Apple’s iPad has evolved over the years, enhancing the tablet experience with multitasking capabilities, including the ability to have multiple apps open at once. This feature is certainly handy for productivity, but there are instances where you need to close an app completely, whether to save battery life, improve device performance, or simply stop a misbehaving app.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to close iPad apps with detailed step-by-step instructions, and discuss additional strategies to manage iPad’s applications more efficiently.
Understanding iPad’s Multitasking Feature
Before we delve into how to close iPad apps, it’s crucial to understand how the multitasking feature on your iPad works.
The multitasking feature is designed to allow users to switch between apps quickly without having to reload the app every time. Contrary to popular belief, apps that are open in the background aren’t consuming system resources or draining battery life. They are in a ‘paused’ state, resuming activity only when you switch back to them.
How to Close iPad Apps: A Step-by-Step Guide
Activation of the App Switcher: To access the App Switcher, double-click the Home button if your iPad has one. For newer iPads without a home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle of the screen to launch the App Switcher.
Identifying the App to Close: Once in the App Switcher, you’ll see previews of the apps you’ve recently used. These app windows are organized in a carousel-like format, which you can navigate by swiping right or left.
Closing the App: To close an app, simply swipe up on the app preview. This gesture ‘flicks’ the app off the screen, closing it completely. Repeat this process for all the apps you wish to close.
Exiting the App Switcher: To exit the App Switcher and return to the home screen, click the Home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen if your iPad lacks a home button.
iPad Pro Tip: Closing Multiple Apps
A handy trick exclusive to iPad Pros is the ability to close multiple apps at once. Simply use multiple fingers to swipe up on multiple app previews simultaneously. This feature can save you time if you’re trying to declutter your App Switcher quickly.
When to Close iPad Apps
As noted earlier, it isn’t necessary to close iPad apps routinely due to the system’s design. However, some circumstances might warrant the need to close apps:
Troubleshooting Misbehaving Apps: If an app is unresponsive, not working correctly, or causing system-wide slowdowns, closing it can potentially resolve these issues.
Preserving Battery Life: While generally, background apps don’t drain the battery, certain types of apps, like navigation or streaming apps, can continue to run in the background. If you’re trying to save battery, it might be worth closing these.
Privacy Concerns: If you’re using an app that may have permissions to track your location or data in the background, closing it ensures it won’t access any data while you’re not using it.
How to Force Close Unresponsive Apps
If an app becomes completely unresponsive, you may need to force close it:
Access the App Switcher: Just as before, double-click the home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
Find the App: Scroll through your open apps to find the unresponsive one.
Force Close the App: Swipe up on the app’s preview to close it forcefully. If the app remains unresponsive and won’t close, you might need to restart your iPad.
How to Restart Your iPad
Restarting your iPad can be a useful last resort if an app refuses to close or if your device is experiencing significant slow-downs. Here’s how to do it:
Press and Hold the Power Button: On older iPads, you’ll find the power button on the top edge, while it’s on the top-right edge on newer models. Press and hold this button until you see the “Slide to Power Off” slider.
Power Off Your iPad: Swipe the slider to the right to power off your device. Once the screen goes completely black, your iPad is off.
Turn Your iPad Back On: Wait for a few seconds, then press and hold the power button again. Release it when you see the Apple logo.
Managing iPad Apps More Efficiently
While knowing how to close apps is helpful, understanding how to manage apps efficiently can save you time and keep your iPad running smoothly. Here are a few additional strategies:
Regularly Update Your Apps: Developers often release updates to improve app performance and fix bugs. Ensure your apps are up-to-date to keep them running smoothly.
Limit Background App Refresh: This feature allows apps to update content in the background. While useful, it can drain your battery faster. Consider limiting this feature to necessary apps only.
Be Mindful of Storage Space: Having a lot of apps installed can take up significant storage space, impacting your iPad’s performance. Regularly review and remove apps you no longer use.
Being able to efficiently manage and close apps on your iPad can enhance your user experience, maintain your device’s performance, and potentially prolong its battery life. While the system is designed to handle background apps effectively, understanding when and how to close apps can help you navigate any bumps along the way.
Remember, routine closure of apps isn’t necessary, but knowing how to do it can come in handy during troubleshooting. Combine this knowledge with the best practices for app management, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering your iPad experience.
