On an iPhone or iPad, apps can be refreshed in the background to show up-to-date information and perform tasks, even when the app is not actively open. Refreshing applications in the background can be done via WiFi or with mobile data, for example 5G.
By allowing app refreshing in the background, it allows apps to download data, receive notifications, and perform tasks without having to open them manually. The background refresh is managed by the iPhone’s operating system to optimize battery life and downloading, among other things.
Refresh apps in the background
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad
- Navigate to ‘General’
- Tap ‘Background Refresh’
You will then be presented with a list of all applications that want access to background app refreshing. To enable or disable the background refresh, enable or disable the desired applications.
WiFi and mobile data
At the top of the Settings â–¸ General â–¸ Background Refresh list, you can tap Background Refresh and you’ll be given the option to disable the refresh completely, allow it only on Wi-Fi, or allow background downloading on Wi-Fi. and mobile data.
This means that the software updates the applications in the background via both WiFi and mobile network connections. Naturally, you can also use this last option on an iPad, provided it is connected to a mobile network via the LTE option.