Turning off the Background App Refresh on your Apple Watch can help save battery life and improve overall performance. It’s a quick and straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. Ready to learn how? Let’s dive in.
Step by Step Tutorial to Turn Off Background App Refresh on the Apple Watch
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s establish what we’re accomplishing here. By turning off Background App Refresh, you’re stopping apps from updating content in the background. This means they won’t be using up battery power when you’re not actively using them.
Step 1: Open the Watch App on your iPhone
To begin, open the Watch app on the iPhone that’s paired with your Apple Watch.
The Watch app is where you can adjust all sorts of settings for your Apple Watch, including the Background App Refresh.
Step 2: Tap on ‘General’
Once you’re in the Watch app, scroll down a bit and tap on ‘General.’
The ‘General’ tab houses various settings that affect the core functions of your Apple Watch.
Step 3: Select ‘Background App Refresh’
In the ‘General’ menu, find and select ‘Background App Refresh.’
This is the feature we’re focusing on, as it controls whether apps can refresh their content in the background.
Step 4: Turn Off Background App Refresh
Finally, toggle the switch to the off position to turn off Background App Refresh.
By doing this, you’re telling your Apple Watch to prevent apps from refreshing unless you’re actively using them.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your Apple Watch will no longer allow apps to refresh their content in the background. This means that your watch might save some battery life, and apps may take a moment to update when you open them.
Tips for Turning Off Background App Refresh on the Apple Watch
- Remember that turning off Background App Refresh may mean that it takes a bit longer for app content to update when you open them.
- If you notice that an app isn’t working as expected, consider turning Background App Refresh back on for that specific app.
- You can choose to turn off Background App Refresh for certain apps instead of all of them if you prefer.
- Keep in mind that some apps rely on background refresh to function properly, like workout or weather apps.
- Turning off Background App Refresh is one of many ways to extend your Apple Watch’s battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off Background App Refresh affect my notifications?
No, turning off Background App Refresh will not affect your notifications. You’ll still receive them as usual.
Can I turn off Background App Refresh for specific apps?
Yes, you can. In the Background App Refresh settings, you’ll see a list of apps. You can toggle the switch off for individual apps.
Will this action affect the performance of my Apple Watch?
Turning off Background App Refresh might actually improve performance by freeing up resources. However, apps might take slightly longer to update when opened.
Is it possible to turn Background App Refresh back on?
Absolutely! Just follow the same steps and toggle the switch back on.
Does Background App Refresh use a lot of battery?
It can, especially if you have many apps that frequently update content in the background.
Summary
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap on ‘General.’
- Select ‘Background App Refresh.’
- Turn off Background App Refresh.
Conclusion
Turning off Background App Refresh on the Apple Watch is a simple yet effective way to take control of your device’s battery life and functionality. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your watch only uses the battery for apps when you’re actively using them. This could mean the difference between your watch making it through the day or dying prematurely.
While some may worry about missing out on real-time updates, the truth is, most apps will still function just fine without background refreshing. Plus, you always have the option to allow certain apps to continue refreshing in the background if they’re essential to your daily routine.
Ultimately, managing the Background App Refresh on your Apple Watch is about finding a balance that works for you and your lifestyle. Experiment with these settings and see how they affect your watch’s performance and battery life. With a bit of tweaking, you can optimize your Apple Watch to serve you better, lasting longer, and performing efficiently.
Remember, technology is here to make our lives easier, not to be a constant source of frustration with dead batteries and sluggish performance. Take charge of your tech and make it work for you.
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.