Watch Series 3Turning off Background App Refresh

Some apps run in the background even when you navigate away from them. Learn how to prevent an application from running in the background. This can help your device operate faster.

Some apps run in the background even when you navigate away from them. Learn how to prevent an application from running in the background. This can help your device operate faster.

Steps List - Interactive list of steps. Select a step to read its corresponding text, and to see its Product Image and the Indicators necessary to complete the step.

Current Step: 1 - From the Watch app main screen on iPhone, scroll to General.
After you switch to a different app, some apps run for a short time before they're put in a suspended state. Suspended apps aren't actively in use or taking up system resources. Background App Refresh lets suspended apps check for updates and new content.
  1. 1 - From the Watch app main screen on iPhone, scroll to General.
  2. 2 - Tap General.
  3. 3 - Tap Background App Refresh.
  4. 4 - Tap or slide the Background App Refresh slider to the off position.
    • Note: This will prevent apps on your Watch from running in the suspended state and save battery.
  5. 5 - You've completed the steps!

Product Image and Indicators - Image of the current step and indicators demonstrating the interactions necessary to complete the step.

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