
How to Fix iPhone Background App Refresh Not Working Easily
Table of Contents
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced digital world, having seamless access to your iPhone apps is vital. One feature that significantly enhances this experience is the iPhone Background App Refresh function. This feature allows applications to update their content in the background, ensuring that you receive timely notifications, updates, and new data without needing to open each app individually. However, many people encounter issues where the iPhone Background App Refresh not working as intended.
This blog article will explore the meaning of Background App Refresh, the common issues associated with it, and detailed troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve these problems. If you find yourself frustrated with the iPhone Background App Refresh not working you are not alone. So, let’s dive in and get this issue fixed.
Understanding Background App Refresh
iPhone Background App Refresh Meaning
Background App Refresh is a feature that permits apps to refresh their content in the background even when they’re not actively being used. This means that apps can download new data – such as news articles, weather updates, or social media notifications – while you’re using other applications or when your device is idle. This functionality is crucial for maintaining an efficient and enjoyable user experience, as it keeps your content up to date without the need for manual intervention.
While Background App Refresh can be immensely beneficial, it may also consume battery life and data if not managed properly. Therefore, it’s essential to have a good understanding of its settings and functionality to strike a balance between performance and resource management.

Common Issues with Background App Refresh
iPhone Background App Refresh Not Working
Users often report that their Background App Refresh is not working at all, leaving them with outdated information and notifications. This issue can stem from various reasons, including misconfigured settings, software glitches, or even network problems. When Background App Refresh fails, it can affect productivity and cause frustration, especially for users relying on timely updates from their apps.
One of the most common issues that users report is that their iPhone Background App Refresh not working, which can lead to missed notifications and outdated app content. Understanding why this might happen can help streamline troubleshooting.
To ensure that your iPhone Background App Refresh not working issue is resolved, it is crucial to follow a systematic approach to troubleshooting.
Many users may notice that certain apps are not updating their content as expected or are failing to send notifications. In some cases, the Background App Refresh feature might appear enabled, but the apps remain inactive in the background. The following sections will help identify potential causes and provide a comprehensive guide on troubleshooting these issues effectively.
iPhone Background App Refresh Greyed Out
Another common issue is when the Background App Refresh option is greyed out, preventing users from enabling or disabling it for specific applications. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as restrictions imposed by parental controls, low battery mode, or even iOS bugs that can occasionally occur after software updates. These restrictions can limit the functionality of Background App Refresh, leading to a poor user experience and frustrations in using the device as intended.
When users find the Background App Refresh option greyed out, it is essential to investigate the underlying cause. In many cases, these issues can be resolved quickly with the right troubleshooting steps and adjustments to settings.

Steps to Troubleshoot Background App Refresh
By checking your settings thoroughly, you may identify why your iPhone Background App Refresh not working has become a persistent issue.
Check Your Settings
The first step in troubleshooting Background App Refresh issues is to check your settings. Navigate to Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Here, you will find options to enable or disable Background App Refresh for individual applications or the entire device. Ensure that Background App Refresh is set to ‘On’ and that specific apps you want to refresh in the background are also enabled.
If you notice that the option is greyed out, check if Low Power Mode is enabled, as this feature disables Background App Refresh to conserve battery life. Disabling Low Power Mode should restore access to the Background App Refresh settings. Additionally, if you have any restrictions or parental controls set, review those settings to ensure they are not blocking Background App Refresh.
Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes, users find that the iPhone Background App Refresh not working is a temporary glitch that can be fixed with a simple restart of the Apple device.
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve many software-related issues. If you’ve checked your settings and are still experiencing problems with Background App Refresh, try restarting your iPhone. This can help clear temporary glitches and refresh the operating system, thereby allowing apps to function correctly again. To restart your iPhone, press and hold the power button until you see the ‘slide to power off’ option. Once it is off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
After restarting, return to the Background App Refresh settings to see if the issue has been resolved. In many cases, this straightforward step can restore functionality without the need for more complex troubleshooting.
Update to the Latest iOS Version
When experiencing the iPhone Background App Refresh not working, make sure to check for the latest iOS updates regularly.
Keeping your iPhone’s software up-to-date is crucial for optimal performance and security. Apple frequently releases updates that address bugs and improve functionality, including Background App Refresh. If you’re experiencing issues with this feature, check if a new iOS version is available by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
After resetting your settings, many users have successfully resolved the iPhone Background App Refresh not working issue.
If an update is available, download and install it. After updating your iPhone, check whether the Background App Refresh issue has been resolved. Users often find that updating to the latest iOS version not only fixes existing problems but also enhances their overall user experience with new features and improvements.
Restoring your iPhone should only be considered when all other troubleshooting fails, particularly when the iPhone Background App Refresh not working is a significant concern.

Advanced Solutions When iPhone Background App Refresh Not Working
Reset All Settings
If the issue persists after trying the previous steps, consider resetting all of your iPhone’s settings. This action will not delete your personal data but will reset system settings, including Wi-Fi passwords, wallpapers, and app settings. To reset all settings, navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
After the reset, your iPhone will reboot, and you can check Background App Refresh settings again. This step can often resolve deeper software-related issues that might be causing the feature not to work correctly, restoring functionality to your device.
Restore Your iPhone
As a last resort, if none of the above solutions work, you might need to restore your iPhone to factory settings. This process will erase all data on the device, so be sure to back up your important files and settings before proceeding. To restore your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
After erasing your device, set it up as new or restore from a backup. Once the setup is complete, check if Background App Refresh is functioning correctly. Restoring your iPhone can eliminate stubborn bugs and provide a clean slate for the operating system, potentially resolving any lingering issues.
If you have tried all the suggested solutions and still experience your iPhone Background App Refresh not working, consider reaching out to Tech Resolvers for further assistance. Our Norwich iPhone repair shop is always happy to help with your problems and provide solutions.
How To Turn Off Background App Refresh on iPhone
Apps running in the background can consume memory and data. Therefore, if you need to turn off background app refresh on iPhone then this is how you do it.
To turn off Background App Refresh on your iPhone, go to Settings, then tap General, and select Background App Refresh. From there, you can choose to turn it off completely by selecting Off, or you can disable it for individual apps by toggling them off in the list. Disabling Background App Refresh helps save battery life and reduce data usage.
iPhone Background App Refresh Not Working Conclusion
Recap of Troubleshooting Steps
In summary, if your iPhone Background App Refresh not working is causing issues, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot effectively. By checking your settings, restarting your device, updating iOS, resetting settings, and restoring your iPhone, you can often resolve these problems. Each of these steps tackles different potential causes, ensuring a thorough approach to troubleshooting your iPhone Background App Refresh not working challenges.
When to Seek Further Help
If you have tried all the suggested solutions and still experience issues with Background App Refresh, consider reaching out to our iPhone repair Norwich team. They can provide a more tailored troubleshooting based on your specific circumstances. Remember, keeping your device in optimal condition is crucial for a smooth user experience, and addressing any issues promptly can enhance your overall iPhone usage.
HELP FIX MY IPHONEiPhone Background App Refresh Not Working FAQs
Is it good to turn off background app refresh on iPhone?
Yes, turning off background app refresh on iPhone can be beneficial for battery life.
What is background app refresh in iPhone?
Background app refresh allows apps to update their content in the background, so that information is ready when you open the app. This can help improve the user experience by reducing loading times.
Should I turn off all background apps on my iPhone?
Turning off all background apps on your iPhone is generally not necessary. Modern iPhones manage background app activity efficiently and automatically to preserve battery life. Closing apps manually can actually have a negative impact on performance. It’s best to let your iPhone manage background processes automatically.
What happens if I turn off background data?
Disabling background data would prevent the browser from automatically downloading content in the background, which could reduce data usage but may also impact website performance.
Why is my Background App Refresh not working?
There could be several reasons, including incorrect settings, restrictions, low power mode, or software glitches. Follow the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article to identify the issue.
Can I disable Background App Refresh for specific apps?
Yes, you can enable or disable Background App Refresh for individual apps through Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
Does Background App Refresh consume a lot of battery?
Background App Refresh can consume battery life, especially if many apps are allowed to refresh. You can manage this by disabling the feature for apps that you do not frequently use.
Will resetting my iPhone delete all my data?
Resetting all settings will not delete personal data, but restoring your iPhone to factory settings will erase all content. Always back up your data before proceeding with a factory reset.