Knowing how to force quit an app on your iPhone is a crucial troubleshooting skill. A frozen or unresponsive app can disrupt your workflow, drain your battery, or even impact your phone's overall performance. This guide provides various methods to force quit apps, catering to different iPhone models and iOS versions. We'll also address frequently asked questions to ensure you're fully equipped to handle any app-related hiccups.
How to Force Quit Apps on iPhones with Face ID or Touch ID (iOS 11 and later)
Most modern iPhones utilize a swipe gesture to close apps. This method is efficient and works seamlessly for most situations:
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Swipe up from the bottom of the screen: Don't press too hard; a gentle swipe is all you need to activate the App Switcher.
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Pause slightly in the middle of the screen: This reveals all your recently used apps.
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Swipe up on the app you want to close: You'll see the app card slightly lift and then disappear. This effectively closes the app.
If an app is frozen and doesn't respond to the swipe gesture, you'll need to force quit it using the method detailed in the next section.
How to Force Quit Unresponsive Apps (iOS 11 and later)
If an app is frozen or unresponsive, the standard swipe method won't work. Here's how to force quit:
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Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause: This brings up the App Switcher, just as before.
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Locate the unresponsive app: Find the frozen application in the App Switcher.
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Swipe up on the app and hold: Instead of a quick swipe, hold your finger on the app card and swipe upward. You'll feel a slight haptic feedback as you swipe it off the screen. This forcefully closes the app.
What if my iPhone is still unresponsive after trying to force quit the app?
If force quitting the app doesn't resolve the issue and your iPhone remains unresponsive, you might need to restart your device. This is a more drastic step but often resolves deeper system-level problems. The method for restarting varies depending on your iPhone model, but generally involves holding down the power button (and possibly another button) for several seconds until the power off slider appears.
How often should I force quit apps?
While there's no need to obsessively force quit apps, doing so for apps that are persistently frozen or unresponsive can improve performance. Regularly closing apps won't significantly extend battery life, as modern iPhones manage background processes efficiently.
Will force quitting an app delete my progress?
Generally, no. Force quitting an app closes the app but doesn't usually delete your progress or data. Most apps automatically save your progress in the background. However, some apps might require you to manually save your work before closing them.
My app keeps crashing. What should I do?
If an app repeatedly crashes, several steps can help. Firstly, try force quitting the app, then try restarting your iPhone. If the problem persists, check for updates to the app in the App Store. If an update is available, install it. If the issue still persists after updating, contacting the app developer for support is advisable.
Are there any differences in force quitting apps between iPhone models?
The core process of force-quitting remains the same across most iPhone models running iOS 11 and later. The methods described above are universally applicable. However, older iPhone models might have slightly different methods for accessing the App Switcher, but the fundamental swipe-to-close or swipe-and-hold-to-force-quit actions remain consistent.
By mastering these techniques, you'll be well-equipped to handle unresponsive apps and keep your iPhone running smoothly. Remember that while force quitting is a powerful tool, restarting your device is often a more effective solution for persistent system issues.
