Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Background App Refresh lets eligible iPhone apps check for updates and new content after you leave them. It does not keep every app actively running or guarantee that content updates immediately: Apple says suspended apps can check for updates and new content
, without promising a fixed schedule.
What Background App Refresh actually does
When you switch away from an app, iOS may let it run briefly before suspending it. A suspended app is not actively in use; Background App Refresh gives it an opportunity to check for new content or updates. Whether and when an app does so is not guaranteed by the setting.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $552.01 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $409.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $388.34 | Buy on Amazon |
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Apple’s description is deliberately limited: apps can check. The setting is permission for background checking, not a promise of continuous activity or an instant update. If something looks out of date, open the app and allow it to load.
Where to find the setting and what each choice means
Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Depending on the iOS version and presentation, you may need to tap Background App Refresh again to see the choices. Apple’s documented options are:
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
| Choice | Background checks | Cellular use from this feature |
|---|---|---|
| Off | Background App Refresh is disabled. | None from this feature. |
| Wi-Fi | Eligible app checks are allowed over Wi-Fi. | This feature is not allowed over cellular. |
| Wi-Fi & Cellular Data | Eligible app checks are allowed over either connection. | It can use cellular data. |
Choosing Wi-Fi limits cellular access for Background App Refresh; it does not block every kind of background network activity. Apps and iOS services may use other capabilities or mechanisms.
Does it drain battery?
Background checking can be one part of an app’s background activity, but Apple does not publish a battery figure specific to the Background App Refresh switch. Its battery guidance also identifies activity such as music playback, location tracking, photo syncing, and mail fetching. Those examples describe background activity broadly, not a measured cost attributable to this setting alone.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Low Power Mode turns off Background App Refresh to reduce power use, but Apple does not quantify how much battery this switch alone saves. To investigate a battery concern, check app-specific usage in Settings > Battery rather than assuming all background use comes from Background App Refresh.
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Why an app may not refresh in the background
- The setting is off or restricted to another network. Check the selection under Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
- Low Power Mode is on. It turns off Background App Refresh. Apple lists Settings > Battery for iPhone 14 and earlier, and Settings > Battery > Power Mode for iPhone 15 and later; labels may vary by iOS release.
- Low Data Mode is on. It also turns off Background App Refresh. Low Data Mode can be configured separately for cellular and Wi-Fi networks.
- You force-quit the app. Apple says an app closed from the App Switcher may not run or check for new content again until you open it.
- The app has not updated yet. The feature does not promise a refresh at a specific time. Reopen the app and let it load when you need current content.
Should you turn it off?
Choose based on what matters to you: background checks for apps you use, cellular-data limits, or reduced background activity. Use Wi-Fi if you want to avoid allowing this feature over cellular; choose Off if you do not want eligible apps to use Background App Refresh. Keep in mind that turning it off does not disable every other type of background activity, and turning it on does not ensure an app will update immediately.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Force-quitting is different
Swiping an app away in the App Switcher is a separate action from changing Background App Refresh. Apple notes that a force-quit app may not check for new content until opened again. Routinely closing every app is therefore not a general battery or performance fix, and it can prevent an app from checking in the background.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
