Closing apps on an iPhone means swiping them out of the App Switcher, the view that shows everything you have recently opened. It is worth knowing how, though iOS manages background apps well on its own, so you rarely need to force-close them.
What you'll need
- An iPhone
Step by step
- Open the App SwitcherOn an iPhone with Face ID, swipe up from the bottom edge and pause in the middle. On a model with a Home button, double-press the Home button.
- Browse your open appsThe App Switcher shows cards of your recently used apps. Swipe left or right to move through them.
- Swipe up to close oneFlick a card upward off the top of the screen to close that app. It disappears from the switcher.
- Close several at onceYou can use more than one finger to swipe up two or three cards at the same time.
- Return to your Home ScreenSwipe up again or press the Home button to leave the App Switcher when you are done.
Handy tips
- You usually do not need to close apps to save battery. iOS freezes background apps automatically.
- Force-close an app only when it is frozen or misbehaving, then reopen it fresh.
FAQ
Does closing apps save battery?
Generally no. iOS suspends background apps on its own, and reopening a fully closed app can actually use a little more power.
When should I force-close an app?
When it is frozen, unresponsive, or acting strangely. Closing and reopening it clears the glitch.
The app came right back after I closed it. Why?
Swiping it away only closes the current session. Tapping its icon launches it fresh again, which is normal.