How to Close Apps on Android Correctly

Running out of memory or experiencing sluggish performance on your Android device? You might need to know how to close apps on Android properly. Unsurprisingly, managing your background applications not only saves battery life but also optimizes system resources.
In this guide, I’ll show you the steps to efficiently end tasks, force-stop applications, and disable unnecessary processes using your device’s settings menu and task manager.
By the end of this article, you will have the skills to ensure your smartphone maintains peak performance across various Android versions like Oreo, Pie, and the latest updates.
Learn to navigate the Android user interface, use the recent apps button, and employ swipe gestures to keep your device running smoothly.
Whether you are using a Samsung, OnePlus, or Motorola device, these techniques will help you master app control settings and optimize system health for a seamless user experience.
How To Close Apps On Android: Quick Workflow
To close apps on an Android device, you can follow several methods depending on your device’s navigation system. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
Closing Apps Using the Multitasking Interface
- Access the Multitasking Screen:
- Three-Button Navigation: Tap the square button (Overview button) or the three vertical lines button at the bottom of the screen.
- Gesture Navigation: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold for a moment.
- Close Individual Apps:
- Once in the multitasking view, locate the app you want to close.
- Swipe it up or sideways off the screen to close it.
- Close All Apps at Once:
- In the multitasking view, look for a “Clear all” or “Close all” button, usually located at the bottom of the screen. Tap this to close all open applications simultaneously.
Force Closing Apps
If an app is unresponsive or continues to run in the background, you may need to force close it:
- Open Settings:
- Go to your device’s Settings app.
- Navigate to Apps:
- Select Apps or Apps & notifications.
- Select the App:
- Find and tap on the app you wish to force close. You might need to select See all apps if it’s not immediately visible.
- Force Stop:
- Tap on Force stop and confirm by selecting OK.
Important Notes
- Some system apps (like Google Play services) cannot be closed or force stopped.
- Regularly closing apps can help improve battery life and performance, but Android is designed to manage background apps efficiently, so frequent manual closing may not be necessary.
Methods to Close Apps on Android Devices

Using the Recent Apps Menu
Accessing the Recent Apps Menu: Gesture-Based and Button-Based Methods
Accessing the Recent Apps menu can vary depending on your device. On some, a simple swipe-up gesture does the trick. For others, a dedicated button (often square-shaped) will bring it up. Different strokes for different folks, quite literally.
Swiping Apps to Close Them: Vertical and Horizontal Layouts
Once you’re in the Recent Apps menu, closing apps is as simple as swiping. Depending on your Android version, you might swipe vertically or horizontally. Vertical and horizontal layouts are user-friendly and uncomplicated—just swipe, and the app disappears.
Clearing All Apps at Once with “Close All” or “Clear All” Options
Feeling particularly efficient? Some devices offer a “Close All” or “Clear All” option. A single tap, and voilà, all your recent apps are dismissed. It’s one of those Android tips that saves you time and taps.
Using the Apps Manager
Accessing the Apps Manager via Settings
Head to your Settings, then navigate to Apps & Notifications. Here, you’ll find the Apps Manager. This section is like the control panel for all your installed apps. It’s where the app lifecycle really becomes visible.
Viewing All Installed Apps
In the Apps Manager, you can see all your installed apps. It’s like having a backstage pass to your phone’s internal workings. This is crucial for identifying which apps might be causing issues or consuming resources.
Using the “Force Stop” Function to Close Unresponsive Apps
Got an app that won’t play nice? The “Force Stop” function is your best friend. Just select the troublesome app, and hit “Force Stop.” This will terminate any processes associated with the app. It’s a bit like using a task killer app, but built into the system.
Utilizing Developer Mode
Enabling Developer Options on Android Devices
To get serious about app management, you can enable Developer Options. Go to Settings > About Phone, then tap the Build Number seven times. You’re now a developer, or at least you have the keys to the kingdom.
Using “Running Services” to View and Manage Background Apps
In Developer Options, you’ll find “Running Services.” This tool lets you see what’s happening behind the scenes. It’s invaluable for keeping tabs on background services and apps, ensuring nothing is hogging your resources.
Risks and Precautions When Closing System Apps
However, tread lightly here. Closing system apps can cause more harm than good. Some services, like Bluetooth or Google Play updates, are necessary for smooth operation. Disabling non-essential services could make your phone behave unpredictably. Use the tools wisely, and with caution.
Device-Specific Methods and Variations
Variations by Android Version
Navigation differences between Android 10, 11, 12, and 13+
Navigation across Android versions isn’t uniform. Android 10 relied heavily on three-button navigation, but the shift came with Android 11 and 12, where gesture-based interactions began taking over. Swiping up from the bottom, holding a bit, and then releasing—that’s your gateway to the recent apps menu.
On the other hand, Android 13+ introduces more refined control over background app management. You get nifty options like managing background processes directly, without diving into deeper settings.
Differences by Manufacturer
Features unique to Samsung (e.g., Recent Apps button)
Samsung devices carve their own path. The Recent Apps button stands out—it’s often a dedicated button on Samsung Galaxy phones. This button gives you direct access to app management without needing any fancy gestures.
Variations in app closing methods for brands like Google Pixel, OnePlus, and others
Google Pixel devices feel more vanilla, aligning closely with Android’s core experience. Swipe up, hold, release and you’re there. OnePlus throws in its flair—fast, snappy with some OxygenOS twists. Others like Xiaomi or Oppo? They bring their skins, which might slightly alter how you access and close apps. But at the core, the principles remain similar.
Tablet-Specific Features
How closing apps differs on Android tablets
Android tablets—they play by slightly different rules. Larger screen real estate means more apps can be viewed simultaneously in the recent apps menu. Swiping them away feels more fluid, thanks to the broader touch areas.
Using “Clear All” for multiple open apps on tablets
When handling numerous open apps, the “Clear All” option stands out on tablets. Just a single tap and all those background processes? Gone. It’s a cleaner experience, especially beneficial when shifting from work mode to entertainment or vice versa.
Advanced App Management Techniques
Identifying and Closing Resource-Intensive Apps
Using the “Memory Usage” view in Developer Options
Developer Options, the hidden gem in your Android settings, gives you access to “Memory Usage.” Dive in, and you’ll see which apps are consuming the most RAM. It’s like shining a flashlight on those sneaky resource hogs. Open Settings, find Developer Options, and tap into Memory. There, you’ll notice a breakdown—instant clarity on memory guzzlers.
Identifying apps consuming excessive RAM or battery
Not just RAM, but excessive battery usage needs attention too. Open up Battery Settings, and you’ll get a list of culprits draining juice. Apps like social media or games often top this list. Cutting them off or using built-in tools for battery optimization can make a world of difference. Spot the offender, tap, and either limit background activity or force stop them if they misbehave.
Managing Persistent Background Services
Understanding services like Bluetooth and Google Play updates
Services like Bluetooth and Google Play updates run persistently. They ensure seamless connectivity and timely updates but can be resource-heavy. Understanding their necessity is crucial. You don’t want to cut off your device’s lifeline by shutting down critical services. However, knowing which are non-essential can help you manage performance better.
Disabling or stopping non-essential services via “Running Services”
“Running Services” in Developer Options shows a live feed of background activities. It’s like peeking behind the curtain of your device’s operations. Scroll through and you’ll see a list of active services. Found something non-essential? Tap and disable it. But be cautious. Disabling critical services can lead to system instability. Focus on stopping non-essentials like certain app notifications or background data syncs that aren’t immediately crucial. Use these techniques to understand how to close apps on Android effectively and maintain optimal performance.
Best Practices for App Management
When and Why to Close Apps
Situations where closing apps can improve performance or fix issues
Sometimes, an app becomes a rogue agent, hogging RAM, consuming battery, or even freezing. Performance dips, phone heats up—time to act. Closing such apps can resolve temporary glitches and free up resources. Imagine your device performing better, faster.
Avoiding unnecessary closures to prevent slower device performance
Contrary to popular belief, closing apps willy-nilly isn’t always the answer. Android is built to manage memory efficiently. Manual closing can actually disrupt processes, making the system reload them, thus consuming more power. Let Android handle low-priority tasks unless there’s a real issue.
Alternatives to Closing Apps
Using “Freeze” options on specific devices (e.g., Tecno, Infinix)
Some devices, like those from Tecno or Infinix, come equipped with a “Freeze” option. It’s like putting apps into hibernation. They’re not using resources but aren’t closed either. Perfect for apps you rarely use but don’t want to uninstall.
Utilizing third-party tools for app management
Consider third-party tools if you need more control. Apps like Greenify can hibernate apps and manage background tasks more efficiently than default settings. These tools can optimize battery life and extend your device’s performance, offering another way on how to close apps on Android.
FAQ on How To Close Apps On Android
How do I force stop apps on my Android device?
Navigate to Settings > Apps. Select the app you want to stop. Tap on Force Stop. This action immediately halts the app’s background processes, freeing up system resources like RAM. Use this method cautiously, especially for system-critical applications.
Is it safe to close all background apps on Android?
Generally safe, but essential apps related to system operations or battery functions should remain active.
Closing all other background apps can optimize Android performance and save battery life. Review which apps are essential and consider disabling those that consume excessive resources.
Does closing apps save battery on Android?
Yes, especially apps that continuously run in the background. Stopping unnecessary processes helps conserve battery life. Use the Android task manager or settings to identify battery-hungry applications and close them to optimize battery performance.
How can I see which apps are running in the background?
Open your Settings. Go to Developer Options > Running Services. This provides a detailed list of active apps and their memory usage. Understanding what’s active helps in managing memory usage and system health.
What are the steps to stop apps from running during startup?
Navigate to Settings > Apps. Choose the app and select Disable. This prevents it from launching automatically on startup. Using this strategy can improve phone speed improvement and reduce startup time significantly.
Can I use third-party apps to manage running applications?
Yes, tools like Greenify or Simple System Monitor can help you manage apps. These third-party solutions often include features for force-stopping apps and monitoring system resources, providing a simple interface for managing background processes.
Will closing apps make my phone faster?
Yes, stopping persistent apps and clearing the cache can free up RAM, and improve phone performance. This is particularly effective on older devices or those with limited memory. Regularly closing non-essential apps helps maintain optimal speed.
How do I close apps on a Samsung device?
Press the recent apps button, typically found at the bottom of the screen. Swipe left or right to close individual apps. Alternatively, go to Settings > Apps to force-stop specific apps. This ensures no unnecessary apps consume your system resources.
How can I identify apps draining my battery?
Go to Settings > Battery. Here, you’ll see a list of apps and their battery usage. Apps with high drain should be managed closely.
Closing or uninstalling these can significantly extend your device’s battery life and overall system health.
Why do some apps restart after I close them?
Some critical apps and services are designed to restart automatically due to their role in essential operations, like messaging or updates.
These apps usually have high priority in the Android operating system, making full closure challenging without specific settings changes.
Conclusion
Knowing how to close apps on Android is essential for optimizing your device’s performance and preserving battery life. By navigating through your Settings > Apps, using the recent apps button, or employing developer options, you can manage and terminate background applications effectively.
Effectively closing apps helps with battery-saving, freeing up RAM usage, and improving overall phone performance. Whether you’re using a Samsung, OnePlus, or Motorola, the methods remain largely similar, ensuring you can prevent unnecessary battery drain and enhance the efficiency of your Android operating system.
To maintain system health, regularly check which background apps are running, force stop or disable those you don’t need, and utilize tools like task managers for more granular control. With these steps, you can ensure your smartphone operates smoothly, delivering the best user experience it is capable of. Implement these techniques to keep your Android device in optimal condition, ensuring quick response times and extended battery life.
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