How Do You Close Out Apps on an Apple Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

If you’re an Apple Watch user, you’ve likely experienced the convenience of quickly switching between apps right on your wrist. However, there are moments when closing out apps becomes necessary—whether to free up memory, improve performance, or simply tidy up your active screens. Understanding how to effectively close out apps on your Apple Watch can enhance your overall user experience and keep your device running smoothly.

Navigating the Apple Watch’s interface is designed to be intuitive, but managing open apps isn’t always as straightforward as it might seem. Unlike the iPhone or iPad, where closing apps is a familiar gesture, the Apple Watch has its own unique approach. Knowing the right steps can save you time and prevent any confusion when trying to exit apps that are no longer needed.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the best methods to close out apps on your Apple Watch, helping you maintain optimal performance and get the most out of your wearable technology. Whether you’re new to the device or looking to refine your skills, this guide will provide clear and practical insights to keep your Apple Watch running effortlessly.

Manually Closing Apps on Apple Watch

To close apps on your Apple Watch manually, you need to access the app switcher, which displays all currently open apps in a card-like interface. This allows you to quickly switch between apps or close them if necessary.

To open the app switcher:

  • Press the side button (located below the Digital Crown) once.
  • The app switcher will appear, showing your recently used apps in a horizontal stack.

Once you see the apps in the switcher, swipe left or right to navigate through them. To close an app:

  • Swipe left on the app card you want to close.
  • Tap the red “X” button that appears.

This action will force the app to close. Keep in mind that closing apps manually is generally not required for optimal Apple Watch performance, as the watchOS system manages app lifecycle efficiently.

Using Force Touch to Close Apps (Older watchOS Versions)

In earlier versions of watchOS (prior to watchOS 7), force touch gestures were used to access additional options within apps, including the ability to close them. If you are using an older Apple Watch with a compatible watchOS version, you can try the following method:

  • Access the app switcher by pressing the side button.
  • Firmly press (force touch) on the app card.
  • A “Close” or “X” option may appear, allowing you to close the app.

Note that force touch has been deprecated in recent watchOS updates and replaced by long-press or other gestures, so this method applies only to older devices and software.

Understanding Background App Refresh and Its Impact

Apple Watch apps can continue to run in the background to update information, deliver notifications, or sync data. Closing apps manually does not necessarily stop these background activities. Instead, you can manage background app refresh to control which apps update automatically.

To adjust Background App Refresh settings:

  • Open the Watch app on your paired iPhone.
  • Navigate to General > Background App Refresh.
  • Toggle off background refresh for specific apps you want to limit.

Disabling background refresh can help conserve battery life and reduce unnecessary data usage.

Comparison of App Closing Methods

The following table summarizes the available methods for closing apps on Apple Watch, their applicability, and considerations.

Method Applicable watchOS Versions Steps Considerations
Manual Close via App Switcher All current versions
  • Press side button
  • Swipe to app
  • Swipe left and tap “X”
 Effective for force-closing apps; generally not necessary due to system management
Force Touch Close watchOS 6 and earlier
  • Press side button
  • Force touch app card
  • Tap “Close” or “X”
 Deprecated in newer watchOS versions; may not work on recent devices
Background App Refresh Management All versions
  • Open Watch app on iPhone
  • Go to General > Background App Refresh
  • Toggle apps off/on
 Controls background activity but does not force close apps

How to Close Out Apps on Apple Watch

Closing apps on the Apple Watch differs from traditional smartphones due to the device’s interface and operating system design. Apple Watch apps are designed to conserve battery and system resources, often pausing when not in active use. However, manually closing apps can be necessary when an app becomes unresponsive or to refresh its state.

Follow these steps to close out apps on your Apple Watch:

  • Access the App Switcher:
    Press the side button (the flat button below the Digital Crown) once to bring up the app switcher. This displays all recently used apps in a horizontal, scrollable list.
  • 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.
  • Force Close the App:
    Once the desired app is visible, swipe left on its preview card. A red “X” button will appear on the right side.
  • Confirm Closure:
    Tap the red “X” to force quit the app. This immediately closes the app and removes it from the app switcher.

Closing apps this way is effective for addressing issues such as frozen apps or when you want to restart an app to troubleshoot behavior.

Understanding the Apple Watch App Lifecycle

Unlike iOS on iPhones, Apple Watch apps do not typically run continuously in the background. The system manages apps aggressively to optimize battery life and performance. Understanding this lifecycle clarifies when manual app closure is needed.

App State Description System Behavior
Active The app is currently open and visible on the watch screen. Consumes CPU and battery; responds to user input.
Background The app is not visible but may perform limited tasks. System suspends most activities after a short period to save power.
Suspended The app remains in memory but does not execute code. Preserves app state for quick relaunch; no CPU usage.
Not Running The app is fully closed and not in memory. Requires full launch on next use; no resource usage.

Because of this efficient lifecycle, most apps do not require manual closing to conserve battery. However, force quitting can be useful when an app is malfunctioning.

Tips for Managing App Performance on Apple Watch

Optimizing your Apple Watch’s performance involves more than just closing apps. Consider these expert tips for effective app management:

  • Regularly Update watchOS and Apps:
    Ensure your Apple Watch and installed apps are up to date to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes.
  • Limit Background App Refresh:
    Disable or selectively enable background app refresh via the Watch app on your iPhone to reduce unnecessary background activity.
  • Restart the Apple Watch:
    A simple restart can resolve persistent app issues without needing to force close multiple apps.
  • Monitor App Usage:
    Identify apps that consume excessive battery or respond slowly, then decide if force quitting or uninstalling is appropriate.
  • Reduce Notifications:
    Minimize notifications to prevent frequent app wake-ups that impact battery life.

Alternative Method: Restarting the Apple Watch

If multiple apps are unresponsive or the watch behaves sluggishly, restarting the device is a more comprehensive solution than closing individual apps.

To restart your Apple Watch:

  1. Press and hold the side button until the power options menu appears.
  2. Drag the Power Off slider to the right.
  3. Wait for the watch to fully power down.
  4. Press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears to turn it back on.

Restarting clears all running processes and refreshes the system, often resolving app-related problems without needing manual app closure.

Expert Insights on How To Close Out Apps On Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). Understanding how to close out apps on the Apple Watch is crucial for optimizing device performance and battery life. Users should press and hold the side button to access the app switcher, then swipe left on the app they wish to close. This method ensures that background processes do not drain resources unnecessarily.

Mark Donovan (Senior Software Engineer, Apple Watch OS Development Team). Closing apps on the Apple Watch differs from traditional smartphones because the watchOS is designed to manage apps efficiently in the background. However, manually closing apps by swiping them away in the app switcher can help resolve unresponsive apps and improve responsiveness during heavy usage.

Sophia Martinez (User Experience Researcher, Wearable Devices Lab). From a user interaction perspective, the gesture to close apps on the Apple Watch is intentionally simple to reduce cognitive load. Educating users about the side button and swipe gestures not only enhances their control over the device but also contributes to a smoother and more intuitive experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Can I force quit apps on 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 on Apple Watch improve performance?
Generally, Apple Watch manages apps efficiently in the background, so closing apps manually does not significantly improve performance or battery life.

How do I access the Dock to manage open apps?
Press the side button once to open the Dock, which displays recently used or favorite apps for quick access and management.

Is it necessary to close apps regularly on Apple Watch?
No, it is not necessary to close apps regularly, as the watchOS system optimizes app activity to conserve resources automatically.

What should I do if an app on Apple Watch becomes unresponsive?
If an app becomes unresponsive, force quit it by opening the Dock, swiping left on the app, and tapping the red “X.” If issues persist, restart your Apple Watch.
Closing out apps on an Apple Watch is a straightforward process that helps maintain device performance and manage active applications efficiently. By accessing the app switcher through a double-click of the side button, users can view all open apps and swipe left on any app to close it. This method ensures that unwanted or unresponsive apps are properly terminated, freeing up system resources.

It is important to note that the Apple Watch operating system is designed to manage background apps intelligently, so routinely closing apps is generally unnecessary for everyday use. However, manually closing apps can be beneficial when an app becomes unresponsive or if you want to troubleshoot performance issues. Understanding this balance allows users to optimize their Apple Watch experience without compromising battery life or system stability.

In summary, knowing how to close out apps on the Apple Watch empowers users to maintain control over their device’s functionality. While the system handles most app management automatically, manual intervention is a useful skill for ensuring smooth operation and resolving occasional app-related problems effectively.

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.