How to Force Quit App on iOS: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Have you ever encountered an app that’s frozen, unresponsive, or draining your battery? We’ve all been there. Knowing how to force quit app on iOS is a crucial skill for any iPhone or iPad user. It’s a simple yet powerful technique that can rescue you from app-related frustrations and restore your device’s smooth functionality. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and steps to effectively force quit apps on your iOS device.

Why Force Quit Apps?

Before diving into the methods, let’s understand why force quitting apps is sometimes necessary:

• Frozen Apps: Apps can freeze due to various reasons, including software glitches, insufficient memory, or external factors. Force quitting allows you to close the app and restart it, potentially resolving the issue.
• Unresponsive Apps: If an app is unresponsive to your touch or commands, force quitting is the quickest way to regain control and close the app.
• Battery Drain: Some apps might continue running in the background, even when you’re not actively using them. Force quitting these apps can help conserve battery life.
• Preventing Overheating: Excessive app activity can cause your device to overheat. Force quitting apps can cool down your device and prevent potential damage.

Method 1: The Classic Swipe-Up Gesture

This method is the most straightforward and widely used on newer iOS devices:

1. Double-click the Home Button: On devices with a physical Home button, quickly press the Home button twice. This will bring up the app switcher.
2. Swipe Up on the App Preview: Locate the app you want to force quit and swipe up on its preview card. The app will disappear from the app switcher, indicating it has been closed.

Method 2: The Gesture for Newer iPhones

Apple’s newer iPhones without a physical Home button use a slightly different gesture:

1. Swipe Up from the Bottom: Slide your finger up from the bottom of the screen and pause slightly in the middle. This will bring up the app switcher.
2. Swipe Up on the App Preview: Locate the app you want to force quit and swipe up on its preview card. The app will close.

Method 3: Force Quitting from the App Switcher (iOS 14 and Later)

iOS 14 introduced a new way to force quit apps directly from the app switcher:

1. Open the App Switcher: Use the gesture described in Method 2 to access the app switcher.
2. Long-Press the App Preview: Hold your finger down on the app preview you want to close.
3. Tap the Red “X” Button: A red “X” button will appear in the top-left corner of the app preview. Tap it to force quit the app.

Method 4: Force Quitting from the App Settings

For more control, you can force quit apps directly from the Settings app:

1. Open the Settings App: Locate and tap the Settings icon on your home screen.
2. Navigate to “General”: Scroll down and tap on “General.”
3. Select “iPhone Storage” (or “iPad Storage“): This section shows you the storage usage on your device.
4. Find the App: Locate the app you want to force quit.
5. Tap “Offload App“: This option allows you to remove the app’s data while keeping the app itself on your device. You can reinstall the app later to restore your data.

Force Quitting vs. Closing an App

It’s important to understand the distinction between force quitting an app and simply closing it:

• Closing an App: When you close an app, it’s still running in the background. This means it can still use battery power and potentially consume resources.
• Force Quitting an App: Forcing an app to quit completely shuts it down and prevents it from running in the background. This ensures the app doesn’t consume any resources or drain your battery.

When to Use Each Method

While all the methods described above achieve the same outcome, they have different applications:

• Swipe-Up Gesture: This is the quickest and most convenient method for everyday use.
• Force Quitting from the App Switcher: This method offers more control and visual feedback, making it suitable for situations where you need to confirm the app closure.
• Force Quitting from the App Settings: This method is best for managing storage space or when you want to completely remove an app’s data.

Tips for Preventing App Issues

While force quitting can be a lifesaver, it’s always better to prevent app issues from occurring in the first place. Here are some tips:

• Keep Your iOS Updated: Regularly update your iOS to ensure you have the latest bug fixes and performance enhancements.
• Close Unnecessary Apps: Close apps you’re not actively using to conserve battery life and prevent resource consumption.
• Monitor App Permissions: Review app permissions and disable those that you don’t need to prevent unauthorized access to your data.
• Restart Your Device: Occasionally restarting your iPhone or iPad can clear out any temporary files or glitches that might be causing problems.
• Free Up Storage Space: Ensure you have enough storage space available on your device. Low storage can lead to performance issues and app crashes.

Final Thoughts: Mastering App Management

Learning how to force quit app on iOS is a valuable skill that empowers you to manage your device effectively. By understanding the different methods and their applications, you can ensure a smooth and efficient user experience. Remember to practice these techniques regularly and consider adopting preventative measures to avoid app-related problems altogether.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q1: Is it harmful to force quit apps frequently?

A1: Force quitting apps is not harmful to your device. It’s a built-in functionality designed to help you manage your apps and maintain performance.

Q2: Can I force quit all apps at once?

A2: There’s no direct way to force quit all apps at once. However, restarting your device will effectively close all open apps.

Q3: What should I do if an app keeps crashing after force quitting?

A3: If an app repeatedly crashes, it might indicate a problem with the app itself. Try updating the app from the App Store, reinstalling the app, or contacting the app developer for support.

Q4: Will force quitting an app delete my progress?

A4: No, force quitting an app will not delete your progress. However, if the app is not properly saved, you might lose unsaved data. It’s always a good practice to save your work regularly.

Q5: Can I force quit system apps like the Clock or Calendar?

A5: While you can force quit most apps, you might not be able to force quit certain system apps. These apps are essential for your device’s functionality and might be protected by the operating system.