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iOS Background Download

I recently transitioned from Android to iOS and have encountered a few frustrating aspects of the iOS platform. One particular issue I noticed is the slower download speed when running apps in the background.


In my line of work, I frequently need to download multiple 1 GB zip files. I've tried using various browsers and observed that the download speed significantly decreases when the app is running in the background. While it works fine when the app is in the foreground, the background downloading process is particularly troublesome. It forces me to refrain from using my phone until the files are fully downloaded.


I've already enabled the background refresh option, but it doesn't seem to improve the download speed. I'm wondering if this is a default behavior that cannot be changed. If so, I fail to understand the logic behind this seemingly unnecessary limitation. It's disheartening that such a powerful device comes with restrictions that hinder the productivity of many users. Sometimes, I regret my decision to switch to iOS.

iPhone 14, iOS 16

Posted on Jun 27, 2023 1:17 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 27, 2023 1:29 AM

If you're experiencing slower download speeds when running apps in the background on your iPhone 14, a few factors could contribute to this issue. Here are some possible causes and troubleshooting steps you can try:


  1. The Background App Refresh feature allows apps to refresh their content in the background. However, if multiple apps are running simultaneous background refreshes, it can impact network performance. You can disable Background App Refresh for specific apps or altogether by going to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and adjusting the settings accordingly.
  2. When your iPhone is in Low Power Mode, it can reduce network activity and limit background tasks to conserve battery life. Check if Low Power Mode is enabled by going to Settings > Battery. If it's turned on, consider disabling it temporarily to see if it improves download speeds.
  3. Slow download speeds can be influenced by your network connection, including Wi-Fi or cellular data. If you're using Wi-Fi, try connecting to a different network or restarting your router. For cellular data, ensure you have a strong signal or switch to a different network provider if available.
  4. Some apps have their own settings to restrict background activity or data usage. Check the settings within specific apps to ensure they are not limiting network access or download speeds while running in the background.
  5. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches. Turn off your iPhone, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
    1. Restart the device. That's it.
    2. Still not solved --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support
  6. If the issue persists, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This will not erase your data but will reset all personalized settings to their default values. Go to Settings > General > Transfer & Reset > Reset > Reset All Settings and confirm the action. Note that you will need to reconfigure your settings afterward. All settings—including network settings, the keyboard dictionary, the Home screen layout, location settings, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards—are removed or reset to their defaults. No data or media are deleted.
    1. Reset All Settings: Return iPhone settings to their defaults - Apple Support:- Return iPhone settings to their defaults
    2. You can return settings to their defaults without erasing your content.
    3. Suppose you want to save your settings and back up your iPhone before returning them to their defaults. For example, if you’re trying to solve a problem but returning settings to their defaults doesn’t help, you might want to restore your previous settings from a backup.
  7. Make sure you have the latest updates installed.
    1. Update Over-the-Air (OTA) —> Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (IN)
    2. Update using iTunes/Finder —> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support (IN)
  8. If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to reach out to Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your device model and iOS version.


Remember that network performance can vary depending on various factors such as network congestion, server load, and distance from the access point. It's also worth testing download speeds with different apps and in other network environments to rule out any app-specific or network-specific issues.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 27, 2023 1:29 AM in response to iOS_User_India

If you're experiencing slower download speeds when running apps in the background on your iPhone 14, a few factors could contribute to this issue. Here are some possible causes and troubleshooting steps you can try:


  1. The Background App Refresh feature allows apps to refresh their content in the background. However, if multiple apps are running simultaneous background refreshes, it can impact network performance. You can disable Background App Refresh for specific apps or altogether by going to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and adjusting the settings accordingly.
  2. When your iPhone is in Low Power Mode, it can reduce network activity and limit background tasks to conserve battery life. Check if Low Power Mode is enabled by going to Settings > Battery. If it's turned on, consider disabling it temporarily to see if it improves download speeds.
  3. Slow download speeds can be influenced by your network connection, including Wi-Fi or cellular data. If you're using Wi-Fi, try connecting to a different network or restarting your router. For cellular data, ensure you have a strong signal or switch to a different network provider if available.
  4. Some apps have their own settings to restrict background activity or data usage. Check the settings within specific apps to ensure they are not limiting network access or download speeds while running in the background.
  5. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches. Turn off your iPhone, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
    1. Restart the device. That's it.
    2. Still not solved --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support
  6. If the issue persists, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This will not erase your data but will reset all personalized settings to their default values. Go to Settings > General > Transfer & Reset > Reset > Reset All Settings and confirm the action. Note that you will need to reconfigure your settings afterward. All settings—including network settings, the keyboard dictionary, the Home screen layout, location settings, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards—are removed or reset to their defaults. No data or media are deleted.
    1. Reset All Settings: Return iPhone settings to their defaults - Apple Support:- Return iPhone settings to their defaults
    2. You can return settings to their defaults without erasing your content.
    3. Suppose you want to save your settings and back up your iPhone before returning them to their defaults. For example, if you’re trying to solve a problem but returning settings to their defaults doesn’t help, you might want to restore your previous settings from a backup.
  7. Make sure you have the latest updates installed.
    1. Update Over-the-Air (OTA) —> Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (IN)
    2. Update using iTunes/Finder —> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support (IN)
  8. If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to reach out to Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your device model and iOS version.


Remember that network performance can vary depending on various factors such as network congestion, server load, and distance from the access point. It's also worth testing download speeds with different apps and in other network environments to rule out any app-specific or network-specific issues.

Jun 27, 2023 1:29 AM in response to iOS_User_India

To achieve higher internet speeds with your ISP (Internet Service Provider) or on cellular networks, you can try the following steps:


  1. Contact your ISP:
    1. Reach out to your ISP and inquire about the available internet plans with higher speeds. They may have faster options that you can upgrade to.
    2. Ask if there are any infrastructure upgrades or optimizations they can perform to improve your internet speed.
  2. Upgrade your plan:
    1. If your current internet plan has lower speeds, consider upgrading to a higher-tier plan offered by your ISP. This may involve paying a higher monthly fee, but it can provide faster internet speeds.
  3. Optimize your home network:
    1. Check your Wi-Fi router placement: Ensure that your Wi-Fi router is positioned in a central location in your home and free from obstructions. This can help improve signal strength and coverage.
    2. Use a wired connection: For devices that require high-speed connections, such as gaming consoles or desktop computers, consider using an Ethernet cable for a direct wired connection to your router. Wired connections tend to offer more stable and faster speeds compared to wireless connections.
    3. Minimize interference: Keep your router away from other electronic devices, appliances, and thick walls or objects that could obstruct the Wi-Fi signal. Additionally, avoid using crowded Wi-Fi channels by changing the channel settings on your router to a less congested one.
  4. Update router firmware:
    1. Check if there are any firmware updates available for your Wi-Fi router. Keeping your router's firmware up to date can improve its performance, stability, and compatibility with newer devices.
  5. Clear network congestion:
    1. If you're experiencing slow internet speeds during peak usage hours, it could be due to network congestion. Try using the internet during off-peak hours to see if you notice any improvement in speed.
  6. Check for background activity:
    1. Ensure that no background apps or devices are using excessive network bandwidth, as they can impact your overall internet speed. Close unnecessary apps or devices that may be consuming significant data in the background.
  7. Use a VPN:
    1. In some cases, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service can help bypass congestion and improve internet speeds. A VPN can route your internet traffic through different servers and optimize your connection.
  8. Test different cellular providers:
    1. If you're experiencing slow cellular internet speeds, consider trying different network providers in your area to find the one that offers better coverage and faster speeds.


Remember that actual internet speeds can vary based on several factors, including network congestion, distance from the network source, hardware limitations, and the specific internet plan you subscribe to. It's recommended to consult with your ISP or cellular provider for specific troubleshooting and optimization options based on your location and circumstances.

iOS Background Download

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