You can disable Background App Refresh on the iPhone 14 by navigating to Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Background App Refresh > and then selecting the Off option.
Our explanation continues below with more information, including screenshots, on how to stop the iPhone from updating apps in the background.
For more information on this issue, see this video on how to disable Background App Refresh on iPhone 14.
How to Turn Off iPhone 14 Background App Refresh
The instructions in this post were carried out using an iPhone 14 Plus running iOS 16.5.
These procedures will also work on most other versions of iOS and iPhone models, including the following:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
Step 1: On your Home screen, tap the Settings app icon to enter the menu.
Step 2: Scroll down and select the General tab.
Step 3: Tap the Refresh Background App button.
Step 4: Choose Background App Refresh at the top of the screen once again.
You can alternatively leave the setting enabled and block particular apps on this screen from updating their data in the background.
Step 5: Tap Off to turn the setting off.
You might alternatively keep the option enabled but restrict it to Wi-Fi only.
Now that you know how to disable Background App Refresh on iPhone 14, you may prevent the iPhone from refreshing your data, allowing you to use less cellular data and extend the life of your battery.
Background App Refresh on iPhone Video
Summary – Disabling the Background App Refresh Setting on the iPhone
- Select Settings.
- Choose General.
- Select Background App Refresh from the menu.
- Tap Background App Refresh.
- Choose Off.
Related: How to Display iPhone 14 Battery Percentage
Conclusion
If you frequently switch between apps and want to keep your information as up to date as possible, the option to keep your iPhone apps updated in the background can be handy.
However, because this Background App Refresh feature consumes a significant amount of data and battery life, you may opt to disable it and simply wait for your data to load when you open the app.
While this is a less convenient method of using your phone, the added benefits it provides are typically worth the little discomfort.
You can select whether or not to enable that setting on your device by following our how to disable Background App Refresh on iPhone 14 steps above.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing technology how-to articles and tutorials for over a decade. He has extensive experience in information technology both in small business and as a consultant.
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