The quickest way to close an app on Apple TV
To close an app on Apple TV, press and hold the Menu button on your remote while the app is open, then swipe up on the touch surface and release. The app will close when ready and return you to the home screen. This works on all current Apple TV models.
If you are using an older Apple TV remote without a touch surface, press the Menu button twice in quick succession to close the app instead. The timing matters — the two presses need to happen within about one second of each other.
Some apps may take a moment to close, especially if they are actively streaming or processing data. This is normal. Once the app closes, you will see the Apple TV home screen with your app icons and menu options.
Key Takeaways
- Press and hold the Menu button, then swipe up on the remote's touch surface to close any open app on current Apple TV models.
- On older remotes without a touch surface, press the Menu button twice quickly to close the app.
- Closing an app stops it from running in the background and can free up memory if the app is using significant resources.
- You do not need to force-close apps on Apple TV under normal circumstances — the system manages memory automatically.
When you might need to close an app
Most of the time, Apple TV handles running apps in the background without any problem. The system automatically manages memory and stops apps from draining battery or slowing down your device. You do not need to close apps after every use.
Close an app manually if it stops responding, freezes, or behaves strangely. Closing and reopening it often fixes temporary glitches. You might also close an app if you notice your Apple TV is running slowly or if a streaming app is buffering constantly — closing other apps can sometimes help.
If you are troubleshooting a problem with a specific app, closing it completely and reopening it is usually the first step to try before restarting your entire Apple TV.
Difference between closing an app and force-quitting
Closing an app using the Menu button method is the normal way to exit. The app shuts down cleanly and saves its state. When you open it again, it may resume where you left off, depending on how the app is designed.
Force-quitting is different and is rarely needed on Apple TV. To force-quit an app that is completely frozen and will not respond to the Menu button, go to Settings > Apps > Manage, select the frozen app, and choose Force Quit. This terminates the app when ready without letting it save. Use this only when an app is truly stuck.
Switching between apps without closing
You do not have to close an app to open another one. Press the Home button on your remote to return to the home screen at any time, then select a different app. Your previous app will pause in the background.
If you want to see all the apps currently running and switch between them quickly, press the Home button twice. This opens the app switcher, which shows thumbnails of your recent apps. Swipe left or right to find the app you want, then click to open it.
Restarting your Apple TV if apps keep freezing
If multiple apps are freezing or closing unexpectedly, restart your entire Apple TV. Go to Settings > System > Restart. Your Apple TV will shut down and turn back on, which clears temporary memory and often fixes widespread app problems.
A restart takes about one to two minutes. You will see the Apple logo on screen while it restarts. Once it finishes, your home screen will appear and all apps will be closed. This is different from unplugging your device — a proper restart through Settings is gentler on the hardware.
If your Apple TV is completely unresponsive and you cannot access the Settings menu, you can unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This is a hard restart and should only be used as a last resort.
Clearing app cache if an app keeps crashing
If a single app keeps crashing or freezing even after you close and reopen it, clearing its cache may help. Go to Settings > Apps > Manage, select the problem app, and choose Offload App. This removes the app's temporary files but keeps your login information and settings.
After offloading, go back to the App Store, search for the app, and reinstall it. This is faster than a full uninstall because your account data stays intact. Open the app and see if the problem is resolved.
If the app still crashes after offloading and reinstalling, the problem may be with the app itself or a conflict with your Apple TV model. Check the app's support page or contact the developer for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to close apps on Apple TV to save battery?
No. Apple TV is plugged into power, so battery is not a concern. Closing apps does not save electricity in any meaningful way. The system automatically manages which apps run in the background, so you can leave apps open without worrying about draining power or slowing down your device.
What happens if I don't close an app?
Nothing bad happens. The app will pause in the background, and Apple TV will manage its memory automatically. You can leave apps open indefinitely without causing problems. The next time you open that app, it may resume where you left off, or it may start fresh depending on the app's design.
Can I close multiple apps at once?
No, you have to close apps one at a time. Open each app and use the Menu button method to close it. If you want to close all apps quickly, restart your Apple TV instead — this closes everything at once and clears temporary memory.
Why is my app still running after I closed it?
The app may be taking a moment to shut down, especially if it was streaming video or downloading data. Wait a few seconds and check the home screen to confirm the app is gone. If the app icon is still highlighted or the app appears to still be running, try closing it again using the Menu button method.
Is there a way to close an app using Siri?
No. Siri on Apple TV does not have a command to close apps. You must use the Menu button on your remote. This is by design — Apple TV prioritizes straightforward, direct controls over voice commands for app management.