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The 2 Settings You Should Turn Off To Make Your iPhone Run Faster Instantly, According To Tech Pros

April 25, 2026 by Abigail Connolly
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When your iPhone starts lagging and moving slowly, you might think there’s no choice but to get a new phone. However, that might not be the case.

We’re living in such a tech-driven world that for many of us smartphone users, when our devices start to slow down or fade, it can be really easy to panic. Though it might seem like you’re set up to be forced into buying a new iPhone the second yours slows down, there are things you should try first. This includes adjusting certain settings that can drastically improve performance. Read more about three tech pros say you should turn off below.

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"iPhone settings for background app refresh"

1. Leaving Background App Refresh On

One setting that is actually super influential on your iPhone's battery life is Background App Refresh, which ensures that all of your social media apps, news apps, etc., are consistently updating and refreshing, even when you're not using them. Though you might believe your app activity stops once you close it out, hoping to save battery, if this setting is on, the opposite can happen.

 

"iPhones have many features that are designed to make them smarter and more personalized to their owner," says tech pro Luke Ford. "One of these features is Background App Refresh. This feature tracks the apps you use the most, the exact time of day that you use them, and then automatically updates them. This happens, so when you open the app next, it will display the latest information for you. Clearly, this is an awesome feature, but it will drain your battery fast!"

"Woman smiling while using her iPhone"

2. Turn Off Location Services

Of course, your device needs your location for specific and important things, like your GPS or Find My iPhone. Still, not everything on your phone requires your location, so for the sake of your battery, device speed, and even your safety, you should go into your settings to disable various unnecessary apps from tracking you "always."

 

"Many apps constantly track your precise location, even when not in use, which is a major battery drain," explains tech pro Abbie Richie. "Change app permissions to 'While Using the App' instead of 'Always'."

Author:

Editorial Assistant

Abigail is a journalist based in Brooklyn, New York. As an Editorial Assistant for SheFinds, she covers topics ranging from celebrity news and fashion to wellness. She has written for other publications, including Chip Chick, Bandsintown, BroadwayWorld, and more. When she isn't writing, Abigail loves spending time in the city with her friends, being a 'dog mom' to her Chihuahua, and singing along to some of her favorite music.

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