Most apps continue refreshing content even when you don’t open them. Disabling background refresh for apps you rarely use can noticeably improve battery life and overall responsiveness.
Instructions for managing background refresh for Apple iOS and Android:
- iOS / iPhone & iPad (Apple Support):
Manage Background App Refresh in Settings > General > Background App Refresh, and toggle it off for apps you rarely use — support.apple.com - Android (Google Support): Restrict background data for specific apps in Settings > Network & internet > Data usage, which limits refresh and syncing for apps you don’t need updating in the background — support.google.com
Why it works: Background app refresh uses processing power, network data, and battery even when apps aren’t actively in use. Limiting it reduces unnecessary system load and helps your device prioritize the apps you actually use.
Bonus tip: On iPhone, enabling Low Power Mode temporarily turns off Background App Refresh. On Android, Battery Saver reduces background activity, but background data and syncing are still controlled on an app-by-app basis.