How to Force Close Apps on iPhone in 2024: Force-closing apps on an iPhone is a valuable technique for troubleshooting when an app is not responding, running slowly, or consuming excessive resources. It refers to manually closing apps that are running in the background, which can help free up system memory and improve performance.
On newer iPhone models with Face ID, you can force close apps to reveal the app switcher. From there, you can swipe up on any app’s preview to close it. For models with a Home button, double-pressing the Home button brings up the app switcher, allowing you to swipe up to close apps.
It’s important to note that force-closing apps regularly is optional for everyday use. iOS is designed to manage background apps efficiently. Force-closing apps should be reserved for troubleshooting when an app becomes unresponsive. Doing so too often may even have a negative impact, as reopening apps from scratch can sometimes take more resources than letting them run in the background.
What is Force Closing Apps on iPhone?
Force-closing apps on an iPhone refers to manually closing apps running in the background. While iPhones are designed to manage apps automatically by suspending them when they are not actively in use, there are times when apps may freeze, become unresponsive, or consume excessive resources.
This process can help resolve issues such as an app not functioning correctly, draining battery life, or using too much memory. When you force close an app, it is essentially stopped, and the next time you open it, the app starts from scratch rather than resuming from its last state. This can improve performance, mainly if an app is stuck or behaving erratically.
To force close an app, you typically access the app switcher by swiping up (on newer models with Face ID) or double-pressing the Home button (on older models). From there, you can swipe up on the app’s preview to close it. However, it’s important to note that force closing apps regularly is generally not recommended, as iOS is designed to handle background apps efficiently.
When Should You Force Close Apps on Your iPhone?
It would be best if you considered force-closing apps on your iPhone in the following situations:
- When an App is Unresponsive or Frozen: If an app becomes stuck or doesn’t respond to your taps, force-closing it can help resolve the issue. After force-closing, reopening the app may allow it to function properly.
- When an App is Draining Battery: If you notice that an app is consuming an unusually high amount of battery, force closing it may stop the app.
- When an App is Consuming Too Much Memory: Apps can sometimes use too much memory, especially if they need to be better optimized or stuck in a loop. Force-closing the app frees up resources and may improve overall phone performance.
- When You Want to Restart an App: If an app isn’t working as expected, force-closing and reopening it can help by allowing it to start fresh and clearing any minor glitches.
- When Troubleshooting App Issues: If you encounter crashes, freezing, or slow performance, force-closing the app is a common troubleshooting step to clear any issues.
- When You Need to Improve Performance: Your iPhone is slowing down, closing unnecessary apps can free up processing power and improve performance.
Force-closing apps regularly are usually not necessary, as iOS efficiently manages background apps. Force-closing apps should only be done when you’re facing specific issues.
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Force Closing Apps vs. Background App Refresh: What’s the Difference?
Force Closing Apps and Background App Refresh are two distinct features on an iPhone that manage how apps run and update in the background. Here’s the difference between them:
Force Closing Apps
- Purpose: Force closing is a manual process where you close an app completely, stopping it from running in the background.
- How it Works: When you force close an app, it is removed from the list of active apps, and any processes it was running are stopped. The app will restart completely when reopened.
- When to Use: Force closing is typically used when an app becomes unresponsive, freezes, or behaves unexpectedly. It is a troubleshooting step for resolving app-specific issues.
- Effect on Performance: Regularly force closing apps is optional, as iOS is designed to manage background apps efficiently. Closing apps too often may use more resources in the long run when reopening them, and iOS may reopen apps automatically in the background.
Background App Refresh
- Purpose: Background App Refresh allows apps to update their content or perform tasks in the background without needing to be opened on the screen.
- How it Works: This feature enables apps to fetch new data, such as news, messages, or notifications, even when the app is not actively being used. For example, your email app might download new messages, or your social media apps might update feeds.
- When to Use: Background App Refresh helps keep apps up-to-date with the latest information without having to open them. You can turn this feature on or off for specific apps in the settings to save data or battery life.
- Effect on Performance: While Background App Refresh helps keep apps updated, it can sometimes consume battery or data. It can be managed by disabling it for apps that don’t require frequent updates.
Key Differences
- Action: Force closing is manual and stops the app entirely, while Background App Refresh is an automatic feature that allows apps to update in the background.
- Function: Force closing addresses app performance issues, whereas Background App Refresh keeps apps up-to-date with new content without requiring the app to be open.
- Impact on Battery: Force closing an app may save battery if it is misbehaving, but Background App Refresh can drain the battery if many apps are constantly refreshing in the background.
Force closing apps is a specific action to stop misbehaving apps, while Background App Refresh is an automatic feature that helps apps stay current by updating their content in the background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is force-closing apps bad for my iPhone?
No, force-closing apps occasionally are fine, especially when troubleshooting. However, force-closing apps too frequently may have little benefit and could require more resources when reopening them.
Do force-closing apps affect data or settings?
Force-closing an app does not delete its data or settings. When reopened, the app will restart with its last saved state unless it requires a fresh start.
Can force closing apps help with an app crash?
Yes, force closing an app can sometimes resolve crashes or freezing by restarting the app from scratch.
Should I force close all apps on my iPhone to improve battery life?
No, it’s not necessary to force-close all apps. iOS is designed to handle background apps efficiently. Force-close only apps that are causing issues.
What’s the difference between force-closing apps and disabling Background App Refresh?
Force closing apps to stop them from running while disabling Background App Refresh prevents apps from updating content in the background. Both manage app activity but serve different purposes.
Conclusion
Force closing apps on an iPhone can be a helpful troubleshooting tool when an app becomes unresponsive, freezes, or consumes excessive resources such as battery or memory. It allows you to restart an app from scratch, which can resolve specific issues like crashes or slow performance.
