Control background app activity on iPhone and Android mobile devices
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Background activity can drain your battery and use up your mobile data without you realizing it. Apps refresh in the background to keep content up to date; This helps you pick up where you left off. The downside is that this constant activity can strain your battery and drain your data plan. The good news is that you can limit when apps refresh and choose to only allow them to update over Wi-Fi.
We will guide you on how to change Background App Refresh to Wi-Fi only on iPhone. You also get Android steps to keep background activity under control on any device.
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ADAPTIVE POWER IN iOS 26 IMPROVES iPhone BATTERY LIFE
Background App Refresh allows apps to update when not in use, which can drain battery and data. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Why is this setting important?
Apps updating in the background use data and power even when you don’t open them. When you change the feature to Wi-Fi only, you slow down the background streaming. It helps save mobile data. It can also help extend battery life because apps refresh less frequently.
What does Background App Refresh do?
Background App Refresh allows apps to update content while you use other apps or leave your phone locked. When you return to an app, it is already refreshed and ready. This convenience comes at a price. Each refresh uses data and battery power. By limiting this feature to Wi-Fi, you keep your apps updated without using your mobile plan.
How to set Background App Refresh to Wi-Fi only on iPhone?
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings
- Faucet General
- Faucet Background App Refresh
- Faucet Background App Refresh Again
Select wifi To limit updates on Wi-Fi connections
STOP FOREIGN APPLICATIONS FROM COLLECTING YOUR PERSONAL DATA
Changing Background App Refresh to Wi-Fi only helps iPhone users reduce unnecessary data usage. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
If you want to block background updates completely Closed In step 4. This stops apps from refreshing when you’re not using them. It helps save battery, but it can delay updates when you open an app that needs new content before you can use it.
How to limit background activity on Android
Android doesn’t quite use the name Background App Refresh, but it offers similar controls. You can restrict background data and background activity; This helps reduce data usage and extend battery life.
Limit background data per app on Android
S.Settings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone
- Open Settings
- Faucet Network and Internet or Links
- Faucet Data usage
- Faucet Mobile data usage
- Select an application
- Return background data is turned off, the app only updates over Wi-Fi
Limit background activity for battery on Android
S.Settings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone
- Open Settings
- Faucet Battery
- Faucet Battery usage
- To choose an application
- Faucet Manage background activity
- Return Allow background activity closed
Use Data Saver for extra control on Android
S.Settings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone
- Open Settings
- Faucet Network and Internet or Links
- Faucet Data Saving, or you may need to tap first Data usage and later Data saving
- Return key on to open Data Saving
Data Saver blocks most apps from using background data unless you allow them.
5 HIDDEN BATTERY PROBLEMS YOU CAN FIX NOW
Android users can restrict background data and activity to save battery and reduce mobile data consumption. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Kurt’s important takeaways
Changing background refresh settings is one of the fastest ways to protect your battery and data. With a few quick steps, your phone will run more efficiently and your apps will use less resources. Whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device, these settings help put you back in control.
What phone clues or disappointments should we look for for a future story? Let us know by writing to us. cyberguy.com
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