Closing apps on your iPhone might seem straightforward, but there are nuances depending on what you're trying to achieve—improving performance, saving battery, or simply tidying up your screen. This guide will cover all the methods and explain the differences, ensuring you're equipped to manage your iPhone apps effectively.
What Does Closing an App Actually Do?
Before diving into the how, let's understand the why. Closing an app on iOS doesn't necessarily mean it's completely shut down. While older iOS versions might have seen apps truly close, modern iOS versions employ aggressive memory management. Apps are paused and put into a low-power state when you switch away from them. This preserves your place in the app and allows for quick reopening.
Therefore, simply closing apps generally won't dramatically boost performance or save significant battery life unless you're dealing with a misbehaving app consuming excessive resources.
How to Close Apps Using App Switcher
This is the most common and generally recommended method.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause slightly in the middle. This will bring up the App Switcher, displaying all your recently used apps as cards.
- Locate the app you want to close. You'll see a preview of the app's interface.
- Swipe up on the app's card and hold for a second. The app card will slide off the top of the screen, indicating it's closed. Repeat for each app you want to close.
On iPhones with a Home button (older models), you'd double-click the Home button to access the App Switcher and follow steps 2 and 3.
How to Force Quit an App (For Problem Apps)
Force quitting an app is different from simply closing it. Use this method only when an app is frozen, unresponsive, or using an excessive amount of resources.
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap on "General".
- Tap on "iPhone Storage". (This might be "iPad Storage" on an iPad.)
- Find the problematic app in the list.
- Tap on the app to view its storage usage details.
- Tap "Delete App". This will remove the app from your phone. Then you can redownload it from the App Store, ideally resolving any issues.
Do I Need to Close Apps Regularly?
Generally, no. iOS manages app resources efficiently. Constantly closing apps won't significantly improve performance or battery life in most cases. In fact, constantly closing and reopening apps can sometimes reduce efficiency as the apps need to reload their data. Focus on closing only those apps that are misbehaving or seem to be consuming excessive resources.
Will Closing Apps Save Battery Life?
Closing apps will only noticeably save battery life if those apps are actively using significant resources in the background, like GPS or constantly updating data. For average use, closing apps won't make a huge difference in battery life. Consider optimizing other settings like screen brightness and location services for more significant battery improvements.
My App Keeps Crashing, What Should I Do?
If an app consistently crashes, there are a few things to try before resorting to deleting and reinstalling:
- Update the app: Check the App Store for updates. Many crashes are fixed with software updates.
- Restart your iPhone: A simple restart often resolves temporary software glitches.
- Check for iOS updates: Make sure your iPhone's operating system is up-to-date.
- Check your storage: A full iPhone can lead to performance issues. Delete unnecessary files and apps.
- Contact the app developer: If the problem persists, reach out to the app's developer for support.
By understanding these methods and their implications, you can effectively manage your iPhone apps and ensure a smooth user experience. Remember, in most scenarios, letting iOS handle app management is the most efficient approach.
