Users Can Reduce Data and Battery Drain by Limiting Background App Refresh to Wi-Fi

WASHINGTON — Mobile device users can save battery life and reduce mobile data usage by restricting Background App Refresh to Wi-Fi connections, according to technology experts. This setting is available on both iPhone and Android devices and helps limit apps from updating content when connected to cellular networks.

Background App Refresh allows apps to update their content in the background, so when users return to an app, it is already refreshed. While this feature offers convenience, it also consumes battery power and mobile data even when the app is not actively in use.

On iPhones, users can adjust this setting by opening the Settings app, selecting General, then Background App Refresh, and choosing the option to allow updates only on Wi-Fi. Alternatively, users can turn off Background App Refresh entirely to prevent apps from updating in the background, which conserves battery but may delay content updates when reopening apps.

Android devices offer similar controls, though the feature is not labeled as Background App Refresh. Users can limit background data usage per app by navigating to Settings, then Network and Internet or Connections, followed by Data Usage and Mobile Data Usage. From there, selecting an app and turning off Background Data restricts updates to Wi-Fi only. Additionally, users can manage battery usage by limiting background activity through the Battery settings.

By making these adjustments, users can reduce unnecessary data consumption and extend battery life, helping to manage mobile device performance more efficiently.