It can be incredibly frustrating when your iPhone battery starts draining faster than usual, especially when it feels like you’re not even using it that much.
Many iPhone users know the struggle of using their phone, and one minute it’s fully charged, and the next, you’re watching the percentage drop for no obvious reason. Most people immediately blame an old battery or a software glitch, but sometimes the issue runs deeper than that. Many users may not realize that their background settings can quietly drain their battery life without them even noticing. We spoke with tech experts about three background settings that are likely draining your battery and should be adjusted. Read more about them below.
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1. Background App Refresh
Background App Refresh allows your iPhone apps to stay updated even when you're not actively using them. It lets apps check for new information, like refreshing your email, updating news feeds, etc., so everything's ready the moment you open them. While it's convenient, it also means your phone is constantly doing small tasks in the background, which can quietly drain your battery and use up data.
"Background App Refresh enables applications to refresh their content even when not in use and is great for quick access, but it results in multiple apps potentially syncing data at the same time, causing the processor and Wi-Fi or cellular to work harder than needed," says IT professional and Touro Graduate School of Technology Professor Jeremy Rambarran.
2. Location Services
Location Services let your iPhone and apps figure out where you are using GPS, Find My, Wi-Fi, and cell towers. This feature powers things like maps, weather updates, and location-based reminders, making everyday tasks more convenient. But it also means your phone is constantly working to track and update your position, even when you're not using it directly.
"Location Services is another overlooked factor; when many apps are permitted to 'Always' monitor your location rather than just 'While Using,' your phone's GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi scanning remain active, draining considerable energy," says Rambarran.
3. 'Always On' Display
The Always-On Display feature keeps parts of your iPhone screen lit even when the device is locked, showing the time, notifications, or widgets at a glance. You can quickly check important information without tapping your phone thanks to this feature, but that constant light means your screen never fully rests. Even though it's dimmed, the display still uses power to stay active, and over time, that can add up.
"The OLED screen of the iPhone incorporates light-emitting pixels, meaning that greater brightness or options such as Always-On Display directly boost energy consumption," notes Rambarran. "Although OLED panels are more efficient compared to earlier LCDs, they still use significant power when white or bright pixels prevail on the display. This is why even minor adjustments, like turning on Dark Mode or manually lowering brightness, can create a notable effect."
