What is background syncing?
The iOS services (iOS Photos, iOS Contacts, iOS Reminders, iOS Reading List) require occasional access to your device to run. Whenever you open the IFTTT app, it checks for new data (a new photo, for example).
The IFTTT app also tries to check for new data when you’re not using it. This happens in two different ways: Background App Refresh and location assist syncing.
What is Background App Refresh?
Background App Refresh is an iOS feature that allows apps to run occasionally in the background (even if you don’t open them) to check for new data. Background App Refresh is enabled by default when you install the IFTTT app.
Because the IFTTT app cannot control when a Background App Refresh occurs, these types of background syncs can be unreliable. If you do not open the IFTTT app for a day or two, Background App Refreshes may stop altogether.
What is location assist syncing?
Location assist syncing uses your device’s Location Services to ensure more reliable and consistent background syncs. Any time you visit or leave a location, Location Services runs the IFTTT app in the background to check for new data.
Using Location Services with the IFTTT app has a minimal impact on your device’s battery. You may notice the ➤ icon appear in your device’s status bar. IFTTT does not track your device or use your location unless you use the iOS Location service.
You can enable location assist syncing in the IFTTT app by tapping your profile picture and selecting Sync options.
What happens if I force close the IFTTT app?
If you force close the IFTTT app, Background App Refresh will stop until you open the IFTTT app again. We recommend that you do not force close the IFTTT app.