Restarting an app on your iPhone can be a quick fix for many issues, like if it’s frozen or not working right. It’s simple to do and doesn’t take much time. Just a few taps and you’ll be back to using your app in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Restart an App on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, restarting an app essentially means force-closing it and opening it again. This can help clear any minor glitches the app might be experiencing.
Step 1: Go to the Home Screen
Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or press the home button if your iPhone has one) to return to your home screen.
When you go to the home screen, you’re preparing to close the app completely. If your iPhone doesn’t have a home button, you’ll need to swipe up from the bottom edge and pause in the middle of the screen.
Step 2: Open the App Switcher
Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle, or double-click the home button to open the app switcher.
The app switcher is like a deck of cards showing all the apps you have open. This step is key because you can only close an app from the app switcher.
Step 3: Find the App You Want to Restart
Swipe left or right to find the app you want to restart.
You might have a lot of apps open, so make sure to swipe through them carefully to find the one you’re looking for.
Step 4: Swipe Up on the App’s Preview
Swipe up on the app’s preview to close it.
This action removes the app from your app switcher and effectively closes it, setting the stage for a fresh restart.
Step 5: Reopen the App
Return to the home screen and tap on the app to reopen it.
Once you tap on the app, it should open up brand new, hopefully without the issues you were facing before.
After completing these steps, the app should be running smoothly again. If it’s still not working right, you might need to try other troubleshooting methods, like updating the app or restarting your iPhone.
Tips for Restarting an App on iPhone
- Make sure to close the right app; sometimes it’s easy to mistake one for another in the app switcher.
- If the app keeps freezing or crashing, consider updating it or checking for any software updates for your iPhone.
- Restarting your iPhone can often clear up more significant issues if restarting the app doesn’t help.
- Some apps save your place or your work, but others might not, so make sure you’ve saved what you need before restarting an app.
- If you’re having trouble with a lot of apps, you might be running out of storage space, so try deleting things you don’t need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does restarting the app delete any data?
No, restarting the app does not delete any data. However, if you were in the middle of something, you might lose your place.
Can I restart an app without using the app switcher?
No, the app switcher is necessary for fully closing and restarting an app on an iPhone.
What should I do if the app doesn’t work after restarting it?
Try updating the app or your iPhone’s software, or delete and reinstall the app.
Will restarting my iPhone restart all the apps?
Yes, restarting your iPhone will close all apps running in the background.
Is there a difference between restarting and deleting an app?
Yes, restarting an app simply closes and reopens it, while deleting an app removes it entirely from your iPhone.
Summary
- Go to the Home Screen
- Open the App Switcher
- Find the App You Want to Restart
- Swipe Up on the App’s Preview
- Reopen the App
Conclusion
Restarting an app on your iPhone is an easy and effective way to solve many minor issues you might encounter while using it. Whether an app is unresponsive, slow, or just acting strangely, a quick restart can often set things right. This simple troubleshooting step is one that every iPhone user should know how to do because it can save time and frustration. Plus, it’s a lot easier and less drastic than some other solutions, like deleting the app or resetting your entire phone. So the next time an app is giving you trouble, remember this quick fix and give it a try.
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.