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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 to Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Background App Refresh > Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi & Cellular Data.

Section 1 of 2:

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 leave Twitter (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.
    • You may want to disable Background App Refresh if you're experiencing battery issues or data issues.
    • If you don't want to enable or disable Background App Refresh fully, you can turn off or on for certain apps.
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Section 2 of 2:

Enabling Background App Refresh

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  1. This is the grey cog icon.
  2. You can find this below Screen Time.
  3. This is underneath iPhone 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, select Off instead.
  6. If you want this feature only enabled for certain apps, return to the Background App Refresh screen. 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 by Stan Kats and 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 4,557 times.
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Co-authors: 5
Updated: September 21, 2024
Views: 4,557
Categories: IPhone Applications
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