Save data by setting your background app refresh to Wi-Fi only

03 Dec 2025 By foxnews

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Background activity can drain your battery and use your mobile data without you seeing it happen. Apps refresh in the background to keep content updated, which helps you pick up where you left off. The downside is that this constant activity can strain your battery and burn through your data plan. The good news is that you can limit when apps refresh and choose to let them update only on Wi-Fi.

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ADAPTIVE POWER IN IOS 26 BOOSTS IPHONE BATTERY LIFE

Apps that update behind the scenes use data and power even when you are not opening them. When you switch the feature to Wi-Fi only, you slow down that background drain. It helps save mobile data. It can also help extend battery life because apps refresh less often.

Background App Refresh lets apps update content while you use other apps or leave your phone locked. When you return to an app, it is already refreshed and ready. That convenience comes with a cost. Each refresh uses data and battery power. By limiting this feature to Wi-Fi, you keep apps updated without using your mobile plan.

Follow these steps:

Select Wi-Fi to limit updates to Wi-Fi connections

STOP FOREIGN-OWNED APPS FROM HARVESTING YOUR PERSONAL DATA

If you want to block background updates completely, choose Off in step 4. This stops apps from refreshing when you are 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.

Android does not use the exact name Background App Refresh, but it offers similar controls. You can restrict background data and background activity, which helps reduce data use and extend battery life.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer

Data Saver blocks most apps from using background data unless you choose to allow them.

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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 help put you back in control.

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