How to Close or Force Quit Apps on iPhone and iPad

If an app freezes, ignores your taps, or just refuses to behave, force quitting it is often the fastest fix. Apple’s iOS and iPadOS are designed to manage apps intelligently in the background, but sometimes apps misbehave, and force quitting is necessary. Let’s go over the different methods for force quitting apps on iPhone and iPad, based on the device type.

When You Should Force Quit an App

Force quitting is useful when an app is frozen, stuck on a loading screen, crashing repeatedly, or not responding to touch or voice input. However, if an app is functioning well, there is no need to close it. Apple has confirmed that constantly closing apps doesn’t improve performance or battery life.

If force quitting doesn’t work, a device restart might be needed for a full reset.

iPhone With Face ID

This method applies to iPhone X and newer models.

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle to open the App Switcher.
2. You’ll see the app switcher with previews of all open apps.
3. Swipe left or right to find the app you want to quit.
4. Swipe up on the app preview to close it.

For multiple apps, use two or three fingers to swipe up on several apps at once.

iPhone With a Home Button

This applies to iPhone SE models, iPhone 8 and earlier, and iPod touch.

1. Double-click the Home button quickly.
2. Scroll through the open apps.
3. Swipe up on the app preview to force quit it.
4. Press the Home button again to return to your screen.

If double-clicking the Home button is difficult, you can adjust the Home button click speed in Accessibility settings.

iPad Force Quit Steps

The process is similar for most modern iPads, whether or not they have a Home button.

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold to open the App Switcher.
2. Find the app you want to quit in the app switcher.
3. Swipe up on the app card to close it.

For older iPads, double-click the Home button to bring up the app switcher and follow the same steps.

Reopening the App

After force quitting the app, you can reopen it by going to the Home Screen, App Library, Spotlight search, or by asking Siri. If the app immediately encounters issues again, check for app updates or restart your device.

The Bottom Line

Force quitting apps should be reserved for when an app stops responding. It’s a quick fix, not something you need to do regularly. If apps frequently freeze, it is usually an issue with the app itself, not your device. Keep your system updated, restart when needed, and let iOS handle the rest.