Many cell phones come with a variety of pre-installed applications meant to enhance the mobile phone experience. Additionally, some mobile phone operating systems have access to online marketplaces where owners may download more applications. Installed applications utilize the phone's system resources to perform their tasks, and some applications are able to run in the background so other applications can be used. However, running applications usually slows down the phone and detracts from system performance. Closing any open applications may provide a solution for slow phone performance and improve the functionality of other applications.
Stop an App on an iPhone
Step 1
Press the "Home" button two times in rapid succession to display the applications that are currently running.
Step 2
Tap and hold the icon for the application that you wish to close. After several seconds, a small red "-" symbol will appear in the upper-left corner of the application icon.
Step 3
Touch the red "-" sign to stop the application.
Stop an App on Android
Step 1
Touch the application menu icon on your screen.
Step 2
Navigate to the open application that you wish to close, then tap the icon to open the application.
Step 3
Press the "Home" button on the bottom of the phone to exit the application. The application will stop once the Android system resources are needed for a different application.
Stop an App on a Blackberry
Step 1
Press the "Menu" button while the application that you wish to close is running.
Step 2
Select the "Close" option.
Step 3
Press the "Escape" button or the "Home" button to return to your Blackberry's home screen.
Tip
- Android handles applications in a manner that might be unfamiliar to most computer users. Most Android applications don't have a native "Close" option. Once a program is exited, Android will place it in a "stopped" state where information is saved until the system resources are requested for a different application.
