The quickest way to close an app on Samsung TV
To close an app on your Samsung TV, press the back button on your remote — the curved arrow pointing left. This takes you out of the app and returns you to the home screen. If the back button does not work, press the exit button (marked with an X or labeled "Exit") on your remote instead.
Some apps close when ready when you press back. Others show a confirmation screen asking if you want to exit. Select "Yes" or "OK" to finish closing the app. The app will no longer be running in the background.
If you cannot find the back or exit button on your remote, look for a button with a house icon — pressing that takes you home and stops the current app from running.
Key Takeaways
- Press the back button (curved arrow) on your Samsung remote to close most apps and return to the home screen.
- If back does not work, try the exit button (X symbol) instead — different remote models use different buttons.
- Some apps ask for confirmation before closing; select "Yes" when prompted.
- Pressing the home button (house icon) also closes the current app and takes you to the main menu.
- Closed apps stop running when ready and free up your TV's memory.
Using the back button on your remote
The back button is the most common way to close an app. It looks like a curved arrow pointing to the left and is usually located in the upper left area of your remote's button pad. Press it once while you are inside any app, and the app will close.
You will return to the home screen or the menu you were in before opening the app. If you were browsing within the app (for example, scrolling through a list of shows), pressing back once may take you to the previous screen instead of closing the app entirely. Keep pressing back until you reach the home screen.
Using the exit button when back does not work
Some Samsung remotes have an exit button instead of a back button, or in addition to it. The exit button is usually marked with an X symbol or the word "Exit." It closes the current app when ready without taking you through previous screens.
If your remote has both buttons, try the exit button first — it is faster. If you have an older Samsung remote or a third-party remote, the exit button may be in a different location. Check your remote's manual or look for any button with an X or exit label.
Closing apps using the home button
Your Samsung remote has a home button marked with a house icon. Pressing it takes you directly to the home screen and closes whatever app you are currently using. This is another reliable method if the back or exit buttons are not responding.
The home button is usually located near the center of your remote, sometimes at the top. It works on all Samsung TV models and remotes, making it a dependable option if you are unsure which other button to use.
What happens when you close an app
When you close an app using any of these methods, the app stops running when ready. It no longer uses your TV's memory or processing power. The next time you open that app, it will start fresh — any unsaved progress within the app will be lost.
Closing apps regularly can help your Samsung TV run more smoothly, especially if you use many different apps throughout the day. Unlike a smartphone, your TV does not need you to close apps to save battery life, but closing unused apps prevents them from slowing down your TV's performance.
Troubleshooting when buttons do not respond
If pressing back, exit, or home does not close the app, the remote may not be paired correctly with your TV. Point the remote directly at your TV (not at an angle) and try again. Make sure there are no objects blocking the path between the remote and the TV.
If the app still does not close, try replacing the remote's batteries. Weak batteries can cause buttons to respond slowly or not at all. Wait a few seconds after pressing the button — sometimes the TV takes a moment to register the command. If the problem continues, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
Closing apps from the recent apps menu
Some Samsung TV remotes have a button that opens a list of recently used apps. This button may be labeled "Recent" or show a window icon. Press it to see apps you have opened recently, then highlight the app you want to close and press the exit or back button.
This method is useful if you want to close an app without leaving the home screen first. You can also use the recent apps menu to switch between apps quickly without closing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does closing an app on Samsung TV save power?
Closing apps does not significantly reduce power consumption on a Samsung TV the way it does on a phone. However, closing unused apps prevents them from running background processes that can slow down your TV's overall performance. If your TV feels sluggish, closing apps you are not using may help it respond faster.
Will I lose my place in an app if I close it?
Yes. When you close an app, any unsaved progress or your position within the app is lost. The next time you open it, the app will start from the beginning. Some apps save your login information, so you will not have to sign in again, but your place in a show or game will not be saved.
What if my remote has no back button?
Use the exit button (X symbol) or the home button (house icon) instead. Both close the current app and take you to the home screen. If your remote has neither, check the manual that came with your TV or search for your specific remote model online to find which button closes apps.
Can I close multiple apps at once?
No. You can only close one app at a time using your remote. Close each app individually by pressing back, exit, or home. There is no command to close all running apps at once on a Samsung TV.
Why does my app keep reopening after I close it?
Some apps are set to start automatically when you turn on your TV. Check your TV's settings under "Apps" or "Applications" to see if the app is set to launch on startup. You can disable this setting to prevent the app from reopening. If the app keeps opening during normal use, restart your TV or uninstall and reinstall the app.