Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

iPad mini Why is my mini constantly searching or thinking?

ssledoux

ssledoux

macrumors 601
Original poster
Sep 16, 2006
4,416
4,245
Down south
So my iPad mini constantly has the little thing spinning like it is searching for cell signal, even when my WiFi is on. Is that what that little spinning circle is next to my cell bars?

My SE is doing this also. I need to know why this is happening and if there are settings running in the background making this happen. I don’t want my battery dying more quickly than necessary, and I don’t want WiFi data or cellular data being used constantly either since both are somewhat limited.
 
ssledoux said:
So my iPad mini constantly has the little thing spinning like it is searching for cell signal, even when my WiFi is on. Is that what that little spinning circle is next to my cell bars?

My SE is doing this also. I need to know why this is happening and if there are settings running in the background making this happen. I don’t want my battery dying more quickly than necessary, and I don’t want WiFi data or cellular data being used constantly either since both are somewhat limited.
Click to expand...
Spinning circle means internet is currently active (either downloading or uploading).

In Settings > Cellular, I disabled all apps that I don't want using cellular data. Background App Refresh, I just disabled completely and to be honest, disabling it doesn't seem to have affected my usage at all.
 
  • Like
Reactions: iAssimilated
I turned off the refresh. I mean my SE could still be uploading, but no reason the mini should be doing this.
 
You have no apps using push notifications, like a weather app or news app? There is always something going on in the background.
 
LibbyLA said:
You have no apps using push notifications, like a weather app or news app? There is always something going on in the background.
Click to expand...

I don't think so. I'll have to check.

The biggest issue is I'm having a lot of trouble with my limited wifi - suddenly we are going over limit WAY more quickly than we have before. I'm wondering if something is using my wifi that I'm not realizing.
 
In addition to Background App Refresh, check your iTunes & App Store settings. Are some of those options are enabled?
 
Namara said:
In addition to Background App Refresh, check your iTunes & App Store settings. Are some of those options are enabled?
Click to expand...

I'll look at that.
[automerge]1588180055[/automerge]
AutomaticApple said:
Background tasks?
Click to expand...

I can't figure that out - definitely have the background app refresh off. I don't know what all other stuff would run in the background. I'm pretty diligent about closing apps I'm not using.
 
A weak cell signal is more likely to drain battery faster. If there is trouble with weak WiFi then look to turn off setting to use cellular in that situation.

killing and closing background apps does help if there is pressure on RAM or an app hanging, otherwise it’s actually counter productive.

Apps do call home to verify license but some apps misbehave. But to be so much to push your usage so high that it affects your metered amount.

Your router may help show usage patterns and metered traffic if not by app.
Between streaming services and people at home, some services have relaxed their caps.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back