Two Ways to Close Running Apps

This quick guide provides instruction in the two ways of stopping apps running on Apple iDevices running iOS 4. As of this writing, Aug. 19, 2010, only the iPod Touch, iPhone 3 G S and iPhone 4 support multitasking with iOS 4.

We assume VoiceOver is enabled while following this guide, so VoiceOver gestures are used. If you are sighted, you may wish to turn off VoiceOver and use standard gestures before proceeding.

There are two ways to close running apps. Each method has its best uses as well as its strengths and weaknesses.

The first method is the App Switcher. In this approach, a mode is entered where you can close a number of apps, one after another, until you have satisfied yourself that the apps you wish to stop have been closed successfully.

The second approach involves closing a specific app. It is done when an app you are running right now has misbehaved and you just want to stop it immediately without fanfare. You may want to use this approach if an app has caused VoiceOver to stop talking or has rerouted your phone's audio in an unexpected way. A potential disadvantage of this method is that it does not allow apps to close gracefully.

Using the App Switcher

Follow these steps to close one or more running apps:

1. Double tap the Home button. This opens the App Switcher.
2. Flick right or left to locate an app you wish to close.
3. Double tap and hold your finger on the app. A rising series of quick tones and the message "editing apps" will be heard. Release your finger.
4. Double tap the app to close it and remove it from the App Switcher.
5. Tap the Home button to return to the Home screen.

Closing a Specific App Immediately

Follow these steps to close the app you are running right now:

1. Hold down the Power button for approximately three seconds until a series of quick high-pitched beeps and the message "power off" are heard.
2. Hold down the Home button for approximately six seconds. The running app will be forcibly stopped and you will be returned to the Home screen.

Notes:

• The procedures in this quick guide were tested on an iPhone 4 running iOS version 4.0.2. They are known to work on iPod Touches and iPhone 3 G S models running iOS version 4.
• This guide is loosely based on information found in the Opening and Switching Applications section of the iPhone 4 User Guide.

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