Picture this: You’re standing in line at your favorite coffee shop, trying to check your bank app before you order. The app freezes. You swipe up, tap, and nothing happens. Frustration bubbles up. If you’ve ever wondered how to refresh apps on iPhone so they actually work when you need them, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there—staring at a spinning wheel, hoping for a miracle. Here’s the part nobody tells you: refreshing apps isn’t just about swiping them away. There’s a smarter way to get your apps running smoothly again.
Why Do iPhone Apps Need Refreshing?
Apps can get stuck for all sorts of reasons. Maybe you haven’t updated in a while. Maybe your phone’s memory is full. Or maybe the app just decided to take a nap at the worst possible time. If you’ve ever missed a message or lost your place in a game because an app froze, you know how annoying it feels. Refreshing apps on iPhone can clear out glitches, free up memory, and get things moving again.
Who Needs to Refresh Apps on iPhone?
If you use your iPhone for work, school, or just to keep up with friends, you’ll want your apps to run smoothly. This guide is for anyone who’s ever had an app crash, freeze, or lag. If you’re the type who leaves dozens of apps open, or if you notice your phone slowing down, learning how to refresh apps on iPhone can save you time and stress. If you only use a couple of apps and never have issues, you might not need these tips—but let’s be honest, even the best apps act up sometimes.
How to Refresh Apps on iPhone: The Basics
Let’s break it down. There are a few ways to refresh apps on iPhone, and each works best in different situations. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Force Close and Reopen the App
This is the classic move. If an app freezes or won’t load, force closing it can help. Here’s how:
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle (on iPhones with Face ID). On older models, double-click the Home button.
- Find the app you want to refresh.
- Swipe up on the app’s preview to close it.
- Go back to your Home screen and tap the app to reopen it.
It’s simple, but it works. This clears the app from memory and gives it a fresh start.
2. Check for App Updates
Sometimes, an app needs more than a quick refresh. Outdated apps can get buggy. Here’s how to check for updates:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Scroll down to see available updates.
- Tap “Update” next to the app, or “Update All” to refresh everything at once.
Developers fix bugs and add features all the time. Keeping your apps updated is one of the easiest ways to avoid problems.
3. Restart Your iPhone
When in doubt, turn it off and on again. Restarting your iPhone clears out temporary files and resets system processes. Here’s how:
- Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power off slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
- Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the side button to turn it back on.
This can fix stubborn app issues that don’t go away with a simple force close.
4. Enable Background App Refresh
Here’s a trick most people overlook. Background App Refresh lets apps update content even when you’re not using them. If you’ve turned this off to save battery, some apps might not work right. To check:
- Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
- Make sure it’s turned on for the apps you care about.
Be selective—turn it on for messaging or news apps, but leave it off for games if you want to save battery.
Advanced Tips: When Basic Refreshing Isn’t Enough
Sometimes, apps keep crashing no matter what you do. Here’s what to try next:
Delete and Reinstall the App
If an app refuses to behave, deleting and reinstalling can help. This wipes out corrupted data and gives you a clean slate. Just remember, you might lose saved info, so back up anything important first.
Check for iOS Updates
Apple releases iOS updates to fix bugs and improve performance. If your apps keep freezing, your phone’s software might be the culprit. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.
Free Up Storage Space
Low storage can make apps sluggish. Delete old photos, videos, or unused apps to free up space. Your iPhone needs breathing room to run apps smoothly.
What Not to Do When Refreshing Apps
Here’s the part nobody tells you: force closing every app all the time can actually make things worse. Your iPhone is designed to manage memory on its own. Constantly swiping away apps can drain your battery and slow things down. Only force close apps when they’re frozen or misbehaving.
Real Talk: My Own App Refresh Fails
I once spent an hour trying to get my weather app to update before a big trip. I swiped it away, restarted my phone, even deleted and reinstalled. Turns out, my phone was in Airplane Mode. Sometimes, the problem isn’t the app—it’s something simple we overlook. If you’ve ever felt silly after missing an obvious fix, you’re in good company.
How to Refresh Apps on iPhone: Quick Reference
- Force close and reopen the app
- Check for app updates
- Restart your iPhone
- Enable Background App Refresh
- Delete and reinstall if needed
- Update iOS
- Free up storage space
If you’ve tried all these steps and your apps still won’t cooperate, it might be time to contact Apple Support. Sometimes, hardware issues or rare bugs need a pro’s touch.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your iPhone Apps Running Smoothly
Learning how to refresh apps on iPhone isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about making your phone work for you, not against you. Next time an app freezes, you’ll know exactly what to do. And if you ever find yourself frantically swiping at your screen in a coffee shop, remember: you’re not alone. We’ve all been there, and now you’ve got the tools to get your apps running smoothly again.