The fastest way to close Apple TV

On most devices, you close the Apple TV app the same way you close any other app. The exact steps depend on whether you're using an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV box, or a smart TV.

The app doesn't need to be fully closed for normal use — it will pause and save your place when you switch away. But if the app is frozen, draining battery, or you straightforward want it completely shut down, the steps below will do that.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone and iPad, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and swipe the Apple TV card upward to close it completely.
  • On Mac, click the red close button in the top-left corner of the window, or press Command+Q to quit the app entirely.
  • On an Apple TV box, press the Menu button on your remote and swipe up on the Siri Remote to close the app.
  • On Samsung, LG, and other smart TVs with Apple TV built in, press the back or exit button on your remote to leave the app.
  • Restarting your device is the most reliable way to fully close the app if it's not responding to normal commands.

Closing Apple TV on iPhone and iPad

Open the App Switcher by swiping up from the bottom of your screen and pausing for a moment. You'll see cards for all your open apps. Find the Apple TV card and swipe it upward with your finger. The app will close when ready.

If you want to quit the app but keep it in the background, you can also press the home button or swipe to another app. The difference is that swiping the card upward removes it from memory entirely, while switching away just pauses it. For most situations, switching away is enough.

If the app is frozen and won't respond, force-close it by holding the top button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears, then release. Swipe the slider to power off, wait 30 seconds, then turn the device back on.

Closing Apple TV on Mac

Look at the top-left corner of the Apple TV window. Click the red circle button to close the window. The app will still be running in the background.

To quit the app completely, press Command+Q on your keyboard, or click "Apple TV" in the menu bar at the top of the screen and select "Quit Apple TV." This removes it from memory and stops any background activity.

If the app is frozen, press Command+Option+Escape to open the Force Quit window. Select Apple TV and click "Force Quit." Then open the app again if you need it.

Closing Apple TV on an Apple TV box

Press the Menu button on your Siri Remote once. This takes you back to the home screen and pauses the app. The app is still in memory but no longer playing.

To fully close the app, swipe up on the Siri Remote while you're looking at the Apple TV card on the home screen. This removes it from the app switcher. On older Apple TV remotes without a touchpad, press the Menu button twice to go back further.

If the app is not responding, restart your Apple TV box by going to Settings > System > Restart. Wait for it to boot back up, then open Apple TV again.

Closing Apple TV on Samsung, LG, and other smart TVs

Press the back or exit button on your TV remote. This closes the Apple TV app and returns you to your TV's home screen. The app stays installed on your TV and will open normally the next time you select it.

Different TV brands use different remote buttons — Samsung calls it "Return," LG calls it "Back," and some others use an arrow pointing left. Check your remote or your TV's manual if you're not sure which button to press.

If the app is frozen, use your TV's app switcher or settings menu to force-close it. Most smart TVs have an "Apps" or "Applications" section in settings where you can select Apple TV and choose "Force Close" or "Clear Cache."

What to do if the app won't close

If the app is frozen and the normal close steps don't work, restart your device. This is the most reliable way to fully shut down any app that's not responding. On iPhone and iPad, hold the power button until the slider appears, swipe to power off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. On Mac, click the Apple menu and select "Restart." On Apple TV, go to Settings > System > Restart.

After your device restarts, the Apple TV app will be completely closed. You can open it again normally. If it keeps freezing, try deleting and reinstalling the app — this clears out any corrupted files that might be causing the problem.

When you might need to fully close the app

Most of the time, you don't need to fully close Apple TV. Switching to another app or pressing home is enough. The app will pause where you left off and use very little battery or processing power while paused.

You should fully close the app if it's frozen and not responding to normal commands, if it's draining your battery unusually fast, or if you're troubleshooting a playback problem. Closing and reopening the app often fixes streaming issues without needing to restart your whole device.

If you're selling or giving away your device, make sure to sign out of Apple TV before closing it. Go to Settings or Account in the app and select "Sign Out" so your login information isn't left on the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does closing the app delete my watch history or saved shows?

No. Your watch history, saved shows, and account information are stored on Apple's servers, not on your device. Closing the app, restarting your device, or even deleting and reinstalling the app will not affect your account or what you've watched.

Will closing Apple TV stop it from using my internet?

Yes. Once the app is fully closed, it stops using your internet connection. If you're trying to reduce data usage, closing the app is one way to do it. You can also turn off background app refresh in your device settings to prevent it from using data when you're not actively using it.

Can I close Apple TV without losing my place in a show?

Yes. Apple TV automatically saves your place in any show or movie you're watching. When you close the app and open it again, you'll see a "Resume" button that takes you right back to where you stopped.

What's the difference between closing the app and signing out?

Closing the app shuts it down but keeps you signed in. The next time you open it, you'll be logged in and ready to watch. Signing out removes your account information from the device. You'll need to enter your Apple ID and password the next time you open the app.

Is it bad to force-close the app?

Force-closing is safe and won't damage your device or your account. It's the right move when the app is frozen or not responding. However, if the app keeps freezing, that's a sign something is wrong — try deleting and reinstalling it, or contact Apple Support if the problem continues.