Force closing an app on iPhone means shutting it down completely without using the normal exit button

When an app freezes, crashes, or stops responding, force closing it will usually fix the problem. Unlike Android, iPhones do not have a dedicated "force close" button in settings. Instead, you remove the app from your active memory by swiping it away in the app switcher — the screen that shows all your open apps at once.

Force closing is different from restarting the app. When you force close, the app stops running entirely. When you open it again, it starts fresh with no leftover data or stuck processes. This clears most temporary glitches without affecting your saved files, photos, or login information.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the app switcher by swiping up from the bottom of the screen (or swiping down from the top-right corner on newer iPhones), then swipe the frozen app upward to close it.
  • Force closing an app does not delete it, erase your data, or sign you out — it only stops the app from running in the background.
  • If an app keeps freezing after you force close it, restart your iPhone or update the app through the App Store.
  • You can force close multiple apps at once by swiping up on each one in the app switcher.

How to force close an app on iPhone models with Face ID

On iPhone X and newer models (including iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and later), swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause for a moment. You will see all your open apps displayed as cards. Find the app you want to close, then swipe upward on that card. The app will disappear from the switcher and stop running.

If you are in the app when it freezes, you can also swipe up from the bottom edge while still inside the app. This brings up the app switcher without closing the current app first. Then swipe up on whichever app you need to force close.

How to force close an app on older iPhone models

On iPhone 8 and earlier models, double-tap the home button at the bottom of the screen. This opens the app switcher and shows your open apps as cards. Swipe upward on the app you want to close. It will disappear from the switcher when ready.

If the home button is not responding, you can also access the app switcher through Settings. Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh, find the app, and toggle it off. This prevents the app from running in the background, though it does not force close an already-open app the same way swiping does.

What happens when you force close an app

Force closing stops the app from running but does not delete it from your phone. Your photos, messages, saved games, login information, and any other data inside the app remain untouched. The next time you open the app, it will load normally with all your information still there.

The app may ask you to log in again if it has been closed for a long time or if your session expired while it was running. This is normal and does not mean your account was affected. You can straightforward log back in with your username and password.

When to force close versus when to restart your iPhone

Force close an app first if only one app is freezing or crashing. This solves the problem in seconds without affecting anything else on your phone. If the same app keeps freezing even after you force close it multiple times, update it through the App Store — the freeze is likely a bug that the developer has already fixed.

Restart your entire iPhone if multiple apps are freezing, if the home screen is not responding, or if force closing does not help. Hold down the power button and volume button together until the power-off slider appears, then drag it to turn off your phone. Wait 10 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. This clears your phone's memory completely and fixes most system-wide problems.

Preventing apps from freezing in the first place

Keep your apps updated through the App Store. Developers release updates to fix crashes and improve performance. Open the App Store, tap the profile icon in the top-right corner, scroll down to see pending updates, and tap Update next to any app that needs it. You can also turn on automatic updates by going to Settings > App Store and toggling on App Updates.

Close apps you are not using if your iPhone is running slowly or apps are freezing frequently. This frees up memory for the apps you are actively using. You do not need to close apps every day — iPhones manage background apps well — but closing them when you notice slowness can help. Also restart your iPhone once a week or whenever you notice performance dropping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does force closing an app delete my data?

No. Force closing only stops the app from running. All your saved files, photos, messages, and login information stay on your phone. When you open the app again, everything will be there.

Will force closing an app sign me out?

Usually not. Most apps keep you logged in even after force closing. Some apps with strict security settings may ask you to log in again the next time you open them, but this is rare and does not affect your account.

Can I force close multiple apps at once?

Yes. In the app switcher, swipe up on each app card one at a time. You can close as many apps as you want this way. There is no limit to how many you can close in one session.

What if the app switcher is not responding?

If you cannot open the app switcher or swipe is not working, restart your iPhone. Hold the power button and volume button together until the power-off slider appears, then drag to turn off your phone. Wait 10 seconds and turn it back on.

Should I force close apps to save battery?

No. iPhones are designed to manage background apps efficiently, and force closing does not meaningfully extend battery life. Close apps only when they are freezing or crashing, not as a regular habit.