Want to make sure your iPhone apps stay updated with the latest info? In iOS 17, you can allow apps to automatically refresh in the background. This keeps your apps current without you having to manually open and refresh them each time. Here’s how to set it up quickly and easily.
You can also check out this video about how to enable auto refresh for apps on an iPhone for more on this topic.
Step by Step Tutorial: Allowing Apps to Automatically Refresh on iPhone
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand what we’re aiming for. Enabling background app refresh allows your apps to check for updates and new content when you’re not using them. That means the next time you open an app, the latest information will be waiting for you.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Open the Settings app on your iPhone. This is the gear icon typically found on your home screen.
The Settings app is where you can adjust all the nuts and bolts of how your iPhone operates. It’s the control center for ensuring your phone works just the way you like it.
Step 2: Tap on ‘General’
Scroll down and tap on ‘General’ to access more specific settings on your iPhone.
‘General’ settings cover a broad range of features and configurations, from software updates to keyboard preferences.
Step 3: Select ‘Background App Refresh’
In the ‘General’ settings, find and select ‘Background App Refresh’.
This is the setting that determines whether apps can update their content when they’re not actively in use.
Step 4: Choose Your Preferred Refresh Setting
You’ll see options to turn off Background App Refresh entirely, allow it only when connected to Wi-Fi, or allow it on both Wi-Fi and cellular data. Choose the one that suits your needs.
If you’re worried about using too much cellular data, you might want to stick with the Wi-Fi only option. If you have an unlimited data plan, feel free to go with Wi-Fi and cellular.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your selected apps will now refresh in the background, ensuring they’re always up-to-date with the latest content or information.
Tips for Background App Refresh on iPhone
- It’s a good idea to only enable background refresh for apps you use frequently. This can help save battery life and data.
- If you notice your battery draining faster than usual, consider reviewing your background app refresh settings.
- Some apps don’t need to be refreshed as often as others. Think about how often you need updated content for each app.
- Remember that allowing background app refresh for an app means it can use cellular data if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi. Keep an eye on your data usage if you have a limited plan.
- You can also choose to enable background app refresh for individual apps by going into the settings for each app.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is background app refresh?
Background app refresh allows apps to update their content in the background when you’re not using them.
Does background app refresh use a lot of data?
It can if you allow apps to refresh using cellular data. To save data, enable background app refresh only over Wi-Fi.
Can background app refresh drain my battery?
Yes, it can. If you notice a significant drop in battery life, consider turning off background app refresh or only enabling it for essential apps.
Is it necessary to enable background app refresh?
It’s not necessary, but it can be convenient. It keeps your apps updated without you having to do it manually.
Can I select which apps use background app refresh?
Yes, you can choose to allow only specific apps to refresh in the background.
Summary
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on ‘General’.
- Select ‘Background App Refresh’.
- Choose your preferred refresh setting.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a solid grasp on how to allow apps to automatically refresh on your iPhone with iOS 17. It’s a nifty feature that ensures you’re always in the loop with the latest updates from your favorite apps. Whether it’s a news app keeping you informed on current events, a social media app ensuring you don’t miss any updates from friends, or a productivity app that syncs your to-do lists across devices – enabling background app refresh can save you time and make your iPhone experience more seamless.
Remember, though, with great power comes great responsibility. It’s important to be mindful of which apps you’re giving this power to. Apps refreshing in the background can take a toll on your battery and data usage. Use the tips provided to make smart choices about which apps truly need to stay fresh in the background.
In a world where we’re constantly juggling multiple tasks, it’s little optimizations like enabling background app refresh that can make a big difference. Go ahead, take control of your iPhone and let it work smarter for you. With iOS 17, staying up-to-date is just a few taps away. Happy refreshing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.