If you’ve ever found yourself dealing with a frozen app on your iPad, you know how frustrating it can be. But don’t worry! Force closing an app on an iPad is a straightforward process. Just a few simple steps and you’ll be back on track in no time. Here’s how to quickly and easily force close an app:
How to Force Close an App on iPad
Sometimes, apps act up and need a little nudge to get back on track. Following these steps will help you force close an app on your iPad, ensuring it stops running in the background and giving you a fresh start when you reopen it.
Step 1: Swipe Up from the Bottom of the Screen
First, swipe up from the bottom of the screen, but only partway to access the app switcher.
This action will bring up all the apps currently running on your iPad. You’ll see a series of app thumbnails lined up side by side.
Step 2: Locate the App You Want to Close
Next, find the thumbnail of the app you want to force close.
Scroll left or right through the app switcher until you find the troublesome app. Each thumbnail represents a different app that’s open.
Step 3: Swipe Up on the App’s Thumbnail
Once you’ve found the app, swipe up on its thumbnail to force close it.
This action will remove the app from the lineup, effectively shutting it down. The app is no longer running in the background.
Step 4: Return to the Home Screen
Finally, tap anywhere outside the app switcher or press the Home button (if your iPad has one) to return to the Home Screen.
You can now reopen the app if you need to. It should start fresh without any previous issues.
What Happens After Force Closing an App
After you force close an app, it stops running entirely. When you reopen it, the app will reload as if it’s starting for the first time. This process can help fix minor glitches or freezes.
Tips for How to Force Close an App on iPad
- Check for Updates: Sometimes apps freeze because they need an update. Make sure your apps are up to date from the App Store.
- Restart Your iPad: If force closing doesn’t solve the problem, try restarting your device. This can clear out any lingering issues.
- Clear Cache: Some apps store temporary data that can cause them to slow down or freeze. Clearing the app’s cache might help.
- Reinstall the App: If all else fails, delete the app and then reinstall it. This can resolve deeper issues that force closing can’t fix.
- Contact Support: If the problem persists, reach out to the app’s customer support for more help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if force closing an app doesn’t work?
If force closing doesn’t work, try restarting your iPad or reinstalling the app. Sometimes a full device reboot can solve persistent issues.
Will force closing an app delete my data?
No, force closing an app doesn’t delete any data. When you reopen the app, all your information should still be there.
Can I force close multiple apps at once?
No, you need to swipe each app’s thumbnail up individually to force close multiple apps. It’s a bit of extra work but ensures you’re only closing the apps you intend to.
Is force closing apps harmful to my iPad?
Force closing apps occasionally isn’t harmful, but it’s not recommended to do it frequently. Constantly force closing apps can actually slow down your device.
How do I know if an app needs to be force closed?
If an app is unresponsive, frozen, or behaving strangely, it might need to be force closed. This can help reset the app and solve minor issues.
Summary
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
- Locate the app you want to close.
- Swipe up on the app’s thumbnail.
- Return to the Home Screen.
Conclusion
Force closing an app on your iPad is a handy trick to have up your sleeve. It’s a quick and effective way to deal with unresponsive apps and can help you get back to what you were doing without much fuss. Just remember, while it’s a useful method, it shouldn’t be your go-to solution for every minor hiccup your apps encounter. Keeping your apps updated and your iPad well-maintained can prevent many issues before they start.
So next time you find an app misbehaving, don’t stress. With these steps, you’ll know exactly what to do. Happy iPading!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.