How to close apps in the background
Closing background apps is an important operation for managing the performance of your mobile device. When using many applications simultaneously, the operating system may slow down or freeze. Closing unused apps can help free up memory and improve the performance of your device.
In this article, we will show you how to close background apps on various mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Android. Additionally, we will provide you with some useful tips for optimizing the performance of your device.
Why close background apps
When using a smartphone, many apps remain open in the background even when not actively being used. This can cause issues with device performance and battery life.
Device performance
Background apps can use resources such as the device's CPU and memory, even if they are not actively being used by the user. This can cause sluggishness and lag during device usage. Additionally, if there are too many apps open simultaneously, the operating system may struggle to manage them all, causing further degradation of performance.
Battery life
Background apps can also consume power from the device's battery. If there are many apps open simultaneously, the battery may drain faster than normal. Closing background apps can help extend the battery life of the device.
Data security
In some cases, certain apps may continue to function in the background even after the user has closed the application. This could pose a risk to the security of the user's personal data. For example, a messaging app could continue to send messages without the user knowing or wanting it.
- Closing background apps can help keep the device secure and protected from security risks.
- Additionally, closing background apps can help the user free up space in the device's memory, further improving overall performance.
Closing background apps regularly is a good habit to adopt to keep your smartphone in excellent working condition.
How to close background apps on Android
Background apps are those that remain open even when we are not actively using them. While this can be useful for accessing applications more quickly, it can result in excessive battery consumption and device sluggishness.
Here's how to close background apps on Android:
Step 1: Open the recent apps menu
To access the recent apps menu, press the square button at the bottom of the screen or swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
Step 2: Select the app to close
Scroll through the various open apps until you find the one you want to close.
Step 3: Close the app
To close the app, swipe up or down on the app window or press the X button located in the upper right corner of the app icon.
Repeat these steps for all other apps that you want to close. Alternatively, you can close all apps at once by pressing the "Close all" button in the recent apps menu.
- Example:
- To close WhatsApp in the background, open the recent apps menu and scroll to the WhatsApp icon. Then swipe up on the app window or press the X button in the upper right corner to close the app.
Closing apps in the background regularly can help improve device performance and prolong battery life. However, it is important to remember that some apps may be designed to work in the background and may not need to be manually closed.
How to close background apps on iOS
Closing background apps on iOS is a very simple operation. Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Double-click your iPhone or iPad's Home button.
- Step 2: Swipe left or right to find the app you want to close.
- Step 3: Swipe up on the app to remove it from your screen.
Here are some practical examples:
- Example 1: If you want to close the Facebook app, double-click the Home button and swipe left until you find the Facebook icon. Then swipe up on the app to remove it from your screen.
- Example 2: If you have many apps open in the background and want to close them all at once, double-click the Home button and swipe up on each app to remove it from your screen.
Remember that closing apps in the background does not mean completely removing the app from your device. The app will only be closed and will stop working in the background. Additionally, some apps may continue to function even if you have closed them in this way.
In general, we recommend not worrying too much about background apps on your iOS device. Apple has designed the operating system so that background apps do not affect device performance. However, if you are experiencing battery or performance issues, closing some apps may help.
Conclusion
In conclusion, closing apps in the background can be useful for freeing up memory and saving battery life, but it is not always necessary to do so. It depends on the state of your device and your needs.
If you have a device with limited resources or a battery that drains quickly, it is advisable to regularly close background apps. This way you can avoid slowdowns and prolong the life of your battery.
On the other hand, if you have a powerful device and no battery issues, you can leave apps open in the background without worries. This way, you'll have faster access to the apps you use most often and can switch between them without having to restart them every time.
Remember that the best way to manage background apps depends on your personal needs. Try different approaches and find what works best for you.
- Close only unused apps: If you want to free up memory and save battery, only close apps that you're not currently using.
- Use the "close all" option: If you need to free up a lot of memory quickly, use the "close all" (or equivalent) option on your device.
- Don't close important apps: If there are any apps that need to remain open at all times (such as security or messaging apps), never close them in the background.
By following these tips, you'll be able to effectively and personally manage the background apps on your device. Good luck!

Michael Anderson - Software Engineer
My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.
My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.
With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.





