How to Close Running Apps on Your Device

Understanding Background Apps and Why They Matter

When you use your device, applications continue running in the background even after you stop actively using them. These background apps consume resources like battery power, memory, and data. Understanding how background apps work is the first step toward managing them effectively.

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Background apps perform various functions. Some sync information like email or calendar updates. Others track your location, send notifications, or refresh content automatically. For example, a weather app might check forecast updates every 30 minutes, while a messaging service might stay active to receive incoming messages instantly. A fitness app could track your steps continuously throughout the day.

The impact of multiple background apps accumulates quickly. If you have 10 apps running in the background, each using modest resources, together they can drain your battery significantly faster than if you closed unnecessary ones. On devices with limited memory, too many background apps can slow down performance and make your device feel sluggish when opening new applications.

Different devices handle background apps differently. Smartphones and tablets have become more efficient at managing background processes automatically, but you may still want to close specific apps manually. Understanding which apps need to run continuously and which you can safely close helps you maintain device performance.

Practical takeaway: Identify which apps on your device truly need background access and which ones you use only occasionally. This awareness helps you decide which ones to close regularly.

Closing Apps on iOS Devices (iPhone and iPad)

Apple devices handle app closing through the App Switcher interface. This method works on all recent iPhone and iPad models, though the exact process varies slightly depending on which model you own.

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For devices with Face ID (iPhone X and newer, iPad Pro models with Face ID), swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause briefly. The App Switcher displays as a grid of app cards showing your recently used applications. Find the app you want to close by scrolling left or right. Once you locate it, swipe it upward off the screen. This action removes the app from the switcher and stops it from running.

For devices with a home button (iPhone 8 and earlier, iPad Air 2 and earlier), double-press the home button. Your recent apps appear in a horizontal row. Swipe left or right to find the app you want to close, then swipe upward on that app card. This closes the app in the same way as the Face ID method.

You can also access Settings to control background app refresh for specific applications. Open Settings, scroll to find the app you're interested in, tap it, and select "Background App Refresh." Toggle this setting off to prevent that app from running in the background. Keep in mind that some apps, like messaging services, may not function properly without background refresh enabled.

Common apps that people often want to close include social media applications, streaming services, and games. However, system apps like Mail and Messages typically work better when allowed to refresh in the background so you receive notifications immediately.

Practical takeaway: Use the App Switcher to close apps you've recently used, and use Settings to disable background refresh for apps that don't need constant updates.

Closing Apps on Android Devices

Android devices provide multiple methods for closing running apps, giving you flexibility in how you manage them. The most direct method involves using the Recent Apps screen, which appears differently depending on your Android version and device manufacturer.

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For most Android devices, swipe up from the bottom center of your screen (or swipe left if you're using older gesture controls). This displays your recently used apps. Swipe upward on any app card you want to close, or look for an X or close button on that app's card. Some devices may require you to press and hold an app card, then select "Remove" or "Close" from a menu that appears.

You can also close apps through Settings. Open Settings and navigate to "Apps" or "Applications" (the exact name varies by manufacturer). Look for "Running" or "Background" apps to see what's currently active. Tap any app in this list, then select "Force Stop" to close it immediately. This method is stronger than swiping closed, as it completely stops the app's processes.

Android also includes a Battery Saver or Power Saving mode that you can enable to reduce background app activity automatically. This feature restricts background processes for non-essential apps while keeping necessary functions like calling operational. Enable this mode through Settings under Battery or Device Care, depending on your device manufacturer.

Many Android devices include a task manager or memory manager app pre-installed. Samsung devices have "Device Care," while other manufacturers include similar tools. These apps display how much memory is currently in use and which apps are consuming the most resources. You can use these to identify and close resource-intensive apps.

Practical takeaway: Use the Recent Apps screen for quick closures, or go to Settings to force stop apps and access battery-saving features for automatic background management.

Managing Background App Permissions and Restrictions

Beyond simply closing apps, you can configure which apps are even allowed to run in the background. This approach provides longer-term management of device performance and battery usage. Permission management works somewhat differently between iOS and Android but achieves similar goals.

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On iOS, open Settings and scroll down to find individual apps. Tap an app's name to access its settings. Look for "Background App Refresh" and toggle it off for apps that don't need constant updates. You might disable this for social media, games, news apps, and other entertainment applications. Leave it enabled for messaging, email, banking, and other apps where you need notifications.

On Android, open Settings and navigate to "Apps" or "Applications." Select an app you want to restrict. Look for "Battery" or "App Battery Usage" options, or scroll down to find "Permissions." You can disable permissions like Location, Camera, Microphone, or Contacts for apps that don't genuinely need them. You can also find a "Battery Optimization" option that prevents certain apps from running in the background unless you're actively using them.

Both platforms also allow you to restrict notifications from specific apps. If an app sends constant notifications, you can silence them without closing the app entirely. On iOS, go to Settings, then Notifications, and select the app. On Android, long-press the notification when it appears, then disable notifications for that app.

Consider which categories of apps genuinely need background access. Navigation apps need location services. Banking apps may need to run updates in the background. Emergency contact apps should stay accessible. Fitness apps tracking daily activity need continuous access. However, photo editing apps, games, and entertainment services rarely need background permissions.

Practical takeaway: Review background permissions for each app individually rather than closing everything. This targeted approach maintains functionality where you need it while reducing unnecessary resource consumption.

Understanding Device-Specific App Management Features

Modern devices include built-in systems to manage apps automatically, reducing the need for manual intervention. Understanding these features helps you decide how much manual closing you actually need to perform.

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iOS includes a system that automatically suspends apps you haven't used in a while. When you switch away from an app on iPhone or iPad, iOS freezes its processes after a short time. This suspension isn't the same as closing—the app remains in memory—but it stops consuming battery and processing power. If you return to the app, iOS quickly unfreezes it. This approach means you don't necessarily need to close apps as frequently as you might on older devices.

Android devices use a similar system with Low Memory Killer, a feature that automatically closes apps when the system needs memory for active applications. Android also includes Adaptive Battery, which learns which apps you use regularly and restricts background activity for apps you rarely open. Over time, this feature optimizes your device's behavior based on your actual usage patterns.

RAM management differs between iOS and Android. iOS allocates a smaller amount of RAM to background apps than Android typically does. This means iPhones may automatically close background apps faster when RAM is needed. Android devices often have more RAM available but manage it differently.

Battery optimization features on both platforms analyze app usage patterns. These systems can automatically close or restrict apps that drain battery significantly. You can manually enable aggressive battery saving when your charge is low, which closes most background apps except those you whitelist as essential.

Manufacturer customizations add additional layers. Samsung's One UI, for example, includes aggressive app optimization settings. Google Pixel phones emphasize adaptive management. Different manufacturers make different tradeoffs between automatic