshing	You’ll need to manually refresh apps to ensure they display the most recent content or updates.

Video About Turning Off Background App Refresh

Additional Information

While turning off Background App Refresh can save battery and data, there are a few additional things to consider. First, not all apps use the feature extensively, so you may not see a dramatic change with all apps. Additionally, certain apps like email clients or messaging apps may need to refresh more regularly to keep you up-to-date with new messages. Lastly, it’s worth reviewing which apps you actually need refreshing in the background and disable it selectively rather than for all apps.

Summary

1. Open Settings
2. Tap General
3. Select Background App Refresh
4. Turn Off Background App Refresh

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if Background App Refresh is on?

You can check the status of Background App Refresh by going into your iPhone’s Settings, tapping General, and selecting Background App Refresh. Here you’ll see if it’s on or off.

Will disabling Background App Refresh stop my apps from updating?

No, your apps will still update when you open them; they just won’t update content in the background.

Does Background App Refresh affect all apps?

It can affect all apps that have the feature enabled, but you can choose to disable it for select apps only.

Will turning off Background App Refresh impact app notifications?

It shouldn’t impact notifications, as they are handled differently, but real-time updates within the app may not occur until you open the app.

Can Background App Refresh be turned off for specific apps?

Yes, you can manage Background App Refresh settings individually for each app in the same settings menu.

Conclusion

In conclusion, turning off Background App Refresh on an iPhone in iOS 17 can be beneficial for saving battery life and reducing data consumption. However, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and consider how it might affect your app usage.

Whether you’re looking to conserve battery, save on your data plan, or simply prefer to have more control over when your apps refresh, following the steps outlined in this article should help you achieve your goal. Remember, you can always switch Background App Refresh back on if you find that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.