How do I Force Quit an Application/Game?

How do I force close applications? (Android)

Sometimes, closing apps running in the background can help resolve performance issues and free up your device’s resources.

Steps to Force Close Apps

The exact steps may vary depending on your device model and Android version, but here are some common methods:

• To close one app:

  • Swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
  • Hold briefly, then release to open the app switcher.
  • Swipe up on the app you want to close.

• To close all apps:

  • Swipe up from the bottom, hold, then release.
  • Swipe from left to right to view all open apps.
  • Tap Clear all on the left side of the screen.

• On Android Go devices:

  • Swipe up from the bottom, hold, then release.
  • Tap Clear all at the bottom of the screen.

• To return to your Home screen:

  • Tap the Home button or use the gesture navigation to go back.

   

General steps (Android 9 and up):

1. Swipe up from the bottom and hold, then release to open the recent apps view.

2. Swipe up on individual apps to close them.

3. Tap Clear all to close all apps at once.

Samsung (One UI 5) and Stock Android 13+:

• Swipe down twice from the top to see active apps.

• Tap the “Active apps” message or icon.

• Tap Stop next to any app to force close it.

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Note

Each Android device may have slightly different steps for force-closing apps. For the most accurate instructions, refer to your device’s user manual or visit the manufacturer’s support website.

How do I force close applications? (iOS)

Sometimes, closing apps running in the background can help resolve performance issues or free up system resources. Here's how to force close apps on different types of iOS devices:

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For iPhones and iPads with a Home Button (e.g., iPhone 8 and earlier)

1. Double-click the Home button (the circular button on the front of your device).
2. A list of recently used apps will appear.
3. Swipe up on each app preview to close it.
4. Press the Home button again to return to the Home screen.
5. Restart your device and reopen the app or game.

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For iPhones and iPads Without a Home Button (e.g., iPhone X and newer)

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle until the app switcher appears.
2. You’ll see all open apps displayed as cards.
3. Swipe up on each app card to close it.
4. Return to the Home screen by tapping anywhere outside the app switcher or swiping up again.
5. Restart your device and reopen the app or game.

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Tips

• You don’t need to force close apps regularly—iOS is designed to manage background apps efficiently.
• Only force close apps if they’re unresponsive or causing issues.

 

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Amazon Kindle Devices

1. Open the Settings app (gear icon).

2. Go to Apps & Games or Apps & Notifications.

3. Tap Manage All Applications or Running Apps.

4. Select the app and tap Force Stop.

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Should You Always Close Apps?

Not necessarily. 

• Android and iOS automatically suspend unused apps to save battery and memory.

• Only close apps if they’re causing issues or you need to restart them.