Tip Sheet:
Looking for and Closing Apps on your Smartphone
Click or Tap on a Question to see the Answer
How do I know if I have an Android or Apple Smartphone?
If you have an iPhone, there will be an image of an apple at the back. The apple will look like this
If there is no image of an apple, you most likely have an Android phone.
What is an app?
● The word ‘app’ is short for applications. Apps exist for work, study, fitness, entertainment and much more! Apps typically look like a tile on your smartphone’s home screen.
Why are some apps available for me to switch between and others are not?
You can only switch between apps you have opened. When you open an app and exit it, the app remains in the background.
I’m on a newer iPhone. I tried to see my used apps by swiping up from the bottom of my screen to the top of the screen. Nothing happened. What should I do?
You have swiped too far up the screen. Instead, swipe from the very bottom of your screen to the middle of your screen. Pause when you have reached the middle of your screen.
I’m on an older iPhone (with a home button). I pressed the home button twice to see my used apps. It is not working. What should I do?
On an older iPhone, you must press the home button twice. Be sure you are not pausing between each push.
To see an example of how to press home button twice, click here: iPhone 8/8 Plus: How to Close Running Background Apps - YouTube
The button to view apps looks different on my smartphone than what was shown in the video.
That’s normal! Android smartphones may have some differences depending on the device you have. For example, on some Android
smartphones, the button to view apps may look like two overlapping rectangles
I’m trying to scroll through each app, but I keep scrolling past some.
How can I correct this?
If this is happening, you may be scrolling too fast.
Tap on each app, and slowly drag the app in the direction you would like to scroll.
These gestures are new to me! I feel nervous.
It’s normal to feel nervous when trying something new on your smartphone.
The best way to feel comfortable with these new gestures is to practice them! You can practice swiping up, or double pressing your home button depending on your device.
If you are looking to practice in a way that feels safe, try practicing the gestures with the phone turned off. This way, you won’t have to worry about making mistakes. When you are feeling confident, try the gestures with the device turned on.
Is it necessary to close apps?
● On many smartphones, it is no longer necessary to close apps. Closing the app may make your smartphone run slower because your device has to take the time to open them up again!
● On many smartphones, apps paused in the background do not influence your smartphone’s battery
● Learn more here: Is force closing apps bad for your phone? - YouTube
I see my list of apps displayed vertically, instead of horizontally on my Android smartphone.
Some Android smartphones will display apps from top to bottom.
Some Android smartphones will allow you to swipe to the right or left to close vertical apps. On some Android Smartphones, there will be an ‘x’ that you can tap on to close them.
Is there a way to close all the apps at once on an iPhone?
Unfortunately, this option does not exist on an iPhone.
Is there a way to close all the apps at once on an Android smartphone?
On some Android smartphones, you may see the ‘close all’ button. This button may appear at the bottom of the screen as you are switching between apps.
Tips for Coping when Feeling Nervous or Frustrated
Take a break. As you take a break, give yourself credit for all the hard work you have put into
creating a strong password.
I feel nervous about even trying this new skill. What can I do?
● Don’t let the fear of making mistakes stop you from trying. Smartphones are generally designed
to withstand mistakes you might make, and will not break if you do make a mistake.
● If your screen does freeze while you’re trying to use your smartphone, you can restart your
device. To learn how to restart your iPhone, click here: Restart your iPhone - Apple Support (CA).
To learn how to restart an Android phone, click here: How to Force Restart an Android Phone
When It’s Not Responding (howtogeek.com) and scroll to the section “Perform a Hard
Reset/Reboot.”
● Remember, practicing is the best way to help your brain remember these new skills!
This process is frustrating. How can I handle frustration?
Frustration will make it harder to problem solve. To reduce frustration and increase problem solving,
follow the steps below.
• Step 1: Pause.
• Step 2: Name what you’re feeling without judgement. Be sure to use the phrase “I am
feeling______.”
• Step 3: Take a 5-minute break, or a little longer if needed. You have the option to do something
to help you feel calm, such as doing some gentle stretches, listening to music, or breathing
deeply until you feel calm.
• You can also check out: The Guide to Mindfulness for Better Learning and/or the guide on
Changing Unhelpful Thoughts for Success while Learning. You can access them here: MTML -