Background app refresh - what is it for?

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Level 1

8 points

Background app refresh - what is it for?

I have seen that I can switch on a "Background app refresh". What is that for? What does it do for instance for Chrome, Google maps, OneDrive or Podcasts?

For Google Maps for instance, is the only difference that when I pull up Google maps the app already knows where I am as opposed to taking a split second to locate me?

I do know that background refresh is a major battery drain. I'd be happy to accept that, but before coming to a conclusion I'd need to understand what it actually does and what the benefits would be if I switched it on.

Thanks.

iPhone 6s, iOS 9.1

Posted on Nov 3, 2015 6:10 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 3, 2015 6:29 AM in response to mozart77

What background apps does depends on the app. You sound as if you've got the general idea, though. I use an app called "Moves", for example, that tracks steps, cycling, running automatically as well as where I've been. It requires Background App Refresh in order to gather that information in the background. I don't keep it turn on for things like web browsers.

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Answer 2

Ethan7988

Level 4

1,750 points

Nov 3, 2015 6:20 AM in response to mozart77

With background app refresh off, applications will remain open even after you've switched to another app. With it on, apps will "Close" themselves in the background to save battery power.

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