how to close apps on iphone 13
Closing apps on an iPhone 13 is a straightforward gesture-based process that helps manage multitasking and free up resources when needed. Apple recommends doing this sparingly, as iOS efficiently handles background apps, but it's useful for troubleshooting glitches or battery drain.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here's the standard method on iPhone 13 (and later models with no Home button), confirmed across iOS versions up to the latest in 2026:
- Access App Switcher : From the Home Screen or within an app, swipe up from the very bottom edge of the screen and pause briefly (about half a second) until you feel a haptic vibration. This reveals all recently used apps as cards.
- Navigate Apps : Swipe left or right to scroll through open apps and find the one you want to close.
- Close the App : Press and swipe up firmly on the app card until it disappears off the top of the screen. Repeat for others.
- Exit Switcher : Swipe up again from the bottom or tap an app to resume using it.
Pro Tip : No "Close All" button exists, but for speed, use a three-finger swipe up in the Switcher to close three apps at once—practice makes it seamless for power users.
When to Close Apps
- Do it if : An app freezes, drains battery unexpectedly, or hogs storage—common on iPhone 13 after heavy use like gaming or social media binges.
- Skip usually : iOS suspends apps automatically, so force-closing routinely can slightly increase battery use next launch. Real-world tests show minimal gains unless troubleshooting.
- Battery vs. Performance Debate : Forums like Reddit echo Apple's stance—closing saves negligible power (1-2% daily)—but heavy multitaskers swear by it for snappier feel during updates like iOS 19.
Quick Alternatives
Scenario| Method| Why It Works
---|---|---
Single Frozen App| Swipe up from bottom > swipe up on card 3| Fastest for
glitches.
Multiple Apps| 3-finger swipe in Switcher 1| Bulk close without fatigue.
Low Battery Mode| Settings > Battery > enable (auto-suspends) 5| Smarter than
manual.
Restart iPhone| Hold Volume + Side until slider > slide to power off 5| Closes
everything instantly.
Common Myths Busted
"Closing apps always saves battery!" Not true—relaunches consume more energy than background suspension. Stick to official gestures for iPhone 13's A15 chip efficiency.
Users on tech forums in 2025-2026 still ask this amid iOS 19 betas, but the gesture hasn't changed since iPhone X. Imagine clearing a cluttered desk: satisfying, but iOS tidies itself most days.
TL;DR : Swipe up from bottom, pause, swipe up on apps—done in seconds.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.