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To change Background App Refresh on an iPad, open Settings > General > Background App Refresh, tap Background App Refresh on the next screen, then choose Off, Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi & Cellular Data.
Change Background App Refresh on iPad
- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then tap Background App Refresh.
- Tap Background App Refresh again on the next screen.
- Select Off, Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi & Cellular Data.
Apple documents this menu path in its instructions for switching apps and background refresh. Menu labels may vary across iPadOS versions; Apple’s instructions do not provide a version-by-version interface matrix.
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What each option allows
| Option | Background network access | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Off | Background app refresh is disabled. | Choose this if you do not want apps to use this feature. |
| Wi-Fi | Apps can refresh over Wi-Fi. | Choose this if you want background updates on Wi-Fi but not over cellular data. |
| Wi-Fi & Cellular Data | Apps can refresh over Wi-Fi and cellular data. | Choose this if you want background refresh on either connection type. |
The setting governs whether suspended apps can check for updates and new content; it does not keep every app continuously active. Apple does not quantify the battery or data impact for individual apps, so the effect will depend on the apps and your use.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsIf apps still do not refresh
Check whether the app was force-closed
Apps may run briefly after you switch away, then become suspended. Apple says that quitting an app from the App Switcher might prevent it from running or checking for new content until you open it again. If an app is not updating, reopen it rather than force-closing it.
#1 Best Overall
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Check Low Power Mode
Low Power Mode reduces power use by reducing or disabling some settings and features, including Background App Refresh. See Apple’s guidance on battery drain and Low Power Mode.
Check Low Data Mode
Apple says Low Data Mode turns off Background App Refresh. If you need background updates, review whether Low Data Mode is enabled for the relevant network. Apple’s Low Data Mode guide covers the feature.
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Check Screen Time on a child’s iPad
Screen Time can restrict changes to background activity on a child’s device. Apple lists Background App Activity among the settings a parent can allow or disallow. Review the child’s Screen Time restrictions using Apple’s parental controls guide.
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Rank #4
- Smart Connector. 3.5 mm headphone jack. Stereo speakers. On/Off - Sleep/Wake. Home/Touch ID sensor. Dual microphones. Volume up/down. Nano-SIM tray (cellular models). Lightning connector
- A10 Fusion chip.
- Touch ID fingerprint sensor,
- 8MP back camera, 1. 2MP FaceTime HD front camera.
- Stereo speakers.
Rank #3
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
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