Closing apps on your iPhone is simple! For newer iPhones without a Home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle. For iPhones with a Home button, double-click it. Then, swipe up on the app previews you want to close. It’s that easy!
Why Do You Need to Close Apps on Your iPhone?
Ever find your iPhone running a bit slow? Or maybe an app is acting up, freezing or just not responding? You might be wondering if closing those apps running in the background could be the answer. It’s a common question, and the truth is, while iOS is pretty smart about managing your apps, sometimes a little manual intervention can make a big difference. Many people think closing apps is always necessary to save battery or speed up their phone, but it’s not quite that simple. Let’s clear up the confusion and show you the best ways to manage your iPhone apps, whether you have the latest model or an older favorite.
Understanding How Your iPhone Manages Apps
Before we dive into the “how-to,” it’s helpful to understand what happens when you open an app on your iPhone. When you launch an application, your iPhone allocates a small amount of its resources – like memory (RAM) – to keep it ready for you. If you switch to another app, the previous one doesn’t necessarily shut down completely. Instead, iOS puts it into a suspended state, essentially pausing it. This allows your iPhone to quickly bring that app back up when you switch to it again, without having to reload everything from scratch. This is a key reason why your iPhone feels so responsive!
Think of it like this: when you’re reading a book and put it down to grab a drink, you don’t usually rip out the pages or throw the book across the room. You simply close it and set it aside, ready to pick up where you left off. Your iPhone does something similar with apps. This suspended state uses very little power and memory. Only when your iPhone is running critically low on memory will it automatically close older or less frequently used suspended apps to make room for new ones.
The Myth vs. The Reality of Closing Apps
There’s a persistent myth that you should regularly close all your apps to save battery life and improve performance. This often leads people to compulsively swipe away every app from the App Switcher. However, Apple engineers and tech experts generally agree that this practice is usually unnecessary and can even be counterproductive.
Why counterproductive? When you manually force-quit an app that’s just suspended, and then later reopen it, your iPhone has to reload the entire app from scratch. This process of launching and loading can actually consume more battery power and processing power than letting iOS manage the suspended app. It’s like turning off your car engine at every stoplight and then having to restart it each time – more fuel is used for the starting process than for idling.
So, when is it actually a good idea to close an app? The primary reasons are:
- App Malfunction: If an app is frozen, crashing repeatedly, or behaving erratically, a force quit can resolve the issue by giving it a fresh start.
- Troubleshooting: When trying to fix a persistent problem with a specific app, closing it is a standard troubleshooting step.
- Freeing Up Specific Resources (Rare): In very rare cases, if you suspect an app is consuming an unusual amount of battery or data in the background despite not being actively used, force quitting it might help. However, your iPhone’s Battery settings can usually help you identify such culprits.
For everyday use, letting iOS manage your apps is the most efficient approach.
How to Close Apps on Different iPhone Models
The method for closing apps differs slightly depending on whether your iPhone has a Home button or relies on gestures.
For iPhones with a Home Button (iPhone 8 and earlier, iPhone SE 2nd & 3rd gen)
If your iPhone has a physical Home button, closing apps is straightforward:
- Double-Click the Home Button: Press the Home button twice quickly. This will bring up the App Switcher, which shows small previews of all your currently open apps.
- Swipe to Close: You’ll see a carousel of app previews. To close an app, simply swipe up on the preview of the app you want to close. Swipe up firmly and smoothly.
- Close Multiple Apps: You can swipe up on multiple app previews one after another to close them all.
That’s it! The app is now closed.
For iPhones Without a Home Button (iPhone X and later, iPhone SE 3rd gen with Face ID)
If your iPhone uses gestures instead of a Home button, the process is slightly different:
- Swipe Up from the Bottom: Place your finger on the very bottom edge of the screen (the thin horizontal bar, often called the “home indicator”).
- Pause in the Middle: Swipe upwards from the bottom edge and pause for a moment in the middle of the screen. This action reveals the App Switcher, showing all your open apps.
- Swipe to Close: Just like with the Home button models, swipe up on the app preview you wish to close.
- Close Multiple Apps: You can continue swiping up on any app previews you want to remove from the App Switcher.
This gesture-based method is designed to be intuitive and quick once you get the hang of it.
When to Force Quit an App (The “Genius Method” for Problem Apps)
So, when does the “genius method” actually come into play? It’s for those times when an app isn’t just running in the background, but actively causing trouble. This is what’s commonly referred to as “force quitting” an app, and it’s a powerful troubleshooting tool.
Here’s when you should consider force quitting:
- The app is frozen or unresponsive: If you tap on an app and nothing happens, or it’s stuck on a loading screen, force quitting is your best bet.
- The app is crashing repeatedly: If an app keeps closing itself or causing your iPhone to become sluggish, a force quit can sometimes clear the issue.
- An app is consuming excessive battery or data: While your iPhone usually manages background activity well, you can check Settings > Battery to see which apps are using the most power. If an app you rarely use is at the top, and it’s not performing an expected task (like playing music), force quitting it might help.
- After a software update: Sometimes, an app might not behave correctly after your iPhone’s operating system (iOS) is updated. Force quitting and reopening the app can help it re-initialize properly with the new system.
Remember, the “genius method” isn’t for routine app management. It’s for when an app is misbehaving.
Troubleshooting Apps: A Step-by-Step Guide
If an app is giving you trouble, here’s a systematic approach to fix it, starting with the simplest solutions:
Step 1: Force Quit the App
This is the first and most common step for a problematic app.
- Open the App Switcher (using the methods described above for your iPhone model).
- Find the app that’s causing trouble.
- Swipe up on its preview to force quit it.
- Try opening the app again.
Step 2: Check for App Updates
App developers frequently release updates to fix bugs and improve performance. An outdated app is a common source of problems.
- Open the App Store.
- Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Scroll down to see pending updates. If the problematic app is listed, tap Update next to it. If not, tap Update All.
Step 3: Restart Your iPhone
A simple restart can resolve many temporary software glitches that might be affecting apps.
- For iPhones with Face ID: Press and hold either the volume button and the side button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider. Wait 30 seconds for your iPhone to turn off. To turn it back on, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
- For iPhones with a Home button: Press and hold the top (or side) button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider. Wait 30 seconds for your iPhone to turn off. To turn it back on, press and hold the top (or side) button until you see the Apple logo.
After your iPhone restarts, try opening the app again.
Step 4: Check for iOS Updates
Sometimes, an app issue might be related to your iPhone’s operating system. Ensuring iOS is up-to-date can fix underlying problems.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, download and install it. Make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery power, or plug it in.
Step 5: Delete and Reinstall the App
If none of the above steps work, the app’s data might be corrupted. Deleting and reinstalling it can fix this.
- Find the app on your Home Screen.
- Press and hold the app icon until a menu appears.
- Tap Remove App.
- Tap Delete App, then confirm. This removes the app and its data.
- Go to the App Store, search for the app, and download it again.
Note: This will delete any data stored locally within that app. If the app syncs with a cloud service (like iCloud, Google Drive, etc.), your data should be safe and will reappear after you log back into the app.
Step 6: Contact App Developer or Apple Support
If a specific app continues to cause problems after all these steps, it’s possible there’s a bug in the app itself. You can contact the app developer through their support page or the App Store. If the issue seems to affect multiple apps or your entire iPhone, it might be worth contacting Apple Support.
Managing Background App Refresh
Another related feature is Background App Refresh. This allows apps to check for new content and updates even when you’re not actively using them. While it’s convenient for getting timely notifications and fresh data, it can sometimes contribute to battery drain if many apps are constantly refreshing.
You can control which apps are allowed to refresh in the background:
- Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
- You’ll see a list of apps. You can toggle it off entirely for all apps, or selectively turn it off for individual apps you don’t need to refresh in the background.
This is different from closing apps. Background App Refresh controls whether an app can fetch new data periodically while suspended. Closing an app completely stops it from doing anything until you reopen it.
When to Use the App Switcher vs. Other Settings
It’s important to distinguish the App Switcher from other iPhone settings that manage app behavior. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Purpose | How to Access | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| App Switcher | Quickly view and close currently running/suspended apps. | Swipe up and pause from bottom (no Home button) or double-click Home button. | Force quit a misbehaving app; rarely for performance/battery. |
| Background App Refresh | Allow apps to fetch content in the background. | Settings > General > Background App Refresh | Conserve battery by disabling for non-essential apps. |
| App Notifications | Control alerts from apps. | Settings > Notifications | Reduce interruptions; manage alert styles. |
| App Battery Usage | Monitor which apps consume battery. | Settings > Battery | Identify battery-hungry apps; consider disabling their background activity or force quitting them if unusual. |
Understanding these differences helps you manage your iPhone more effectively. The App Switcher is primarily for active troubleshooting of an app that is currently open but not working correctly.
Tips for Keeping Your iPhone Running Smoothly
Beyond managing apps, several other practices can help keep your iPhone performing at its best:
- Keep your iPhone clean: Regularly restart your iPhone (once a week or so) to clear out temporary files and give the system a fresh start.
- Manage storage: If your iPhone’s storage is nearly full, it can significantly slow down performance. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see what’s taking up space and delete unused apps or offload data.
- Update regularly: Keep both your iOS and your apps updated. Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.
- Be mindful of widgets: While convenient, having too many constantly updating widgets can impact battery life and performance.
- Limit background activity: Review your Background App Refresh settings and turn off refresh for apps that don’t need it.
FAQ: Your iPhone App Closing Questions Answered
Q1: Do I need to close all my apps every day to save battery?
No, you generally don’t need to. iOS is designed to manage suspended apps efficiently, using minimal battery. Force quitting apps unnecessarily can actually use more battery when you reopen them.
Q2: My app is frozen. How do I fix it?
The best first step is to force quit the app. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle (or double-click the Home button), then swipe up on the app’s preview. After closing it, try opening the app again.
Q3: Is closing apps good for my iPhone’s speed?
Only if an app is causing a specific performance issue (like freezing or slowing down your phone). For general use, closing apps isn’t necessary for speed and can sometimes make things slower due to the need to reload.
Q4: What’s the difference between closing an app and deleting an app?
Closing an app (force quitting) removes it from the App Switcher and stops it from running. It’s still installed and ready to be reopened. Deleting an app removes it entirely from your iPhone, along with its data. You’ll need to download it again from the App Store to use it.
Q5: Can closing apps help if my iPhone is overheating?
If a specific app is causing your iPhone to overheat, force quitting that app can help. However, if your iPhone is overheating generally, it might be due to other factors like direct sunlight, heavy processing tasks, or a hardware issue. Closing all apps might offer temporary relief but isn’t a permanent fix for overheating.
Q6: How do I know if an app is still running in the background?
You can see apps that have recently been active or are suspended in the App Switcher. For apps that might be actively using resources (like location or data) in the background, check Settings > Battery to see their usage. Also, look for a blue status bar icon at the top of your screen, which indicates an app is using your microphone or location services.
Q7: What if an app keeps crashing even after I force quit it?
If an app repeatedly crashes, try updating the app via the App Store, restarting your iPhone, or deleting and reinstalling the app. If the problem persists, contact the app developer for support.
Conclusion
Mastering how to manage apps on your iPhone doesn’t have to be complicated. For most users, the key takeaway is that your iPhone is already very good at handling your apps in the background. You don’t need to manually close every app after use. The App Switcher is a powerful tool, but it’s best reserved for troubleshooting specific app problems, like when an app freezes or misbehaves. By understanding when and how to force quit an app, and by keeping your iPhone and its apps updated, you can ensure a smooth, responsive experience.
So, next time you’re wondering about closing apps, remember: let iOS do its job unless an app is clearly causing trouble. A simple swipe up to force quit is the proven genius method for those specific moments, but your iPhone will thank you for not overdoing it!
