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Background Refresh: Stop Apps Updating When Closed | iOS 17 Guide

Many apps can refresh their content in the background. This means they’ll always be up-to-date when they’re opened. Of course, this can affect battery life. To stop this, open the Settings app, select General, then Background App Refresh.

You can turn it off for all apps at the top of the screen, or turn it off for individual apps from a list below. If you use an app that requires your location, then leave Background App Refresh on for that app in the list so it can continue to track your whereabouts.

Limit which apps can refresh in the background

Wi-Fi Refresh

It’s not just battery life at risk, though. Background updates can also use up your cellular data.

However, it’s possible to enable background app refresh only when you’re connected to Wi-Fi. This can help to minimize your cellular usage if you’re on a limited data plan.

Head to the Settings app, tap General and then Background App Refresh. Then tap Background App Refresh again at the top of the page. Then select your preferred option.