This post has been updated since it originally published on June 8, 2021.
If it’s broken, don’t fix it. And if it already comes enabled on your iPhone, then obviously a certain setting is perfect just the way it is and you should not touch that, either.
If that’s your tech motto in life, it’s time to rethink what we think we know about our devices. Just because a setting is set up a certain way, does NOT mean it should remain that way. Keep in mind that, at the end of the day, Apple needs to turn a profit. And even though its devices and accessories cost a pretty penny, it is a business like any other looking for ways to bridge our user experiences with profits. Here are four surprising default settings Apple doesn’t want you to know is ruining your phone. Making a change that can help your device takes just seconds.
Background App Refresh
Background App Refresh allows apps to update their content even when you’re not actively using them, which may sound convenient, but is actually a major battery drainer. David Harris, co-founder and senior editor of MasterTheTech.com, goes as far as calling it a “vampire.”
“This default setting allows apps to constantly update in the background, which can be incredibly taxing on your battery,” Harris says. “While this feature keeps your apps current, for most users, it’s an unnecessary power drain. Background App Refresh is like having all of your apps running a mini marathon while you’re not watching. It’s a great feature for keeping your apps updated, but it’s a substantial battery drainer that most users simply don’t need.”
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Dynamic Wallpapers
They may look aesthetically appealing, but Dynamic Wallpapers are another surprising battery drainer that Harris says may not be worth the trouble. “These animated backgrounds bring a unique aesthetic to your phone but are a silent killer of battery life,” he notes. “They require more power to run than static wallpapers, causing your battery to deplete faster.”
Push Email
Lastly, the Push Email setting, which automatically updates your inbox, can drain your battery life significantly, Harris says. “It's a constant game of fetch, where your phone is always checking for new emails, even when there aren't any,” he adds. “This relentless pursuit can take a considerable toll on your battery life."
Location Services
Last, but not least, no list of draining default settings would be complete without Location Services, which tracks your location via GPS, making it easier for your phone to spit out directions to your favorite haunts.. While this sounds (and can be) very convenient, it’s also a major battery drainer, not to mention a possible nightmare for your privacy.
Head to Settings and tweak these features or turn them off to save a ton of battery power.
