How to Close Apps on iPad to Improve Device Performance

| Updated on September 14, 2026

In the latest generation of iPads, there is no physical Home button; they come with gestures and Face ID. Whether it’s the older or newer set of iPads, stopping apps from running in the background consuming more CPU and memory is essential for improved performance

The more apps running in the background, the more your iPad runs laggy. Let’s discuss how to close apps on iPad in detail.

How to Close Apps on the Latest iPads (Without Home Button)

You can easily close any application on the latest iPads with the help of gesture control.

  • Slide upward and hold it in the middle of the iPad to access the App Switcher, and slide up and down to close the apps.
    Slide up and hold your finger in the middle of the screen.
  • Swipe upward and downward to close the app.
    Slide upward and downward to close the apps.

You can also perform a restart to close the background running apps

Press and hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds and the side button to turn off the iPad; wait for 30 seconds, then press it again and it will turn on automatically, and all background applications will be cleared.

How to Close Apps on iPad That Comes with a Home Button

close ipad apps

iPads with a Home button are the older generation iPads. On those iPads, you can easily close the app in just a few clicks on the Home button. Let’s discuss all methods to close the application from the background on Home Button iPads. You can also disable background app refresh to stop the application from running in the background when you are not actively using it.

Method 1: Close the App

  • You just need to single-tap the iPad Home button to close current using the app.
    Click on the Home button.

Method 2: Close the App from the Background Apps 

Closing the application is not enough; you need to close the app from the background. To close the application from the background, just double-tap the Home button; the App Switcher will display open apps. Just swipe upward to close the application.

  • Double-tap the Home button.
    Double-tap the Home button.Double-tap the Home button
  • Swipe up to close the app.
    Swipe up to close the app

Method 3: Force restart your iPad

  • Force restart your iPad if it’s stuck because of an application: press and hold the power button until the iPad turns off, wait 30 seconds, and turn on your iPad. It will remove all the background apps and clear the memory.

Why Is It Important to Close Background Apps?

Some apps that are not downloaded from the official App Store are running in the background, tracking all your actions, and can also steal your personal information.

Similarly, some web pages that are running in your iPad’s background have viruses and malware, which can decrease your battery life and iPad performance and freeze your device, along with increasing the risk to iPad security and personal information. 

Take a look at what can happen if you don’t clear your background apps.

  • Tracking all your actions.
  • Steals your personal information.
  • Decreased battery backup.
  • Decreased iPad performance.
  • Freezing your iPad sometimes.
  • Increases the risk to iPad security.
  • Crashing your iPhone and iPad.

Conclusion

Clearing your iPad’s background running apps can improve performance and protect your privacy. In addition, don’t download any third-party applications, and clear background apps frequently. Always update your iPad to the latest iOS for the best antivirus and performance.

If you have an iPad, follow this guide and learn how to close apps on iPad for the overall benefits. For more such guide videos, check out the Getassist YouTube channel.

FAQ

What happens when multiple apps are open in the background?

The iPad manages all the background-running apps in order to save the battery and increase performance. iPad pauses the majority of apps or stops them from refreshing in the background to reduce CPU and memory use, which results in good battery life and performance.

Can background apps steal data and information?

Yes, if there is any app containing viruses and malware running in the background on your device, it can access your personal information, record all your actions, and steal data.

Do background-running apps affect battery backup?

Yes, background-running apps affect battery backup because multiple apps refreshing and running in the background also need CPU and memory. Due to high percentages of CPU and memory usage, they consume more power and affect battery backup.

Does closing apps save battery on iPad?

Yes, closing background running apps saves battery on iPads by reducing CPU and memory usage and load.

How do I close apps on my 9th-generation iPad?

9th-generation iPads come with a Home button; you just double-tap the Home button to access the app switcher, swipe to find the app you want to close, and then swipe upward to close the app.


Janvi Panthri

Senior Writer, Editor


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