What is Background App Refresh?

Have you heard of background app refresh for iPhones? We’re sure quite a lot of people know about this feature, but you’re not one of them, right? 

Well, don’t worry; we are here to ease your doubts. Background app refresh is a feature available on iPhones that allows apps to update and refresh their content and app even while you aren’t actively using them. 

What is Background App Refresh?

Thanks to this feature, your apps will always be up to date and provide the latest data, eliminating the need for manual refreshes.

If background app refresh is enabled, apps can regularly connect to the internet and download new data or content. For instance, news apps may get the most current headlines; social networking applications can update your feed with new posts, and email applications can sync your inbox to display new emails. 

You won’t have to wait for an app to load or manually refresh in order to see the most recent information when you access one this way. Background app refresh is incredibly practical since you don’t have to manually reload each program to access the most recent content. It allows you to save time and ensures that you can always access the most up-to-date information.

If you want to get the most out of this feature, it’s essential to understand how to utilize it effectively. 

You must first allow background app refresh in your device’s settings before utilizing this feature; then, you must select the precise apps you want to support it. 

You may then rank which apps should update in the background based on your preferences and data use concerns.

We are here to update you about turning on the feature and leaving your smartphone to do all the work. So, please stick by us until the end to learn all about it. 

Background app refresh on Android

Imagine this: The first thing you do when you get home after a hard day at work is to relax on the sofa and go through Instagram. But why is the app stuttering so much, anyway?

Your internet connection, perhaps? But it’s operating normally. Maybe you haven’t updated the app yet again. That does explain the lag, doesn’t it?

Did you know that Android does not support background app refresh? Don’t be disappointed. 

Even Android users like us have a comparable feature. With the help of this function, apps are kept current and operate efficiently. Do you want to know how to enable this feature on Android? Well, follow the steps below. 

Steps to turn on background app refresh on Android

Step 1: Open the Settings menu on your Android device. 

Step 2: Find the Connection & Sharing or Connection option next and click on it. 

Step 3: Tap on mobile data usage/data usage

Step 4: Select the app and turn on the background data option.

You can turn the toggle off to disable the background data. 

Alternatively, 

Steps to turn off background app refresh on Android

Step 1: Please open the Settings menu to begin on your device. 

Step 2: Find the Apps & Notification option and click on it. 

Step 3: You will find the See All Apps next. Go ahead and tap it. 

Step 4: Select the apps you want to turn off the refresh option. 

Step 5: Can you spot the Mobile data & Wi-fi options? Please click on it and turn the background data slider off. 

Please note the features’ names may differ depending on your Android device’s model. 

Background app refresh on iPhone/iPad

Think about manually upgrading every app whenever a new update is released. Not everyone will enjoy it. 

If you possess an iPhone, background app refresh is already pre-installed and obviously turned on. Most of your social media applications use this to search for and provide new updates to you. 

Additionally, your iCloud and Google Drive will undoubtedly auto-sync if you have the feature turned on. Imagine how easy working on your iPhones will be with the feature!

Please follow the instructions below if you know how to turn it on. 

Steps to turn on background app refresh on iPhone/iPad

Step 1: Open your iPhone and head to the settings menu. 

Step 2: Locate and select the option called General

Step 3: You must select the background App Refresh tab under the General tab. 

Step 4: Click on the Background app refresh option yet again on the next page you’re directed to. 

Step 5: Turn on the option to enable the feature. 

Pro tip: You can turn off the feature for certain apps you don’t use often. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Does enabling background app refresh consume battery?

Well, background app refresh can negatively affect your battery life after all the apps are refreshed in the background. However, a number of factors affect how much battery is consumed.

Some applications use the battery more than others. The battery life of certain apps may be more significantly impacted than others if they often request data or run resource-intensive functions in the background. For instance, we believe Instagram is always going to consume more battery than the sitting Yoga app on your phone. Also, it can be debatable depending on the type of Yoga app you use. 

Also, you must remember that the app uses more battery life the more frequently they refresh their content in the background. Compared to apps set to longer intervals or manual refresh alone, those set to shorter intervals may negatively affect battery life.

2. Is enabling the background refresh app a good idea?

Many are of the idea that enabling background app refresh is not a good idea. We are here to debunk the myth today. 

We believe it is a smart move to allow apps to update and refresh their content. We will talk about a few advantages to clarify it for you. 

Refreshed content all day, every day

Available data Applications are ready for you when you open them with the most recent data and information thanks to background app refresh. It might be highly useful because real-time updates are essential for news apps and social networking platforms. You will stay updated with “what’s trending” across all platforms. 

Smooth user experience

Background app refresh helps apps to load and update content immediately without waiting. The feature has resulted in a smooth user experience. 

Leverage app speed

No matter which app we are talking about, refreshing in the background regularly helps increase app speed. Applications can optimize caching, preload data, and do necessary background tasks, which speeds up their loading time. You can open any app without worrying about caches and lags.

Data backup

If you’re an iPhone owner, you must know that your cloud storage and syncing services widely use Background app refresh. It enables applications like Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud to automatically sync and back up your data, ensuring it is always updated. So, make sure the feature is turned on, especially for these tools. 

Multitasking capabilities

This benefit is something we are all aware of, isn’t it? Enabling background app refresh allows you to switch between apps without losing progress or updated information. Apps can continue to update and perform tasks in the background, enhancing your multitasking capabilities which is a great perk if you ask us and time-saving too.

In the end

We have neared the end of our discussion, dear readers! Do you now know about the concept of background refresh? 

Well, our iPhone users have it easy, but Android owners might find it a little difficult. Please follow our steps to successfully auto-update the apps. 

Did you like our blog? Please feel free to drop any more questions you have related to this topic. We are here to answer you.

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