Hey readers,
Are you curious about what apps are quietly lurking in the background, draining your battery and slowing down your iPhone? Look no further. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the hidden world of background apps, showing you how to identify and tame them for a more efficient and optimized iPhone experience.
Finding Apps Running in the Background
Using the App Switcher
To get a quick snapshot of what’s running in the background, simply swipe up from the bottom of your screen (or double-click the Home button on older iPhones). This will reveal the App Switcher, displaying a row of cards representing all the recently used apps.
Checking the App Library
For a more comprehensive view of background apps, head to the App Library. To do this, swipe left past the last Home screen until you reach the App Library. Here, you’ll find a list of all installed apps, including those that aren’t currently displayed on your Home screen.
Why Apps Run in the Background
Background App Refresh
Some apps need to run in the background to perform essential tasks, such as fetching new email or updating location data. This is known as Background App Refresh. By default, Background App Refresh is enabled for all apps, but you can disable it for individual apps or turn it off entirely in Settings.
Location Services
Apps that use Location Services may continue to run in the background even when you’re not actively using them. This is necessary for features like GPS tracking or getting directions. However, some apps may overzealously use Location Services, draining your battery.
Notifications
Apps that send push notifications can occasionally run in the background to prepare and send notifications. However, some apps may send excessive or irrelevant notifications, unnecessary running in the background.
Managing Background Apps
Close Unnecessary Apps
If you notice apps running in the background that you don’t need, you can close them to save battery and improve performance. To close an app in the App Switcher, simply swipe up on its card.
Disable Background App Refresh
As mentioned earlier, you can disable Background App Refresh for individual apps or turn it off entirely. To do this, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
Manage Location Services
To prevent apps from using Location Services excessively, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. Here, you can disable Location Services for individual apps or set them to only use your location when you’re actively using the app.
Table: App Background Activity
| App | Background App Refresh | Location Services | Push Notifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enabled | Always | Enabled | |
| Maps | Enabled | Always | Enabled |
| Enabled | Only when using | Enabled | |
| Disabled | Never | Enabled | |
| Spotify | Enabled | Only when using | Enabled |
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can gain control over the apps that run in the background on your iPhone. By closing unnecessary apps, disabling Background App Refresh, and managing Location Services, you can optimize your iPhone’s performance and extend its battery life.
Don’t forget to check out our other articles for more helpful tips and tricks to get the most out of your iPhone.
FAQ about iPhone Find Apps Running Background
How do I find apps running in the background on my iPhone?
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on "Battery."
- Scroll down to the "Background Activity" section.
- You will see a list of apps that have been running in the background recently.
How do I stop an app from running in the background?
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on "General."
- Tap on "Background App Refresh."
- Find the app you want to stop running in the background and tap on it.
- Turn off the "Background App Refresh" toggle switch.
What are the benefits of stopping apps from running in the background?
- It can improve your iPhone’s battery life.
- It can make your iPhone run faster.
- It can improve your privacy by preventing apps from tracking your location and other activities without your permission.
What are the drawbacks of stopping apps from running in the background?
- You may not receive notifications from apps that are stopped from running in the background.
- Some apps may not work properly if they are stopped from running in the background.
How do I know if an app is running in the background?
- If you see a small red dot next to an app icon in the App Switcher, it means that the app is running in the background.
- You can also check the "Battery" section in the Settings app to see a list of apps that have been running in the background recently.
What is the difference between "Background App Refresh" and "Location Services"?
- "Background App Refresh" allows apps to check for new data and update themselves in the background.
- "Location Services" allows apps to track your location even when you are not using them.
How do I turn off "Background App Refresh" for all apps?
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on "General."
- Tap on "Background App Refresh."
- Tap on "None."
How do I turn off "Location Services" for all apps?
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on "Privacy."
- Tap on "Location Services."
- Turn off the "Location Services" toggle switch.
What should I do if an app is not listed in the "Background Activity" section of the Settings app?
- Some apps may not appear in the "Background Activity" section if they are not using a significant amount of battery power.
- You can also check the "Battery" section in the Settings app to see a list of all apps that have been using battery power recently.
What should I do if I am still having problems with apps running in the background?
- If you are still having problems with apps running in the background, you may need to contact Apple Support for help.
