The quickest way to close an app on a Samsung TV

To close an app on a Samsung TV, press the Back button on your remote — usually the curved arrow in the upper left of the remote pad. One press closes the app and returns you to the home screen. If the app is frozen or unresponsive, hold the Back button for three seconds instead, which forces the app to shut down.

If your remote does not have a visible Back button, look for a button labeled with a left-pointing arrow or check your remote's manual — the layout varies slightly between Samsung remote models. The Back button works on all Samsung TV models from the last several years, whether you have a 2020 model or a newer one.

Key Takeaways

  • Press the Back button once to close an app normally and return to the home screen.
  • Hold the Back button for three seconds to force-close a frozen or stuck app.
  • If you cannot find the Back button, look for a left-pointing arrow symbol on your remote.
  • Restarting your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds fixes most apps that crash repeatedly.

Using the home button as an alternative

If the Back button does not work, press the Home button on your remote instead — it usually shows a house icon. This takes you directly to the home screen and closes the app running in the background. The Home button is present on nearly all Samsung remotes and is often easier to locate than the Back button.

The Home button does the same job as the Back button for closing apps, but it skips any intermediate menus. Use whichever button is closer to your thumb when you are holding the remote.

Force-closing an app that is frozen or stuck

When an app stops responding or freezes mid-use, holding the Back button for three seconds forces it to close when ready. You will see the app disappear and the home screen reappear. This works even if the app is completely unresponsive to normal button presses.

After force-closing an app, wait a few seconds before opening it again. If the same app crashes repeatedly, restart your TV by unplugging the power cord for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This clears the TV's memory and often fixes apps that have become unstable.

Clearing an app from your recent apps list

On some Samsung TV models, you can also close apps through the recent apps menu. Press the Back button twice quickly to open a list of recently used apps, then highlight the app you want to close and press the Back button again. This removes it from the list and closes it completely.

Not all Samsung TV models show a recent apps list — if pressing Back twice does nothing, your TV does not have this feature. Stick with the single Back button press or the Home button instead.

Restarting your TV when apps keep crashing

If apps close on their own or crash frequently, your TV may need a restart. Unplug the power cable from the back of the TV (not the wall outlet) and leave it unplugged for 30 seconds. This clears the TV's temporary memory, which often fixes software glitches that cause apps to behave badly.

After 30 seconds, plug the TV back in and wait for it to fully boot up — this takes about one to two minutes. Once the home screen appears, try opening the problematic app again. If it still crashes, the app itself may need an update through the Samsung app store, or you may need to uninstall and reinstall it.

Uninstalling an app you no longer use

If you want to permanently remove an app instead of just closing it, go to the home screen and highlight the app you want to delete. Press and hold the Select button (the center button on your remote's directional pad) until a menu appears, then choose Delete or Uninstall. The app will be removed from your TV.

You can always reinstall the app later by opening the Samsung app store and searching for it. Uninstalling an app frees up storage space on your TV, which can help if your TV is running slowly or apps are crashing due to low memory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my app keep closing on its own?

Apps usually close unexpectedly because your TV is low on storage or memory. Uninstall apps you do not use, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, and check the Samsung app store to see if the app needs an update. If the problem continues, uninstall and reinstall the app.

What if the Back button does not close my app?

Try the Home button instead — it works the same way and closes the app while taking you to the home screen. If neither button works, the app may be frozen; hold the Back button for three seconds to force it closed. If apps regularly do not respond to button presses, restart your TV.

Can I close multiple apps at once?

No, Samsung TVs close one app at a time. Press Back or Home to close the current app, then close the next one. If you want to clear all apps from memory, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds — this closes everything and refreshes the system.

Does closing an app delete my data or settings?

No. Closing an app straightforward stops it from running. Your saved data, login information, and settings stay on your TV. The next time you open the app, it will remember where you left off.