The fastest way to close an app on Apple TV

To close an app on Apple TV, swipe up on the Siri Remote touchpad while the app is open. This brings up the app switcher—a row of recently used apps at the top of the screen. Press and hold on the app you want to close, then select "Close" from the menu that appears. The app will shut down when ready.

If you're using an older Apple TV remote (the aluminum remote with physical buttons), double-click the Menu button to open the app switcher instead. The rest of the process is the same: press and hold the app tile, then choose "Close".

You don't need to close apps regularly on Apple TV the way you do on a phone. Apple TV manages background processes automatically, and closed apps don't free up meaningful storage or battery. Close an app only when it's frozen, misbehaving, or you want to force it to reload from the beginning next time you open it.

Key Takeaways

  • Swipe up on the Siri Remote touchpad to open the app switcher, then press and hold the app you want to close and select "Close".
  • On older aluminum remotes, double-click the Menu button instead of swiping up to reach the app switcher.
  • Closing apps on Apple TV is rarely necessary because the system manages memory and background processes on its own.
  • Force-closing an app can fix freezing or streaming problems without restarting your entire Apple TV device.

When you need to close an app versus restart Apple TV

Closing a single app is the right move when that app alone is stuck, buffering endlessly, or crashing. Netflix freezing while other apps work fine? Close Netflix. The app will reload fresh the next time you open it, and you won't lose any settings or login information.

Restart your entire Apple TV only when multiple apps are sluggish, the interface itself is slow, or closing individual apps doesn't fix the problem. A full restart takes about 30 seconds and clears the device's memory completely. Go to Settings > System > Restart to do this.

Closing apps on tvOS 17 and newer

Apple TV running tvOS 17 or later works the same way as described above. Swipe up on the Siri Remote to see your open apps, press and hold the one you want to close, and tap "Close". The interface looks slightly different depending on your tvOS version, but the action is identical.

If you're unsure which tvOS version you have, go to Settings > About on your Apple TV. The version number appears under "Software Version".

Closing apps on older Apple TV models

Apple TV 4K (1st generation, 2015) and Apple TV HD (4th generation, 2015) both use the aluminum remote with a physical Menu button. Double-click Menu to open the app switcher, then press and hold the app tile and select "Close".

Apple TV 3rd generation and earlier do not have an app switcher. These older models run a different operating system and don't allow you to close individual apps the same way. If an app freezes on these devices, restart the Apple TV through Settings > System > Restart.

What happens when you close an app

Closing an app stops it from running and removes it from your app switcher. The next time you open that app, it starts fresh—any video you were watching will restart from the beginning, and any unsaved data in the app will be lost. Most apps save your login information and preferences, so you won't have to sign in again.

Closing an app does not uninstall it. The app remains on your Apple TV and takes up the same storage space. To actually remove an app from your device, you need to delete it: press and hold the app icon on the home screen and select "Remove" or "Delete".

Troubleshooting apps that won't close

If an app doesn't close after you select "Close" from the menu, try swiping up again to open the app switcher and repeating the process. If the app still won't close, restart your Apple TV. This forces all apps to shut down and clears the device's memory.

If a particular app crashes or freezes every time you use it, check the App Store for updates. Open the App Store on your Apple TV, go to the Purchased tab, and look for the app. If an update is available, install it. Outdated apps sometimes have bugs that newer versions fix.

Managing your app switcher

The app switcher shows your most recently used apps in a row at the top of the screen. You can rearrange this row by pressing and holding an app tile and dragging it left or right. This doesn't affect where the app appears on your home screen—it only changes the order in the switcher.

The app switcher is useful for jumping between apps you use frequently. If you want to remove an app from the switcher without closing it, press and hold the app tile and select "Remove from Up Next" (the exact wording varies by tvOS version). The app will still be on your home screen and in the App Store, but it won't appear in the switcher until you use it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to close apps on Apple TV to save battery or storage?

No. Apple TV is plugged into power and doesn't have a battery to drain. Closed apps take up the same storage space as open ones. The system automatically manages memory, so closing apps won't speed up your Apple TV or free up space.

Will closing an app delete my login information or saved data?

Closing an app stops it from running but doesn't erase your account information. Most apps save your login credentials and preferences, so you won't have to sign in again when you reopen the app. However, any unsaved data within the app (like a paused video or draft message) will be lost.

What's the difference between closing an app and force-quitting it?

On Apple TV, closing an app through the app switcher is the same as force-quitting it. Both actions stop the app when ready. There's no separate "force quit" option like on iPhone or iPad.

Can I close multiple apps at once?

No. You must close apps one at a time using the app switcher. If you want to close all open apps quickly, restart your Apple TV instead. Go to Settings > System > Restart.

Why does an app keep crashing even after I close and reopen it?

Check the App Store for updates to that app. Outdated apps sometimes have bugs or compatibility issues. If an update is available, install it. If the app still crashes after updating, try restarting your Apple TV. If the problem continues, the app itself may have a deeper issue, and you may need to contact the app's developer for support.