When I switch from one app to another, the first app refreshes even if I'm only in the second app for a couple of seconds. For example, if I get a text while scrolling Instagram and switch to iMessages, when I switch back, Instagram refreshes and I lose whatever I was looking at. I've tried turning off background refresh but it still happens. Is there a way to make this stop?
iPhone 14 Pro, iOS 16
Hi EggyJaz,
It depends on each individual app. Though your iPhone may not be refreshing the content, Instagram itself may refresh the content when it's minimized and reopened. Background App Refresh simply allows apps to check for new updates and content, so that doesn't necessarily mean you won't see new content when loading as the app may be refreshing when you open it back up (rather than refreshing while you have it in the background).
Aside from the content listed in Switch apps on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support, you can reach out to Apple directly if you have further concerns: Get Support
Cheers.
Background App Refresh allows apps to initiate a refresh with no external “event” happening. Very few apps actually do this. Most apps respond to “events”, typically meaning receiving a Notification, such as a notification that a new message has arrived, a new email (if you have Push or Fetch enabled), a weather update, an Instagram message, etc. An app responding to an Event is not actually running in background; it is more like running in foreground but without using the screen.
When you switch to another app do you force-close the previous app by swiping up on its screen image in the app switcher? If you do this that can also cause data loss, because force-closing does not let the app save its current contents or state.
Apps refreshing in background with background refresh off
