What is Background App Refresh on iOS and Android Devices?

Background App Refresh lets apps update their content even when you’re not actively using them. For example, an app may fetch new information in the smartphone‘s background so updated content is ready when you open it again.

On iPhone, Apple calls this feature Background App Refresh, while Android handles background activity through its own battery and app-management controls.

But do you actually need it enabled for every app? Next, you will get a clear walkthrough of how background app refresh affects battery and data, and when it makes sense to turn it off.

Background App Refresh is one of the simple and useful features of Android and iOS devices. This feature uses background app data to update content in the background.

This gives you updated content when you reopen an app without waiting for the content to load.

What Happens When Background Apps Refresh?

Here are some examples of the actions performed while apps are running in the background on Android or iOS devices:

• News Apps: When you open a news app running in the background, it shows recent headlines instantly. No need to wait for content to load.
• Data Tracking Apps: Apps that track data or usage run in the background to provide daily and weekly reports.
• Cloud Syncing: Cloud storage apps can run in the background to sync files automatically.
• Shopping Apps: Retail apps may detect your location and generate discount coupons when you enter a store.
• Social Media: Apps like Facebook, X, and Instagram refresh feeds so you can view the latest posts immediately.

On iPhone, Background App Refresh has a dedicated setting that lets you control background updates for all apps or individual apps.

Follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone. Tap General, scroll down, and Select Background App Refresh.
2. Use the toggles to turn Background App Refresh on or off for individual apps.
3. To change the overall setting, tap Background App Refresh at the top.
4. Choose Off, Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi & Cellular Data according to your preference.

Choosing Off disables Background App Refresh, while the other options control which network connection apps can use for background updates.

On Android, you can manage an app’s background data from its settings. Based on the Android device shown above, follow these steps:

1. Open your phone’s Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Select Manage apps.
4. Choose the app whose background activity you want to manage.
5. Tap Data usage.
6. Find the Background data option.
7. Turn the toggle on or off according to your preference.

Turning off Background data restricts the app from using data in the background, although the exact settings path may vary depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer.

Background App Refresh can make apps more convenient to use, but there are situations where you may want to turn it off. Here are some considerations:

Pros:

• Provides up-to-date content when you reopen apps.
• Enhances user experience by reducing the need to wait for content to refresh.
• Improves the functionality of data tracking and syncing apps.

Cons:

• Background processes can use battery power.
• Unnecessary background activity may use additional device resources.