Understanding and Managing Background Apps on an iPhone: The Impact on Battery and Data Usage

As technology advances, smartphones and tablets have become indispensable tools for daily life. With the convenience of quick app launches and constant updates, managing background apps on an iPhone becomes a critical task for optimizing both battery and data usage. This article will delve into how to access and manage background running apps on an iPhone, the impact of background app refresh on battery and data, and how to disable this feature for better performance.

Accessing Background Running Apps on an iPhone

To view and manage background running apps on an iPhone, you need to use the App Switcher. The process differs slightly depending on the model of your iPhone:

For iPhones with Face ID

Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and pause in the middle of the screen. This action will open the App Switcher, showing you a carousel of apps that are currently open or recently used.

For iPhones with a Home Button

Double-click the Home button to view the App Switcher. This feature lets you see and manage recently used apps just as efficiently.

Through the App Switcher, you can swipe to close an app by dragging it off the screen. However, it's important to note that iOS manages background processes automatically, and closing apps is generally not necessary unless an app is misbehaving.

The Role of Background App Refresh on iPhone

Background App Refresh allows apps to run even when they are closed. This feature lets apps maintain internet connectivity and receive data in the background, which is crucial for quick app launches and continuous notifications.

How Background App Refresh Works

When you swipe away an app on your iPhone or iPad, you are not truly shutting it down. With Background App Refresh enabled, apps run in a minimized state, using less power but still picking up data and sending notifications. This is why apps can start up quickly and continue sending notifications even hours after you closed them.

Examples of Background App Refresh

Some examples of how apps utilize Background App Refresh include:

Google Maps can ask how crowded your subway ride was. The Weather app can tell you if it's going to rain soon. Airbnb can recommend vacation spots in a town you're driving through even without your active engagement.

Although you are not actively using these apps, they still track location data and send notifications from the background. This feature provides convenience but also comes with a significant trade-off in terms of battery and data use.

The Impact on Battery and Data Usage

Every process, even when running in the background, consumes battery power and internet bandwidth. Suspended apps using Background App Refresh consume less power but can still drain your battery if you have too many open. The more push notifications an app sends, the more power it requires to run in the background.

Turning Background App Refresh On and Off

You can control Background App Refresh via the Settings app. To manage this feature, follow these steps:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap on the General section. Select Background App Refresh. You will see a list of all apps that have permission to run in the background. To turn off Background App Refresh for all apps, tap the option at the top of the screen and choose one of the following options: Wi-Fi Cellular Data: Allows Background App Refresh when connected to both Wi-Fi and cellular data. Wi-Fi Only: Updates apps only when connected to Wi-Fi, never using mobile data. Off: Disables Background App Refresh, stopping apps from updating in the background. If you want to disable Background App Refresh for specific apps, find the app in the list and tap the switch next to it. When the switch is on the left, the app cannot update in the background.

Conclusion

While Background App Refresh brings convenience and ensures seamless app performance, it also comes with a cost in terms of battery and data usage. Understanding how to manage and disable this feature can significantly improve your iPhone's performance and extend both your battery and data plan. By following these steps, you can make informed decisions to strike the right balance between convenience and efficiency.