Customisation tips

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10 Jul 2006
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Just got an iPhone for the first time in years and I’m going through the process of setting it up.

I don’t use any of the iCloud services and have installed all the various Google apps to replace the default ones e.g. Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Keep etc…

Someone suggested I should look at Background App Refresh and Location System Services and switch stuff off to ensure the greatest battery life.

What is the criteria for deciding what to turn off for Background Refresh? Is it the case that if it’s turned off you don’t get notifications?

Also which location system services should you turn off. I’m conscious that I don’t want to degrade the usability of anything I actually use…but If there is something that I’m flat out not using, I should probably turn it off, how can I figure out what each one is for and what I loose by turning it off?
 
Leave everything at default and don’t cripple your phone.

You didn’t say what phone you’ve got but I get two days out of a charge on my 13 Pro Max and I’m a heavy user.

/edit - although I’m using the default apps rather than third party versions and they’re probably more power efficient. Is there any specific reason you’re not using iCloud or the built in stuff? It’s probably a lot better integrated than third party replacements.
 
Its an iPhone 13 mini.

Leave everything at default and don’t cripple your phone.

I guess that is the point. I don't want to cripple my phone or reduce the experience for the features that I use. However I am looking to customize and turn off the features that I don't/won't ever use. For instance, I'm pretty sure I won't ever need background refresh for my credit card app.

Just picking one example, somebody told me to turn off Location Services for Compass calibration because its just used by the Compass app. However based on my own research (I could be wrong), this is apparently used to orientation in any "Maps" app. I was kinda hoping there was someone who already knew about all this stuff and would be able to advise on which ones I can turn off.

Is there any specific reason you’re not using iCloud or the built in stuff? It’s probably a lot better integrated than third party replacements.

I'm already invested in everything Google so it makes sense to use their apps. I respect that probably loose something by doing this - but I think I'm loosing anything I'd want - if that makes sense.
 
In regard to background app refresh, I have everything disabled except for Gmail and WeatherPro which I prefer over the stock app.

Background app refresh does not impact on notifications as they are managed separately*

*Or perhaps not :D
 
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I wouldn’t worry too much. I’ve been fine with more or less everything disabled to save battery and this has been the case for years now with no issues :)
 
Well it says turning off background app refresh may help preserve battery life.

I don’t really need every single app having some sort of background process that consumes power.

I only have Gmail and WeatherPro enabled. Don’t see much benefit in anything else?
 
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