Closing apps on an iPhone 5 is a breeze once you know the steps. Simply double-click the Home button, swipe through the app previews to find the one you want to close, and swipe up on the app’s preview to shut it down. That’s it!
After completing this action, the app will no longer run in the background. This can help free up system resources and improve the overall performance of your iPhone 5.
Introduction
Ever found yourself swiping through pages and pages of apps on your iPhone 5, wondering why your device is sluggish or the battery is draining too quickly? Chances are, you have a bunch of apps open that you’re not using. It’s like leaving all the lights on in your house—unnecessary and wasteful. Knowing how to close apps on your iPhone 5 can not only help preserve battery life but also keep your device running smoothly.
This skill is particularly relevant for users who multitask or use their phones heavily throughout the day. Whether you’re a new iPhone 5 user or just never got the hang of managing your apps, this guide will help you take control of your device’s performance.
Step by Step Tutorial – Closing Apps on the iPhone 5
Before we jump into the steps, it’s important to understand what closing an app actually does. When you close an app, you’re essentially telling your iPhone to shut down the process associated with that app. This can free up memory and processing power, which can have a positive impact on your device’s performance.
Step 1: Double-click the Home Button
Double-click the Home button on your iPhone 5 to view the app switcher.
The Home button is the round button located on the front of your iPhone 5, below the screen. A quick double-click will bring up the app switcher, which shows all the apps currently running on your device.
Step 2: Swipe to Find the App
Swipe left or right through the app previews to locate the app you want to close.
You’ll see the app previews arrayed in a carousel. Swipe through them until you find the app you’re looking to close.
Step 3: Swipe Up to Close the App
Swipe up on the app’s preview to close it.
Once you’ve found the app, swipe the preview up and off the screen. This gesture tells your iPhone 5 to close the app.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Saves Battery Life | Closing apps that are no longer in use can help extend your iPhone 5’s battery life by stopping them from running in the background and using up power. |
| Improves Performance | Fewer open apps mean more available memory and processing power, leading to a smoother and faster user experience. |
| Declutters App Switcher | Regularly closing apps keeps the app switcher interface neat and manageable, making it easier to find and switch to the apps you actually want to use. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Possible Data Loss | If you close an app without saving your work, any unsaved data might be lost. Always make sure to save before closing an app. |
| Insignificant Battery Savings | Some argue that modern iPhones are designed to handle multitasking efficiently, and closing apps doesn’t significantly impact battery life. |
| Time Consuming | Constantly closing apps can be time-consuming, especially if you have many apps open and need to close each one individually. |
Additional Information
When closing apps on your iPhone 5, it’s vital to remember that not all apps need to be closed. iOS is pretty good at managing resources, and some apps are designed to run in the background (like music or navigation apps). Also, it’s a myth that apps in the app switcher are all running.
Some may be in a suspended state, using little to no resources. So, use this guide judiciously and close only the apps that you think are unnecessarily draining your device’s resources. Another handy tip is to restart your iPhone 5 occasionally, which can clear out any lingering processes and give your device a fresh start.
Summary
- Double-click the Home button.
- Swipe to find the app.
- Swipe up to close the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does closing apps on my iPhone 5 really save battery life?
Closing apps can save battery life if the apps are using location services, background refresh, or have been malfunctioning.
Should I close every app after I’m done using it?
It’s not necessary to close every app; iOS manages background apps efficiently. Only close apps if you’re noticing performance issues or excessive battery drain.
How do I know if an app is using too much battery?
Go to Settings > Battery, and you can see a list of apps and the percentage of battery they’re using.
What if an app isn’t responding and I can’t close it?
Try to force restart your iPhone 5 by holding down the Home button and the Power button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
Can I close multiple apps at once?
Yes, you can use multiple fingers to swipe up on different app previews simultaneously, closing multiple apps at once.
Conclusion
Mastering how to close apps on the iPhone 5 is a simple yet effective way to optimize your phone’s performance and battery life. Keep in mind that while it’s useful in certain situations, you don’t need to compulsively close apps after each use. Use this guide wisely to maintain a balance between convenience and device efficiency.
Remember to save your work before closing any app to prevent data loss and only close the apps you believe are affecting your iPhone’s performance. Now that you know the ropes, you can keep your iPhone 5 running smoothly and make the most of its capabilities.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.