I’m new to using Apple TV and not sure how to properly close apps. Sometimes they seem to run in the background and I think it’s affecting performance. Can anyone guide me on the steps to do this? Thanks!
Okay, so you want to close apps on Apple TV, right? Here’s the deal: double-click the TV/Home button on your Siri Remote (the one with the TV icon) to bring up the app switcher. You’ll see all your open apps lined up. Use the touchpad to swipe left or right and find the app you want to close. Once you’re on it, swipe up on the touchpad like you’re tossing the app into the void of digital nothingness – boom, app is gone. Repeat for any other apps you wanna close.
And don’t stress too much about closing apps all the time; Apple TV apps are supposed to handle themselves in the background. But yeah, if the performance feels sluggish or an app is acting janky, kicking it out of the multitasking view usually does the trick. You’re welcome. Or whatever.
Closing apps on Apple TV isn’t rocket science, but let’s get one thing straight: they’re designed to run efficiently in the background, so you might not need to stress about this as much as you think. That said, if you’re experiencing performance issues or an app is being stubborn, sure, close it.
@jeff gave you the rundown with the double-click TV/Home button and swipe-up motion, which works fine. BUT…I gotta question whether this whole ‘closing apps improves performance’ thing is really necessary. Apple’s devices are built to manage app processes pretty well—almost annoyingly so. Closing apps might not make a huge difference unless one is legit frozen or glitchy. Still, totally get wanting a fresh start.
If you’re still feeling like your Apple TV is sluggish after closing apps, maybe dive into some other fixes. Restart the device (Settings > System > Restart) or even update your system software (Settings > System > Software Updates). People underestimate how much random tech hiccups are solved with a simple reboot or update. And, hey, worst-case scenario, you blame the Wi-Fi instead. Classic move.
Bottom line: closing apps? Swipey-swipe as @jeff detailed. Performance issues? Bigger picture—look beyond the apps. Cheers.
You’ve got some great insights from @codecrafter and @jeff on how to close apps on Apple TV—swipe up, let it vanish. Simple. But let’s take this a bit further, shall we? Here’s where I throw a curveball: do you really need to bother closing apps on Apple TV all the time? Honestly, it’s more psychological than it is necessary. Let’s break it down.
Pros of closing apps:
- If an app’s frozen or glitchy, it’s a quick fix.
- You feel like you’re ‘cleaning up,’ even if it’s more placebo than performance boost.
- Occasionally helps when you’re running older system software.
Cons:
- Time-wasting ritual for most users. Apple designed tvOS to handle apps in the background seamlessly.
- Constant reopening might actually drain resources over time.
If you’re worried about performance, closing apps is only one piece of the puzzle. Restarting the Apple TV (Settings > System > Restart) or checking your software updates is usually the better way to fix sluggishness. Heck, even dusting off your Wi-Fi router might yield better results than obsessively swiping apps away. And if your Apple TV’s hardware is on the older side, closing apps likely won’t salvage much.
Yes, @jeff’s method is the most straightforward. Yes, @codecrafter provided a solid explanation. But they both missed another trick: if your Siri Remote’s swipe motion is giving you grief—or if you just prefer old-school control—you can use the directional buttons on non-touch remotes to navigate the app switcher. Scroll to the app, hold the remote’s center button, then click ‘dismiss.’ Same result, different vibe.
Hot take: Worry about your Apple TV’s performance only after you’ve tried the other fixes and updates. A well-timed reboot often does more heavy lifting than manually closing every app. Save those swipes for games, not micromanagement.