Closing apps on iOS 17 is straightforward: double-click the Home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen if your device lacks a Home button. This brings up the App Switcher, where you can swipe left or right to find the app you want to close. Then, simply swipe the app’s preview upwards to shut it down.
After you complete this action, the app will no longer run in the background. This can free up system resources, potentially improving other app performances and saving battery life.
You can also watch this video about how to close apps on iPhone for more information.
Introduction
Remember the days when we’d hit a button to close an app, and that was that? But now, with iOS 17, things are a tad different, aren’t they? You might wonder why you’d need to know how to close apps on your iPhone or iPad. After all, Apple devices are known for their intelligent management of running applications.
However, there are times when an app might freeze or start to act up, and the only solution is to give it the boot. Or maybe, you’re just particular about controlling which apps are running on your device. Whatever your reason might be, knowing how to close apps on iOS 17 is a handy little skill to have in your back pocket. Not to mention, it can help maintain your device’s performance and extend its battery life. Plus, it’s super easy to do once you get the hang of it, and it’s relevant to any iOS 17 user out there, regardless of your tech expertise!
Related: How to Delete iPhone 13 Apps
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Close Apps on iOS 17
Before we dig into the steps, know that closing apps on iOS 17 will help you manage your device’s memory, prevent unnecessary battery drain, and keep your home screen tidy. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Access the App Switcher
Double-click the Home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold briefly if your device doesn’t have a Home button.
When you do this, you’ll see miniature versions of the apps you’ve recently used. This is the App Switcher screen, where you will perform the magic of closing apps.
Step 2: Find the app you want to close
Swipe left or right to find the app that you want to shut down.
You might need to swipe a few times if you’ve used many apps since the last time you cleared them. The app’s preview should be in the center of your screen when you find it.
Step 3: Close the app
Swipe the app’s preview upwards to close it.
The app preview should fly off the screen, which means it is now closed. If you want to close multiple apps, repeat the swipe-up gesture with other app previews.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Improved Performance | Closing apps can free up memory, leading to a smoother experience on your device. |
| Battery Life Savings | Apps running in the background can drain battery, so closing them can extend your device’s battery life. |
| Reduces Clutter | Closing apps helps keep your workspace tidy, making it easier to find and focus on the apps you need. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Can Interrupt Background Processes | Some apps are designed to run in the background, and closing them can interrupt important processes. |
| Misconceptions about Battery Savings | Closing apps can save battery life, but the effect is often smaller than many people think. |
| Time-Consuming | If you have many apps open, closing them one by one can be tedious. |
Video About Closing Apps
Additional Information
Now, while closing apps on iOS 17 is a simple and effective way to keep your device running smoothly, there’s something else you should keep in mind. Not all apps need to be closed. In fact, iOS is designed to handle background apps efficiently. Closing an app that doesn’t cause any issues might be unnecessary and could even slow down your device when reopening it, as it has to be loaded back into memory.
But, if an app is unresponsive or acting strangely, closing it is often the best first step to solving the issue. Remember, if you’re experiencing significant slowdowns or battery drain, there could be other underlying issues with your device that simply closing apps won’t fix. In such cases, it might be worth exploring further troubleshooting steps or visiting an Apple Store.
Summary
- Access the App Switcher
- Find the app you want to close
- Close the app
Frequently Asked Questions
Can closing apps on iOS 17 improve my device’s performance?
Closing apps can free up memory and improve device performance, especially if an app is frozen or malfunctioning.
Does closing apps on iOS 17 save battery life?
While it can have a small impact on saving battery life, it’s not as significant as many people believe.
How can I quickly switch between apps without closing them?
Use the App Switcher by double-clicking the Home button or swiping up from the bottom of the screen to quickly switch between apps without closing them.
What should I do if an app is unresponsive and won’t close?
If swiping up doesn’t work, try restarting your device to force the app to close.
Is it bad to leave apps open on iOS 17?
Generally, no. iOS manages background apps efficiently, so it’s not necessary to close them unless they are causing issues.
Conclusion
There you have it, a simple guide to closing apps on iOS 17. Whether you’re dealing with an unruly app or just like to keep things neat, knowing how to close apps is a fundamental part of using your iOS device. It’s one of those things that might seem insignificant, but in the right circumstance, it’s a mighty tool in your tech arsenal.
So, the next time your favorite game freezes or your social media app won’t load, don’t panic. Just swipe and close. And remember, while regularly closing apps isn’t necessary, doing so when needed can certainly keep things running smoothly. Happy swiping!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.