How to turn off background app refresh on iPhone

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To turn off Background App Refresh on your iPhone, navigate to Settings General > Background App Refresh. You can choose to disable it entirely or for specific apps. This feature allows apps to refresh their content in the background, which can impact battery life and data usage.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before you begin, ensure that you have the following:
  • •An iPhone running iOS 7 or later, as Background App Refresh is available from iOS 7 onwards.
  • •Access to the Settings app on your iPhone.
  • •Sufficient battery life or connection to a power source to avoid interruptions during the process.

Method 1: Disabling Background App Refresh for All Apps

This method is useful if you want to turn off Background App Refresh for all apps at once.
  • •Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone. You can find the Settings app on your home screen, represented by a gear icon.
  • •Step 2: Scroll down and tap on 'General'. This option is usually located in the third section of the Settings menu.
  • •Step 3: Tap on 'Background App Refresh'. You will see a list of apps that have permission to refresh in the background.
  • •Step 4: Tap on 'Background App Refresh' at the top of the screen. A new menu will appear with options to turn it off completely or select a different setting.
  • •Step 5: Select 'Off' to disable Background App Refresh for all apps. You should see a confirmation that the setting has been changed.
  • •Step 6: To verify it worked, return to the Background App Refresh menu; it should indicate that the feature is turned off.
  • •Step 7: If it doesn't work, ensure your iPhone is updated to the latest version of iOS by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

For iOS 16 and later

In iOS 16, the interface remains largely the same, but you may notice slight visual updates.
  • •Step 1: Follow the same steps as above, as the menu paths have not changed.
  • •Step 2: Look for any new toggles or options that may appear in the Background App Refresh settings.

For iOS 15 and earlier

The steps are similar, but the layout may differ slightly.
  • •Step 1: Open Settings, tap on General, then Background App Refresh.
  • •Step 2: The options available will be the same, but the visual design may be less refined.

Method 2: Disabling Background App Refresh for Specific Apps

Use this method if you want to selectively disable Background App Refresh for certain apps only.
  • •Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  • •Step 2: Tap on 'General', then 'Background App Refresh'.
  • •Step 3: You will see a list of apps with toggles next to them. Find the app you want to disable.
  • •Step 4: Toggle the switch next to the app to the 'Off' position. The switch will turn gray, indicating that Background App Refresh is disabled for that app.
  • •Step 5: To verify it worked, check the toggle again; it should remain off.
  • •Step 6: If it doesn't work, restart your iPhone and check the settings again.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while trying to disable Background App Refresh, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Settings not responding' - Solution: Restart your iPhone by pressing and holding the power button until the slider appears, then slide to power off.
  • •Issue: Background App Refresh keeps turning back on - Fix: Check if you have any apps that require background activity for functionality, such as navigation apps, and adjust their settings accordingly.
  • •Problem: Unable to find Background App Refresh option - Workaround: Ensure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version. If the option is still missing, reset all settings by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Here are some tips for power users to manage Background App Refresh more effectively:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: There are no specific keyboard shortcuts for iPhone settings, but using Siri to open Settings can save time.
  • •Hidden feature: Use 'Low Power Mode' to automatically disable Background App Refresh and other features to save battery life.
  • •Automation: Set up a shortcut to toggle Background App Refresh based on your location or time of day using the Shortcuts app.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Regularly managing Background App Refresh settings can greatly enhance your iPhone's performance and battery life.