How to Close Apps on iPhone X without Home Button

Closing apps on an iPhone X can be a bit confusing, especially for those who are used to the traditional home button. With the removal of the iconic home button, Apple introduced a new way to navigate and close apps on the iPhone X. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to close apps on the iPhone X without using the home button. Whether you’re a new iPhone X user or simply looking for more efficient ways to manage your apps, this article will guide you through the process.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

Before we get into the different methods, let’s talk about what you will need to follow along. To close apps on your iPhone X, you will need your iPhone X device with the latest iOS update installed. It’s always recommended to update your device to the latest version to ensure compatibility with new features and bug fixes. Additionally, make sure you have a basic understanding of how to navigate through the various screens and settings on your iPhone X.

What Requires Your Focus?

Closing apps on the iPhone X may require a little bit of adjustment if you’re used to the home button. The new gestures and navigation on the iPhone X take some getting used to, but once you become familiar with them, it becomes second nature. In order to successfully close apps on the iPhone X, you will need to focus on the new gestures and understand how they work. Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through each method step by step, so you won’t miss a thing.

Different Methods to Close Apps on iPhone X

Method 1: Using the App Switcher

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle until all the open apps appear.
2. Swipe left or right to navigate through the open apps.
3. To close an app, swipe it up and off the screen.

Pros:
– Quick and easy access to all open apps.
– Ability to easily switch between apps.

Cons:
– Requires familiarity with the swipe gestures.
– May take some time to get used to.

Method 2: Using AssistiveTouch

1. Go to "Settings" on your iPhone X.
2. Tap on "General" and then "Accessibility".
3. Scroll down and tap on "AssistiveTouch".
4. Enable AssistiveTouch by toggling the switch to the on position.
5. A floating button will appear on the screen. Tap on it.
6. Tap on "Device" and then "More".
7. Swipe up to reveal the App Switcher.
8. Swipe left or right to navigate through the open apps.
9. To close an app, swipe it up and off the screen.
10. Tap on the floating button again to hide the AssistiveTouch menu.

Pros:
– Provides an alternative method for closing apps.
– Can be useful for those with physical limitations or disabilities.

Cons:
– Requires enabling AssistiveTouch in the settings.
– Adds an additional step to the process.

Method 3: Using Gestures

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause until the open app cards appear.
2. Press and hold on any app card until they start jiggling.
3. Swipe left or right to navigate through the open apps.
4. To close an app, swipe it up and off the screen.
5. Press the home indicator or swipe up from the bottom to exit the app switcher.

Pros:
– Utilizes the same gestures as method 1 but offers a slightly different way to close apps.
– Provides a more immersive and fluid navigation experience.

Cons:
– Requires a longer swipe gesture to open the app switcher compared to method 1.

Method 4: Using Siri

1. Activate Siri by either holding the side button or saying "Hey Siri".
2. Ask Siri to close the app you want to close. For example, say "Siri, close Safari".

Pros:
– Provides a hands-free method for closing apps.
– Can be useful for those with limited dexterity or mobility.

Cons:
– Requires a stable internet connection to use Siri.
– May not always recognize app names accurately.

Why Can’t I Close Apps on iPhone X?

Closing apps on the iPhone X may not be possible in certain cases due to various reasons. Here are a few common reasons and their fixes:

1. App is frozen or unresponsive: If an app is not responding, you won’t be able to close it through normal methods. In this case, you can try force quitting the app. To force quit an app, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the app switcher, then swipe the app card up and off the screen.

2. Background refresh is enabled: Some apps continue to run in the background even when you’ve closed them. This can consume battery and slow down your device. To disable background refresh for an app, go to "Settings" > "General" > "Background App Refresh" and toggle off the switch for the app.

3. Software glitch: Occasionally, a software glitch may prevent you from closing apps. In this case, restarting or resetting your iPhone X can usually resolve the issue. To restart your iPhone X, press and hold the side button along with either volume button until the power off slider appears. Swipe the slider to power off, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. To reset your iPhone X, go to "Settings" > "General" > "Reset" > "Reset All Settings".

Implications and Recommendations

Here are a few implications and recommendations when it comes to closing apps on the iPhone X:

1. Close unused apps: Keeping too many apps open in the background can slow down your device and drain battery life. It’s recommended to close unused apps regularly to optimize performance.

2. Clear app cache: Some apps accumulate temporary files and cache, which can take up storage space. Clearing app cache can help free up storage and improve overall app performance. To clear app cache, go to "Settings" > "General" > "iPhone Storage". Tap on the app you want to clear cache for and select "Offload App" or "Delete App".

3. Update apps: Keeping your apps up to date ensures that you have the latest features and bug fixes. Developers often release updates to improve app performance, stability, and security. To update your apps, go to the App Store, tap on your profile picture, and then select "Update All".

5 FAQs about Closing Apps on iPhone X

Q1: Can I completely close all apps at once?

A: No, there is no built-in option to close all apps at once on the iPhone X. You will need to close them one by one using the methods mentioned above.

Q2: Why should I close apps on the iPhone X?

A: Closing unused apps can help optimize your device’s performance, conserve battery life, and free up system resources.

Q3: Will force quitting apps impact their data or progress?

A: Force quitting apps should not impact the data or progress within the app. However, it’s always a good idea to save your work or game progress before force quitting an app, just to be safe.

Q4: Should I close apps or leave them running in the background?

A: It’s generally recommended to close apps that you’re not actively using, especially resource-intensive apps like games or navigation apps. However, some apps may benefit from running in the background, such as music or fitness tracking apps.

Q5: Can closing apps on the iPhone X improve battery life?

A: Closing unused apps can help conserve battery life by preventing background processes from running unnecessarily. However, the overall impact on battery life may vary depending on app usage and other factors.

Final Words

Closing apps on the iPhone X without a home button may take a little getting used to, but with these methods and tips, you’ll be a pro in no time. Remember to regularly close unused apps to optimize performance and improve battery life. Experiment with different methods and find the one that works best for you. Enjoy a smooth and efficient app management experience on your iPhone X!