Closing windows on an iPad might seem like a no-brainer, but honestly, it’s one of those little things that can suddenly make the device feel way snappier. When apps are left open in the App Switcher, especially if a few have been running in the background for ages, your iPad can slow down, drain battery more quickly, or just feel cluttered. So, learning how to quickly close those open apps isn’t just about tidiness — it’s about keeping things smooth and efficient. Of course, sometimes the gestures aren’t as responsive as they should be, or the process feels kinda weird, especially if you’re not used to the latest iPadOS quirks. But once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straightforward, and your device will thank you.
How to Close Windows on iPad
Method 1: Using the App Switcher the proper way
First off, you’re gonna want to access the App Switcher, which is basically your dashboard for managing all your open apps. On most models, this is done by swiping up from the bottom edge of the screen and then pausing right in the middle of the swipe — kind of like giving your iPad a nudge to show all the open windows. If you’re on an older iPad or newer with gesture controls, this should bring up the grid or carousel view of apps, which is where all the magic happens.
- Make sure your finger lingers just enough — on some devices, a quick swipe might just open the control center or cause weird gestures. Enough with the accidental toggle!
- Check that you see all your open apps laid out. Sometimes they appear horizontally in a carousel or vertically in a grid, depending on your iPadOS version.
This step helps because it gives you clear access to all apps, especially ones that refuse to close normally or seem stuck. On some setups, this gesture can be tricky — it might take a little practice, especially if your gesture sensitivity isn’t perfectly tuned.
Method 2: Swiping up to close specific apps
Once the App Switcher pops up, find the window or app you want to close. Here’s where it gets kinda annoying — on some models, it’s as simple as swiping up on the app thumbnail. But if your swipe isn’t registering, it might be because of screen dirt, or weird gesture settings. I’ve had times where cleaning the screen or restarting the device helped, because of course, iPadOS has to make it harder than necessary.
- Swipe up with a bit of firm pressure if needed. Don’t go too fast; try slow and steady. It’s kind of like flicking away clutter on your desk, but on a screen.
- If a window just refuses to close, sometimes force closing the app from Settings can help — go to Settings > General > iPad Storage, find the app, and tap Delete App. Then reinstall if needed.
Expect the app to vanish from the App Switcher, freeing up RAM and resources. On some machines, the app might actually stay visible the first time, then disappear after a quick restart. A little weird, but hey, it works.
Method 3: Restart App Switcher for a clean slate
If the swipe-up method is acting flaky, or the apps seem stuck in limbo, try force quitting the app through Settings or doing a full restart of the device. That resets everything and can clear out those stubborn windows.
- To restart, press and hold the power button and volume button together until the shutdown slider appears. Then power off, turn it back on, and revisit the App Switcher.
- Sometimes, toggling the multitasking feature off/on can refresh things. Find this at Settings > Home Screen & Dock > Multitasking & Dock.
This isn’t always necessary, but if you find the app windows aren’t closing properly or sticking around, a reboot might fix it.
Tips for Managing Open Windows
- Close apps you don’t need anymore — it’s like decluttering your digital space.
- If gestures aren’t working, double-check Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch. Sometimes turning things off/on resets gesture sensitivity.
- Keep your iPadOS updated. Apple tends to fix weird bugs in updates, which can make closing apps and gestures a lot smoother.
- And don’t forget: if apps keep glitching, deleting and reinstalling can fix corrupted data or cache that causes weirdness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why bother closing app windows on iPad?
It’s about freeing resources, stopping background processes that eat up RAM and battery. Sometimes apps stay open without your noticing, which can slow down the whole device.
Can I close all windows at once?
Not really, at least not without third-party apps or jailbreaking, but swiping up quickly on each one gets the job done pretty fast. Still, it’s manual labor.
Does closing apps delete my data?
Nope. Those windows just close, but your app’s data stays there. When reopened, everything should be just as you left it — unless the app crashes, then you know it’s time for a reinstall.
What if I can’t close an app window?
Try force closing via Settings > General > iPad Storage. If that doesn’t work, restarting the iPad might do the trick. Sometimes app issues are just stubborn bugs that need a quick refresh.
Summary
- Open the App Switcher with a swipe up and pause in the middle.
- Find the app you want to close.
- Swipe up on its window to toss it away.
- Tap outside to go back to the Home Screen.
Wrap-up
Figured out how to close those windows? Good. It’s one of those little routines that, honestly, can make your iPad feel faster and less cluttered. Not every swipe is perfect the first time, and some apps just refuse to close cleanly, but with a few tweaks — like cleaning the screen or restarting — it gets easier. And yeah, on some setups, it might take a couple of tries or a restart, but once it clicks, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without doing it.