To close "windows" on your phone, which typically refers to applications (apps) running in the background, you'll need to access your device's app switcher and then dismiss the apps you wish to close. The exact method varies slightly between Android and iOS devices.
When apps are running in the background, they can consume system resources. While modern smartphones are designed to manage these efficiently, knowing how to manually close apps can be useful for troubleshooting, freeing up memory, or conserving battery life.
Closing Apps on Android Phones
Android devices provide a clear way to view and close applications that are currently open or active in the background. This process helps you manage your phone's performance.
- Access the Recent Apps Screen:
- On most Android phones, locate and press the square icon found at the bottom of your screen. This is often part of the navigation bar.
- If your Android phone uses gesture navigation, swipe up from the very bottom of the screen and hold briefly until the recent apps (or app overview) screen appears.
- Swipe to Close:
- Once you see the carousel or list of your recently used applications, swipe up on an app's preview to close it. This action removes the app from your recent apps list and stops it from actively running in the background.
Closing Apps on iPhones and iPads
iPhones and iPads also offer an intuitive method to close apps running in the background, which can help manage your device's resources.
- Open the App Switcher:
- For iPhones and iPads with a Home button: Quickly double-click the physical Home button.
- For iPhones and iPads without a Home button (Face ID models): Swipe up from the very bottom of the screen and pause with your finger in the middle of the screen until the App Switcher appears.
- Swipe to Close:
- In the App Switcher, you will see previews of all your open apps. Swipe up on the app's preview that you wish to close. The app will then slide off the screen, indicating it has been closed.
Why Close Apps?
While operating systems are optimized to handle background apps, manually closing them can be beneficial in specific scenarios:
- Troubleshooting: If an app is unresponsive, frozen, or behaving unexpectedly, closing it completely and then reopening it can often resolve the issue.
- Resource Management: For older devices or when running demanding applications, closing unused background apps can free up Random Access Memory (RAM) and Central Processing Unit (CPU) cycles, potentially improving overall device performance and responsiveness.
- Battery Conservation: Although modern OS efficiently manage background battery usage, certain misbehaving or resource-intensive apps might still drain power. Closing these can sometimes help conserve battery life.
Quick Reference: How to Close Apps on Your Phone
| Device Type | Action to Access App Switcher | Action to Close App |
|---|---|---|
| Android Phone | Press the square navigation button (or swipe up and hold) | Swipe up on the app's preview |
| iPhone/iPad (with Home Button) | Double-click the Home button | Swipe up on the app's preview |
| iPhone/iPad (no Home Button) | Swipe up from the bottom and pause in the middle of the screen | Swipe up on the app's preview |
Best Practices for App Management
- Regular Review: Periodically check your app switcher to identify and close any applications you are no longer using.
- Update Apps: Always keep your applications updated through your device's app store. Updates often include performance enhancements and bug fixes that can improve efficiency.
- Restart Your Phone: A simple restart of your entire device can often resolve minor performance glitches by clearing temporary data and refreshing system processes.
For more information, refer to official support pages:
