iOS 17 has brought many new features to the table, including the ability to let apps refresh in the background automatically. This means that your apps can update their content without you having to open them every time. Handy, right? In just a few taps, you can enable this feature and ensure you’re always up to date with the latest news, messages, or social media updates.
You can also watch this video about allowing apps to automatically refresh on iPhone for more on this subject.
iOS 17: How to Allow Apps to Automatically Refresh on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about what we’re about to do. Enabling automatic app refresh will allow your iPhone to update apps in the background when you’re connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data. This is especially useful for apps that rely on the latest information, like news apps or messaging apps.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone.
When you open the ‘Settings’ app, you’ll see a long list of options. Don’t worry, we’re looking for one specific setting called ‘General’.
Step 2: Tap on ‘General’
Tap on the ‘General’ option within the Settings.
‘General’ settings is where you can tweak several of your iPhone’s core functions. Here, we’re interested in the ‘Background App Refresh’ option.
Step 3: Select ‘Background App Refresh’
Find and select the ‘Background App Refresh’ setting.
This is the setting that controls whether apps can refresh in the background or not. It’s a simple toggle that can make a significant difference in your app experience.
Step 4: Choose Your Refresh Preferences
Choose how you want the apps to refresh: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi & Cellular Data, or Off.
You have the power here to decide how you want your apps to refresh. If you’re worried about data usage, you might want to stick to Wi-Fi only. If you’re always on the go, Wi-Fi & Cellular Data might be the best option for you.
After you complete these steps, your iPhone will allow apps to refresh their content in the background when connected to the internet. No more waiting for your apps to update when you open them!
Tips for Managing Automatic App Refresh on iOS 17
- Keep an eye on your data usage if you allow apps to refresh using cellular data. It can eat up your data plan quickly.
- If you’re concerned about battery life, consider setting app refresh to Wi-Fi only or disabling it entirely.
- Not all apps need to refresh automatically. Customize settings for individual apps to better manage resources.
- Remember that allowing apps to refresh in the background can lead to receiving more notifications.
- Check which apps are refreshing in the background often and evaluate if they need to. Some apps may not require frequent updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I turn off Background App Refresh?
If you turn off Background App Refresh, apps will not update their content in the background. You’ll need to open the app to see new content or updates.
Will enabling Background App Refresh drain my battery?
It can. Allowing apps to refresh in the background may use more battery, especially if many apps are refreshing often.
Can I choose which apps refresh in the background?
Yes, you can manage background refresh settings for each individual app in the ‘Background App Refresh’ section of the Settings.
Is Background App Refresh necessary?
It depends on how you use your apps. If you like having the latest content as soon as you open an app, then yes. If you don’t mind waiting for content to refresh, you can leave it off.
How do I stop apps from using cellular data to refresh?
In the ‘Background App Refresh’ settings, select ‘Wi-Fi’ instead of ‘Wi-Fi & Cellular Data’. This will prevent apps from using your cellular data to refresh.
Summary
- Open the ‘Settings’ app.
- Tap on ‘General’.
- Select ‘Background App Refresh’.
- Choose your preferred refresh settings.
Conclusion
Staying updated with our fast-paced digital world can be a challenge, but with iOS 17’s Background App Refresh feature, it’s a breeze. By allowing your apps to automatically update, you never have to miss out on the latest content. Whether it’s a new email, social media post, or breaking news – your iPhone has got your back. However, it’s also crucial to manage this feature wisely to avoid unnecessary data charges and save battery life. So take control of your iPhone’s capabilities and customize them to fit your life. And if you ever feel lost, remember that the option to tweak settings is just a few taps away. Dive into iOS 17 and make it work for you.
Matthew Roberts created this site to help his friends and family with questions that they might have about how to change the settings on their iPhones. It now serves as an archive of iPhone how-to guides to help anyone that stumbles upon this website.