To allow apps to automatically refresh on your iPhone running iOS 17, you need to enable Background App Refresh in your settings. This feature allows your apps to update content in the background, so you have the latest information as soon as you open the app.
Once you’ve completed the action, your apps will update their content when you’re not using them. This means you won’t have to wait for the latest news or social media updates when you open an app – they’ll already be there, waiting for you.
You can also check out this video about how to enable automatic app refresh on iPhone for more on this topic.
Introduction
Are you tired of opening your iPhone apps only to find that they haven’t been updated with the latest content? Waiting for your apps to refresh and load new data can be a real drag, especially when you’re on the go and need information fast. That’s where the Background App Refresh feature in iOS 17 comes into play. It’s a game-changer for anyone who values efficiency and staying up-to-date with the latest happenings in their apps.
Background App Refresh allows your apps to check for updates and new content even when you’re not using them actively. It’s like having a personal assistant for your iPhone – keeping everything ready and refreshed for you. This feature is crucial for social media enthusiasts, news buffs, or anyone who relies on real-time data. Whether you’re a busy professional or just someone who loves staying connected, learning how to enable this feature will make your digital life a breeze. Let’s dive in and discover how to keep your apps fresh and updated effortlessly.
Tutorial: Allowing Apps to Automatically Refresh on iPhone
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s understand what we’re aiming to achieve here. By following these steps, you’ll enable your iPhone apps to refresh their content in the background. This means that updates and new posts will be ready for you before you even open the app. Pretty neat, right? Let’s get started.
Step 1: Open Settings
First things first, locate and open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone.
The ‘Settings’ app is the gateway to customizing your iPhone experience. It’s where you can tweak and adjust everything to fit your preferences, and in this case, ensure your apps are always updated.
Step 2: Scroll to General
Once you’re in Settings, scroll down until you find the ‘General’ option, and tap on it.
The ‘General’ section houses a variety of settings that affect the overall function of your iPhone. It’s the central hub for system-wide preferences.
Step 3: Tap on Background App Refresh
In the ‘General’ settings, look for ‘Background App Refresh’ and select it.
This is the menu where you can manage which apps have permission to refresh in the background. It’s crucial for keeping your apps up-to-date without manual intervention.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Keeps apps updated with the latest information | With Background App Refresh enabled, your apps can pull in the latest data as it becomes available, ensuring that when you open the app, you’re seeing the most up-to-date content. This is especially useful for news apps or any application where information changes frequently. |
| Saves time when opening apps | Since the apps update in the background, you won’t have to wait for them to refresh when you open them. This can save you a significant amount of time, especially if you use a lot of apps throughout the day. |
| Ensures that you don’t miss out on important updates | For apps that send notifications based on new content, having Background App Refresh enabled means you’ll always be informed about important updates or messages as soon as they’re available, even if you’re not actively using the app at that moment. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Can use more battery life | Having Background App Refresh enabled can lead to increased battery usage, as apps will be working in the background to update their content. If you’re already struggling with battery life, this might be a concern. |
| Could use more mobile data | If you’re not connected to Wi-Fi, enabling Background App Refresh may result in higher mobile data usage. For those with limited data plans, this could lead to unexpected charges. |
| Not all apps need to refresh frequently | Some apps don’t need to be updated frequently, and having them refresh in the background can be unnecessary. It’s important to customize which apps are allowed to refresh to prevent wasted resources. |
Additional Information
Now that you’re familiar with the steps to allow apps to automatically refresh on your iPhone, let’s cover some additional details that can enhance your experience. Remember, Background App Refresh only works if you’re connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data, so if you’re not connected, your apps won’t update.
It’s also important to note that not all apps need to use Background App Refresh. Think about which apps you want to be constantly updated and only enable the feature for those. For instance, a weather app or a messaging app might be more crucial to keep refreshed than a game that doesn’t need constant updates.
Another tip is to pay attention to your battery life. If you notice a significant drop after enabling this feature, you may want to reconsider which apps you’ve allowed to refresh. The good news is that iOS 17 is designed to manage this feature intelligently, so it shouldn’t be too much of a drain.
Remember, managing the apps that automatically refresh is key to maximizing the efficiency of your iPhone without sacrificing battery life or data usage. Use this feature wisely, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Summary
- Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on ‘General’.
- Select ‘Background App Refresh’ to manage the settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Background App Refresh?
Background App Refresh is a feature that allows apps to update their content in the background when you’re not using them, so the latest information is available as soon as you open the app.
Will enabling Background App Refresh use more battery?
Yes, it can lead to increased battery usage because apps are working in the background. If battery life is a concern, you may want to limit the number of apps that have this feature enabled.
Can I choose which apps are allowed to use Background App Refresh?
Absolutely! You have full control over which apps can refresh in the background. It’s a good idea to only enable it for the apps that you need to update frequently.
Will Background App Refresh work without an internet connection?
No, your iPhone needs to be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data for the apps to refresh their content.
Is Background App Refresh available on all versions of iOS?
Background App Refresh has been available on iOS for several versions, but the specific settings and functionality may vary slightly with each update. The instructions provided are for iOS 17.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks—allowing apps to automatically refresh on your iPhone running iOS 17 is a breeze. With a few simple taps, you can ensure that your favorite apps are always up-to-date with the latest information. Whether you’re looking to save time, stay informed, or just make your life a little easier, enabling Background App Refresh is a smart move.
Just remember to manage this feature wisely to avoid unnecessary battery drain or data usage. Now go ahead, set it up, and enjoy the convenience of having fresh content at your fingertips!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.