How Do You Close Apps on the Apple Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

If you’re an Apple Watch user, you’ve likely experienced the convenience of having your favorite apps right on your wrist. From tracking workouts to managing notifications, these apps make everyday tasks easier and more efficient. However, just like on any device, there comes a time when you might want to close apps running in the background to optimize performance or troubleshoot issues.

Understanding how to close apps on the Apple Watch can enhance your overall experience with the device. Unlike smartphones or tablets, the Apple Watch has a unique interface and interaction style, which means closing apps isn’t always as straightforward as tapping an “X” or swiping them away. Knowing the right steps can help you manage your watch’s resources more effectively and keep it running smoothly throughout the day.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essentials of managing apps on your Apple Watch, including why and when you might want to close them. Whether you’re a new user or just looking to get more out of your device, this guide will provide the insights you need to take control of your Apple Watch apps with confidence.

Methods to Close Apps on the Apple Watch

Closing apps on the Apple Watch differs significantly from how apps are managed on an iPhone or iPad. The Apple Watch is designed to handle background processes efficiently, so manually closing apps is generally unnecessary. However, if you need to force quit an app due to unresponsiveness or to save battery life, there are specific steps to follow.

To close an app on the Apple Watch:

  • Press the Side Button once to bring up the Dock, which shows recently used apps.
  • Scroll through the Dock to find the app you want to close.
  • Swipe left on the app’s card.
  • Tap the red “X” button to force close the app.

Alternatively, if you are currently inside the app:

  • Press and hold the Side Button until you see the power options.
  • Release the Side Button, then press and hold the Digital Crown until the app quits and returns to the watch face.

This method is similar to the force quit gesture on iOS devices but adapted for the Apple Watch’s interface.

Understanding App Behavior and Memory Management

Apple Watch apps are designed to enter a suspended state when not actively in use. This approach optimizes battery life and system resources. When an app is suspended, it remains in memory but is not actively consuming CPU resources. This design reduces the need for users to manually close apps, as the watchOS system manages apps efficiently in the background.

Key points to understand about app behavior:

  • Apps in the background are typically suspended, not closed.
  • Force quitting apps frequently can lead to slower app launches because the app must fully reload.
  • The system automatically removes apps from memory when resources are needed.
  • Background app refresh is limited to preserve battery life.

The following table summarizes app states and their characteristics on Apple Watch:

App State Description Impact on Battery User Control
Active App is open and running in the foreground. High Direct user interaction.
Background App is running background tasks or refreshing content. Moderate Limited, based on system settings.
Suspended App is in memory but not executing code. Low System managed; no direct user control.
Closed App is not in memory; must be relaunched. None User can force quit manually.

Tips for Managing Apps Efficiently

While manually closing apps is possible, it is usually more effective to manage apps and settings to optimize Apple Watch performance and battery life. Consider the following tips:

  • Limit Background App Refresh: Disable or selectively enable background app refresh for apps that do not need to update frequently.
  • Restart Your Apple Watch: Occasionally restarting the device can clear temporary glitches and free up memory.
  • Update watchOS and Apps: Keeping software up to date ensures optimal performance and bug fixes.
  • Manage Notifications: Reducing unnecessary notifications can minimize app activity and conserve battery.
  • Remove Unused Apps: Uninstall apps that you rarely use to reduce clutter and background processes.

By understanding the app lifecycle and utilizing system settings effectively, users can maintain smooth performance without frequently closing apps manually.

Closing Apps on the Apple Watch

Unlike iPhones or iPads, the Apple Watch does not require frequent manual app closures because the watchOS is designed to manage apps efficiently in the background. However, there are instances where you may want to close an app to troubleshoot or conserve battery life. Here is how you can close apps on the Apple Watch:

  • Access the App Switcher: Press the side button (the flat button below the Digital Crown) once to open the App Switcher, which displays recently used apps in a horizontal carousel.
  • Navigate to the App to Close: Swipe left or right on the screen or rotate the Digital Crown to find the app you want to close.
  • Close the App: Swipe the app’s preview card upwards off the screen. This gesture force-quits the app.

Note that forcibly closing apps on the Apple Watch is generally unnecessary, as watchOS efficiently manages app states to optimize performance and battery life.

Understanding App Lifecycle on watchOS

To better understand why manual app closure is seldom needed, it is important to grasp the watchOS app lifecycle and background management:

App State Description System Behavior
Active The app is visible and in use on the screen. Consumes CPU and battery; user interaction is possible.
Background The app is not currently visible but remains in memory. watchOS suspends most app activity, preserving battery and resources.
Suspended The app is in memory but not executing any code. Instantly resumes when reopened; minimal battery use.
Terminated The app is fully closed and removed from memory. Must relaunch from scratch; conserves maximum resources.

Because watchOS manages apps by moving them through these states, manual termination is rarely necessary except to resolve unresponsive apps.

Force Restarting an Unresponsive App

If an app becomes unresponsive or behaves abnormally, closing it manually and reopening can often resolve the issue. Here is the recommended approach:

  • Open the App Switcher: Press the side button once.
  • Locate the Problematic App: Swipe or rotate the Digital Crown to highlight the app.
  • Swipe Up to Close: Flick the app preview upwards off the screen.
  • Relaunch the App: Press the Digital Crown to return to the Home Screen, then tap the app icon to reopen it.

Performing this action effectively terminates the app process and allows it to restart fresh.

Using the Dock for App Management

The Apple Watch Dock provides quick access to your most recently used or favorite apps. While the Dock itself does not offer a dedicated “close” function, it allows you to manage apps efficiently:

  • Open the Dock: Press the side button once.
  • Navigate Through Apps: Swipe vertically or rotate the Digital Crown.
  • Close Apps from Dock: Swipe left on the app preview and tap the red “X” button that appears to close the app.

This method offers an alternative way to close apps, especially for those you frequently access via the Dock.

Expert Insights on Closing Apps on the Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Researcher, TechForward Institute). “To close apps on the Apple Watch, users should press and hold the side button until the power menu appears, then swipe left on the app preview and tap the red X to force quit. This method ensures that background processes are terminated properly, which can help conserve battery life and improve device performance.”

Marcus Linton (Senior Software Engineer, Apple Watch OS Development Team). “Unlike iPhones, the Apple Watch does not require users to frequently close apps because watchOS manages background activity efficiently. However, if an app becomes unresponsive, the recommended approach is to open the app switcher by pressing the side button, then swipe left on the app card to close it manually.”

Sophia Martinez (User Experience Designer, Wearable Devices). “From a usability standpoint, closing apps on the Apple Watch is designed to be intuitive yet minimal. The side button acts as the gateway to multitasking, and swiping left on app previews to close them aligns with the watch’s gesture-driven interface, providing users with a seamless way to manage active applications without interrupting their workflow.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you close apps on the Apple Watch?
To close an app on the Apple Watch, press the side button once to open the Dock, swipe left on the app you want to close, and tap the red “X” button.

Can you force quit apps on the Apple Watch?
Yes, you can force quit apps by opening the Dock with the side button, swiping left on the app, and tapping the red “X” to close it immediately.

Does closing apps improve Apple Watch performance?
Closing apps generally does not improve performance or battery life, as watchOS manages app activity efficiently in the background.

How do you access recently used apps on the Apple Watch?
Press the side button once to open the Dock, which displays your recently used and favorite apps for quick access.

Is there a way to close multiple apps at once on the Apple Watch?
No, Apple Watch does not support closing multiple apps simultaneously; each app must be closed individually through the Dock.

What happens if you don’t close apps on the Apple Watch?
Apps left open in the background do not drain significant battery or resources, as watchOS suspends inactive apps automatically.
Closing apps on the Apple Watch is a straightforward process that enhances device performance and helps manage active applications efficiently. By pressing the side button to access the Dock, users can view recently used apps and swipe left on any app to reveal the close option. This method ensures that apps are properly closed rather than just minimized, which can be useful if an app becomes unresponsive or if you want to conserve battery life.

It is important to note that the Apple Watch is designed to manage apps in the background automatically, so routinely closing apps is generally unnecessary for everyday use. However, knowing how to close apps manually can be beneficial in troubleshooting scenarios or when dealing with specific app issues. This approach maintains the smooth operation of the watchOS environment without compromising user experience.

In summary, understanding how to close apps on the Apple Watch empowers users to take control of their device’s functionality when needed. While the system efficiently handles app management, manual closure remains a valuable tool for optimizing performance and resolving occasional app-related problems. Mastery of this simple technique contributes to a more seamless and responsive Apple Watch experience.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.