Save data by setting your app to refresh in the background only on Wi-Fi
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Background activity can drain your battery and use mobile data without you noticing. Apps refresh in the background to keep content fresh, helping you pick up where you left off. The downside is that this constant activity can drain your battery and eat up your data plan. The good news is that you can limit when apps update and choose to allow them to update only over Wi-Fi.
We will explain how to change background app refresh on iPhone to Wi-Fi only. You also get Android steps so you can keep an eye on background activity on any device.
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ADAPTIVE POWER IN IOS 26 INCREASES IPHONE BATTERY LIFE
Background app refresh can drain your battery and data by allowing apps to refresh when you’re not using them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Why is this setting important?
Apps that update behind the scenes use data and power even when you don’t open them. When you change the function to Wi-Fi only, you slow down the background drain. Helps save mobile data. It can also help extend battery life because apps are updated less frequently.
What does background app refresh do?
Background app refresh allows apps to refresh content while you use other apps or leave your phone locked. When you return to an app, it is already updated and ready. That convenience comes at a cost. Each update uses data and battery power. By limiting this feature to Wi-Fi, you keep apps up to date without using your mobile plan.
How to Set Background App Refresh Only on Wi-Fi on iPhone
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap Background app refresh
- Tap Background app refresh again
Select Wi-Fi to limit updates to Wi-Fi connections
PREVENT FOREIGN APPS FROM COLLECTING YOUR PERSONAL DATA
Switching 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, choose Off in step 4. This prevents apps from updating when you are not using them. It helps save battery life, but 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 use the exact name Background App Refresh, but it offers similar controls. You can restrict data and background activity, which helps reduce data usage and extend battery life.
Limit background data per app on Android
YesSettings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone.
- Open Settings
- Tap Network and Internet either Connections
- Tap Data usage
- Tap Mobile data usage
- Select an application
- Fold Background data disabled so that the app updates only over Wi-Fi
Limit background battery activity on Android
YesSettings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone.
- Open Settings
- Tap Battery
- Tap Battery usage
- Choose an application
- Tap Manage background activity
- Fold Allow background activity off
Use Data Saver for additional control on Android
YesSettings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone.
- Open Settings
- Tap Network and Internet either Connections
- Tap data saving, or maybe you have to knock first Data usage and then data saver
- Fold the switch on light Data saving
Data Saver prevents most apps from using data in the background unless you choose to allow them.
5 HIDDEN BATTERY DRAINERS YOU CAN FIX RIGHT NOW
Android users can restrict background activity and data to save battery life and reduce mobile data consumption. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Kurt’s Key Takeaways
Changing background refresh settings is one of the fastest ways to protect your battery and data. With a few quick steps, your phone runs more efficiently and your apps use fewer resources. Whether you use an iPhone or an Android device, these settings will help you regain control.
What phone tips or frustrations should we keep in mind for a future story? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning technology journalist with a deep love for technology, gear and gadgets that improve lives with his contributions to News and News Business since mornings on “News & Friends.” Do you have any technical questions? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment on CyberGuy.com.