To change the Background App Refresh setting on iPad, open Settings, tap General > Background App Refresh, then tap Background App Refresh again and choose Off, Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi & Cellular Data. You can also leave it on and turn it off for individual apps in the list below.
This guide follows Apple’s support article on switching apps and Background App Refresh and Apple’s iPad guide to Low Power Mode. It covers the main setting, the per-app switches, what the feature does, and a related battery option.
How to Change Background App Refresh on iPad
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Tap Background App Refresh.
- Tap Background App Refresh at the top of the screen again.
- Choose Off, Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi & Cellular Data.
Result: Your choice applies to every app that is still switched on in the list. Apple lists the Off, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi & Cellular Data choices; an iPad without cellular may show only a simple On/Off option instead.
What Each Option Means
- Off: suspended apps don’t check for new content in the background, per Apple. They update when you open them.
- Wi-Fi: apps can refresh in the background only when the iPad is on Wi-Fi.
- Wi-Fi & Cellular Data: apps can also refresh over cellular. This can use your data plan, so choose Wi-Fi if you have a small allowance.
How to Turn It Off for Just One App
- Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
- Scroll down to the list of apps.
- Turn off the switch next to any app you don’t want updating in the background.
Result: That app stops refreshing in the background while the others keep their setting. This per-app approach saves data and battery without turning the feature off completely. Games and utilities that don’t need constant updates are good candidates to switch off.
What Background App Refresh Does
Apple explains that apps you switch away from are suspended. Background App Refresh lets those suspended apps check for new content, so it’s ready the next time you open them. Turning it off means some apps may need a moment to load new info when you open them.
Apple also notes that if you close an app from the app switcher, it may not be able to check for new content in the background. Closing apps this way doesn’t improve your iPad’s performance, according to Apple, so there’s no need to do it routinely. See how to close apps on iPad if an app stops responding.
Another Way to Save Battery
Per Apple’s Low Power Mode guide, you can turn on Low Power Mode in Settings > Battery, or from Control Center if you’ve added it there. Apple says some tasks may take longer while it’s on, and it turns off automatically when the battery charges to 80 percent. On iPad models with ProMotion, it also limits the display to 60 frames per second.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off Background App Refresh stop notifications?
Apple’s article describes Background App Refresh as letting suspended apps check for new content. It doesn’t say that it controls notifications, which have their own settings in Settings > Notifications.
Why don’t I see the Wi-Fi & Cellular Data option?
That choice applies to cellular iPad models. You’ll see just an On/Off option if your device doesn’t have cellular.
Related Guides
- How to close apps on iPad
- How to turn off Location Services on iPad
- How to check storage on your iPad
Using an iPhone too? Here’s how to turn Background App Refresh on or off on iPhone.
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are tested on current devices or checked against official product documentation, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
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