Why closing apps matters for security and speed
Closing an app stops it from running in the background and using your device's memory, battery, and network connection. Some apps keep collecting data or checking for updates even when you are not actively using them. Closing them cuts off that activity until you open them again.
The difference between closing an app and deleting it is important: closing stops it temporarily, while deleting removes it from your device entirely. You can close an app and reopen it later without losing your data. Deleting an app removes all its files and settings.
On most phones and computers, apps you close do not stay closed forever — they may restart automatically if your device needs them or if they have a scheduled task. That is normal. What matters is that you are not letting unused apps run constantly in the background.
Key Takeaways
- On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom or swipe down from the top-right corner to see open apps, then swipe up on each one to close it.
- On Android, open the Recent Apps menu (usually a square icon or swipe up from the bottom), then swipe left or right on each app to close it.
- On Windows, use Alt+Tab to see open apps, right-click the one you want to close, and select Close, or click the X button in the top-right corner of the window.
- On Mac, use Command+Tab to switch between apps, then press Command+Q to quit the active app, or click the red dot in the top-left corner of the window.
- Closing apps regularly reduces the data they can collect about you and frees up memory so your device runs faster.
Closing apps on iPhone
On newer iPhones (iPhone X and later), swipe up from the bottom of the screen to the middle and hold for a moment. You will see a row of app cards showing which apps are currently open. Swipe up on each card to close that app. The card will disappear when the app closes.
On older iPhones (iPhone 8 and earlier), double-click the home button instead. You will see the same row of app cards. Swipe up on the ones you want to close.
If an app is frozen or not responding, you can force it to close. On newer iPhones, use the same swipe-up gesture to see open apps, then press and hold the app card until a menu appears, and tap "Remove App". On older iPhones, press and hold the app card until a menu appears, then tap the minus sign.
Closing apps on Android
Most Android phones show a Recent Apps menu when you swipe up from the bottom of the screen or tap a square icon (the exact location depends on your phone model). You will see cards for each open app. Swipe left or right on an app card to close it, or tap the X button if one appears on the card.
Some Android phones use a different gesture. If swiping up does not work, try swiping from the left or right edge of the screen toward the center, or look for a dedicated Recent Apps button in your navigation bar.
To force-close an app that is frozen, go to Settings, then Apps (or process Manager), find the app in the list, and tap "Force Stop". This is stronger than closing it normally and will stop it completely until you open it again.
Closing apps on Windows
Press Alt+Tab to see all open apps and windows. While holding Alt, press Tab repeatedly to cycle through them, or click the one you want. Release Alt to switch to that app. Once the app is active, click the X button in the top-right corner of its window to close it.
You can also right-click an app in the taskbar (the bar at the bottom of the screen) and select "Close window" or "Close all windows" from the menu that appears.
If an app is not responding, right-click it in the taskbar and select "Close window". If that does not work, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, select "Task Manager", find the app in the list, click it, and click "End Task" at the bottom right.
Closing apps on Mac
Press Command+Tab to see all open apps. While holding Command, press Tab to cycle through them, or click the one you want. Release Command to switch to that app. Once the app is active, press Command+Q to quit it. You can also click the red dot in the top-left corner of the app's window.
If an app is frozen, press Command+Option+Esc to open the Force Quit menu. Click the app you want to close and click "Force Quit".
Some apps have a menu option to quit. Click the app name in the menu bar at the top of the screen and look for "Quit [App Name]".
What happens to your data when you close an app
Closing an app does not delete your data. Any photos, messages, documents, or settings you saved inside the app stay on your device. When you reopen the app, your data is still there.
Some apps save data to the cloud (their company's servers) automatically, so your information is backed up even if you close the app. Other apps save data only on your device. Either way, closing the app does not erase what you have created or stored.
If you want to remove an app and all the data it has stored, you need to delete it, not just close it. Deleting is a separate action that removes the app and its files from your device permanently.
When to close apps versus when to leave them running
Close apps you are not using, especially ones that collect location data, access your camera or microphone, or send notifications constantly. Examples include social media apps, weather apps, and fitness trackers. Closing them between uses limits how much data they can gather about you.
You do not need to close every app when ready after using it. Apps that do not run in the background or collect data — like a calculator or a note-taking app — use very little battery or memory when closed. The benefit of closing them is small.
Some apps are designed to run in the background and work better that way. Maps, music players, and messaging apps may need to stay open to function properly. If an app is critical to your workflow, leaving it open is fine. The goal is to close the ones you are not actively using, not to close everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does closing an app delete my account or login information?
No. Closing an app does not affect your account or password. When you reopen the app, you will still be logged in (unless the app requires you to log in again for security reasons). Your account information stays on the app's company servers.
Will closing apps make my device faster?
Yes, temporarily. Closing apps frees up memory that your device can use for other tasks. If you have many apps open at once, closing some of them can make your device feel more responsive. The effect is most noticeable on older devices with less memory.
Can I close an app without losing unsaved work?
Most apps save your work automatically as you type or create. If an app does not auto-save, it will usually warn you before closing that you have unsaved changes and ask if you want to save them. Read the warning carefully before confirming the close.
What is the difference between closing an app and putting my phone to sleep?
Putting your phone to sleep turns off the screen but leaves all apps running in the background. Closing an app stops that specific app from running. You can close individual apps without putting your phone to sleep, and you can put your phone to sleep without closing apps.
Do I need to close apps before restarting my device?
No. When you restart your device, all apps close automatically. You do not need to close them first. Restarting is a good way to clear out all open apps and free up memory at once.