How to Close Apps on iPad with Home Button Fast & Easy!

If you still have an iPad with a Home Button, then you have probably experienced moments when apps suddenly slow down, freeze, or refuse to close. So, don’t worry because I have been there too! In this article, I will share my personal experience on how to close apps on iPad with a Home Button in a fun, yet informative way. So, let’s get started!

First, Let’s Understand the Home Button on iPad

Before diving into the steps to close apps, let’s quickly talk about the Home Button on iPad. So, here’s what you need to know:

• The Home Button is the physical button located at the bottom of the iPad screen.
• Several iPad models still feature a Home Button, including iPad 9th Gen, iPad 8th Gen, and iPad 7th Gen.
• This button helps you return to the home screen, open the App Switcher, and activate Touch ID.

Now, if you are using a newer iPad model like the latest iPad Pro or iPad Air, which do not have a Home Button, then this article may not be relevant for you. However, if you still use a Home Button, then keep reading!

Next, Here’s the Basic Way to Close an App on iPad

Now, let’s start with the simplest method to close an app on iPad:

1. Press the Home Button once, and you will return to the home screen.
2. However, the app will still be running in the background.
3. So, if you want to fully close it, then follow the next steps!

Now, Let’s Completely Close Apps Using the App Switcher

Sometimes, apps keep running in the background, and this can slow down your iPad. So, if you want to completely close an app, then follow these steps:

1. Double-press the Home Button to open the App Switcher.
2. At this point, all running apps will appear as cards.
3. Swipe up on the app you want to close, and it will disappear from the screen.
4. If you need to close more apps, then just repeat the process.

This method ensures that the app is fully closed, rather than just minimized.

What If the App Freezes? Here’s How to Force Close It

If an app suddenly freezes on your iPad, then it can feel like being stuck in a conversation with no escape—frustrating, right? 😭

So, if an app is unresponsive, then follow these steps to force close the app on iPad with Home Button:

1. Open the App Switcher by double-pressing the Home Button.
2. Find the app that is frozen or unresponsive.
3. Swipe up using two fingers for a stronger close.
4. If the app still won’t close, then restart your iPad by holding down the Power + Home Button until the Apple logo appears.

Once restarted, your iPad should feel smoother and more responsive.

Alternatively, Use AssistiveTouch to Close Apps

If your Home Button starts acting up (maybe it feels harder to press or unresponsive), then you can use AssistiveTouch instead:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch.
2. Enable AssistiveTouch, and a virtual button will appear on the screen.
3. Tap AssistiveTouch > Device > More > App Switcher.
4. Swipe up on the app you want to close.

This feature is extremely helpful for those who use iPads frequently but have a Home Button that’s no longer working well. 😆

Tips to Keep Your iPad Running Smoothly Without Closing Apps Too Often

Closing apps is important, but doing it too often can actually drain your battery faster. So, here are some tips to manage apps on your iPad while keeping performance smooth:

• Close unused apps to free up RAM.
• Avoid force-closing frequently used apps like WhatsApp or Safari since they take longer to reload.
• Check which apps drain the most battery in Settings > Battery.
• Restart your iPad at least once a week to refresh the system.

By following these tips, your iPad will stay fast and efficient.

Still Experiencing Lag? Here’s What Might Be Causing It

If your iPad is still slow even after closing apps regularly, then check the following:

• Is your iPad running low on storage? If storage is almost full, then try deleting unnecessary apps or files.
• Have you updated iOS? Go to Settings > General > Software Update and check for the latest version.
• Reset all settings by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
• If nothing helps, then maybe it’s time to consider upgrading to a new iPad. 😭

FAQ About Closing Apps on iPad with Home Button

1. Should I always close apps after using them?

No, because iOS is optimized to manage background apps efficiently. So, you don’t need to close them all the time.

2. Why do apps keep running after I press the Home Button?

Pressing the Home Button only minimizes the app, but it doesn’t completely close it. So, to fully close it, use the App Switcher and swipe up.

3. Does closing apps save battery life?

It depends. If an app consumes a lot of battery in the background, then closing it can help preserve battery life.

4. What should I do if my Home Button is broken?

Use AssistiveTouch as an alternative or take your iPad to a repair center.

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