Easy Ways To Close And Manage Apps On Apple Tv For Better Performance

Apple TV offers a seamless entertainment experience, but like any smart device, it can slow down over time if apps aren’t properly managed. Unlike smartphones or tablets, the Apple TV doesn’t have a traditional “app switcher” that’s immediately visible, which often leads users to believe they can’t close running apps. In reality, there are effective methods to manage background apps, refresh sluggish performance, and keep your Apple TV running smoothly. Understanding how to properly close and manage apps not only improves responsiveness but also helps prevent crashes and buffering issues during streaming.

While Apple’s tvOS is optimized for efficiency, memory-intensive apps—especially those that stream 4K content or run games—can accumulate cached data and remain active in the background. Over time, this can lead to reduced system resources and longer load times. The good news is that with a few simple techniques, you can maintain peak performance without needing technical expertise.

How Apps Work on Apple TV

Unlike iOS devices, Apple TV does not require users to manually close apps after every use. tvOS is designed to suspend inactive apps automatically, preserving system memory while allowing quick resume functionality. When you press the Home button or swipe up from the home screen, most apps enter a suspended state rather than continuing to run actively. However, some apps may not fully suspend due to bugs, poor optimization, or ongoing processes like downloads or updates.

This behavior means that under normal conditions, you don’t need to close apps regularly. But when an app becomes unresponsive, drains system resources, or causes lag, intervention is necessary. Knowing when and how to force close or restart an app makes a significant difference in day-to-day usability.

Tip: If an app is freezing or taking too long to load, try closing and reopening it before restarting the entire Apple TV.

Step-by-Step Guide to Close Apps on Apple TV

Closing apps on Apple TV isn’t as straightforward as swiping up on a phone, but it’s still manageable using built-in system functions. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Press and Hold the Touch Surface: On your Siri Remote (3rd generation or later), press and hold the touch surface (the clickable trackpad area) until the light on the front of the Apple TV blinks.
2. Wait for Restart: After a few seconds, a power menu will appear. Select “Restart.” This forces all currently open apps to close completely.
3. Alternative Method – Long Press Menu: For older remotes, press and hold the “Menu” button for about 5–10 seconds until the Apple TV restarts.
4. Wait for Reboot: Once the device restarts, all suspended apps are cleared from memory, giving you a fresh start.

This method doesn’t “close” individual apps per se, but it resets the system state, effectively clearing any stuck or misbehaving applications. It's the closest equivalent to force-quitting on other platforms.

Using the App Switcher (Limited Access)

tvOS does include a hidden app switcher, though it's not publicly documented by Apple and varies between versions. On some firmware updates, double-pressing the “Home” button briefly brings up recently used apps. However, this feature is inconsistent and may not work across all models. When available, swiping left or right lets you select an app, and pressing the “Play/Pause” button closes it. Due to its unreliability, relying on a full restart remains the most consistent method.

Best Practices for Managing Apps

Beyond closing apps, proactive management ensures your Apple TV stays fast and reliable. These strategies help minimize performance hiccups and extend the life of your device.

• Update Apps Regularly: Outdated apps are more prone to crashes. Go to Settings > Apps > Updates to check for pending updates or enable automatic updates.
• Delete Unused Apps: Remove apps you no longer use. Navigate to the home screen, highlight the app, press and hold the touch surface, then select “Delete App.”
• Limit Background Activity: Some apps continue downloading content or syncing in the background. Check individual app settings to disable auto-play, background refresh, or offline caching if not needed.
• Restart Weekly: A weekly restart clears temporary files and resets network connections. Simply unplug the Apple TV for 10 seconds or use the restart option in Settings.

Action	Benefit	Frequency
Restart Apple TV	Clears RAM and resets system processes	Weekly or when lag occurs
Update All Apps	Fixes bugs and improves stability	Bi-weekly
Delete Unused Apps	Free up storage and reduce clutter	Monthly
Check Storage Usage	Prevent low-storage slowdowns	Every 2 months

Real Example: Fixing a Lagging Netflix App

Consider Sarah, who noticed her Apple TV was taking longer to launch Netflix and frequently buffering mid-show. She tried switching inputs and rebooting her router, but the issue persisted. Remembering she hadn’t restarted her Apple TV in over two weeks, she decided to force close all apps by holding the touch surface until the restart prompt appeared.

After the reboot, Netflix loaded instantly. Later, she checked for updates and found that the Netflix app had a pending update that hadn’t installed automatically. By updating the app and enabling automatic updates going forward, Sarah resolved the performance issue permanently. This case illustrates how a combination of app management and timely maintenance prevents recurring problems.

“Many performance issues on Apple TV stem from outdated apps or residual memory usage. A simple restart can resolve 80% of user-reported lag.” — James Lin, Senior Support Technician at Apple Authorized Service Provider

Troubleshooting Persistent App Issues

If restarting doesn’t solve the problem, deeper troubleshooting may be required. Follow this checklist to address stubborn app behavior:

Checklist: Fixing Problematic Apps

• ✅ Restart the Apple TV
• ✅ Check for app and system updates
• ✅ Delete and reinstall the problematic app
• ✅ Reset settings (Settings > System > Reset)
• ✅ Sign out and back into streaming accounts

Reinstalling an app removes corrupted caches and resets preferences. To do this, delete the app from the home screen, then go to the App Store and search for it again. Download and log back in—this often resolves login loops, black screens, or constant crashing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to close apps on Apple TV manually?

No, not under normal circumstances. tvOS suspends apps automatically when you return to the home screen. Manual closure via restart is only needed if an app is frozen or causing performance issues.

Why is my Apple TV so slow after using multiple apps?

Running several high-demand apps in succession—like gaming, 4K streaming, and video calls—can exhaust system memory. A restart clears this memory and restores normal speed. Also, ensure your internet connection meets the bandwidth needs of your apps.

Can too many apps slow down my Apple TV?

Having many apps installed won’t slow down your device unless they’re running in the background or consuming storage. However, if your Apple TV is near full capacity (especially below 1GB free), performance can degrade. Regularly deleting unused apps helps maintain optimal function.

Optimize for Long-Term Performance

Maintaining your Apple TV’s performance doesn’t require complex tools—just consistent habits. Think of it like maintaining a car: regular tune-ups prevent major breakdowns. Schedule a monthly maintenance routine that includes checking for updates, reviewing installed apps, and performing a restart. Enable automatic app updates in Settings > Apps > Automatic Updates to stay current without effort.

Additionally, consider using iCloud Drive efficiently. Disable unnecessary cloud syncing for apps that don’t require it, as constant background syncing can contribute to lag. Monitor storage through Settings > General > Storage & iCloud Usage to identify space-hogging apps.

Conclusion

Managing apps on Apple TV doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few informed actions—knowing when to restart, how to update, and when to delete—you can ensure smooth, uninterrupted performance. These practices not only enhance speed and reliability but also extend the lifespan of your device. Whether you're binge-watching your favorite series or hosting a movie night, a well-maintained Apple TV delivers a premium experience every time.

💬 Start today: Perform a quick restart and check for app updates. Share your experience or tips in the comments below—your insight could help another user keep their Apple TV running like new!