If an app on your Apple mobile device no longer responds, if it slows down the iOS significantly or if other problems occur, then you can force it to close. Forcing an app to quit works equally on the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. In the following instructions you will read step by step how to do this.
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Instructions: Force close iOS app
If you want to force the closing of an iOS app in order to terminate unresponsive apps and free the system from a performance brake, then there are suitable instructions for iPhone models up to iPhone 8 as well as for the new iPhone X, iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 without a home button. Below you will find every step-by-step guide you need to force close the app on the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
iPhone 8, iPhone 7 and older / iPad / iPod Touch
- Press the home button twice to call up the overview of the recently used apps
- Swipe left or right to find the corresponding app / multiple apps to exit
- To force close, swipe the app preview up from the overview
iPhone X, XS, 11 and 12
- Swipe from the bottom of the screen to the middle and hold to the App Switcher to call
- Swipe right or left in the overview to find the app you want to exit
- Briefly tap and hold the preview until a minus symbol (red circle with white minus) appears at the top left
- Tap the minus symbol or swipe the app preview up to force the app to close
Support and assistance
The Apple support page was used as the source for the information HT201330. On the page you will not only find the instructions for closing an app on iOS, but also the contact to the support of the apple company. If you have any questions about iOS, iPhone (X), Mac and Co., please leave a comment with your question / problem in this blog;)
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After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.