How to Close Apps On Apple TV

By Elisabeth Garry Updated 10/24/2023

There are a couple of ways to exit or close apps on Apple TV. You can close apps that aren't responding or keep your Apple TV running smoothly by regularly closing open apps. You can also force a restart of your Apple TV if it is not responding at all. Let's learn how.

Related: How to Find Hidden Apps on iPhone

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How to Close an App on Apple TV

We already went over how to force quit an application on your Mac, but you can also close an open app on your Apple TV that is functioning normally. All you need to do is press the Back button on your Apple TV Siri Remote. This will return you to your Home screen.

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Apple Siri Remote Back button

This will not completely close the app but will leave it running in the background. If you want to close an app on Apple TV completely, go to the next section, or, to learn more about your Apple TV, consider signing up for our Tip of the Day newsletter.

How to Force Close an Apple TV App Using the App Switcher

To truly close an app, not just exit it, or to quit an app that's not responding as expected, you can open the App Switcher and close the app there. Here's how:

  1. Double-click on the TV/Home button.

    TV/Home button
     
  2. Use your Clickpad to scroll through all open apps until you find the app you want to close.

    Find app to close
     
  3. Swipe up across the Clickpad to close the selected app.

    Swipe up to close
     
  4. Click the Back button until you return to the Home screen.

How to Restart Your Apple TV

If you cannot get the App Switcher to open or the app will not close, you may need to restart your Apple TV. Try pushing the Power button on your Siri Remote, then pushing it again to turn your Apple TV back on. You can also restart your Apple TV from the Settings app:

  1. Open the Settings app.

    Settings app
     
  2. Select System.

    Select System
     
  3. Click Restart. Make sure NOT to click Reset: doing so will clear all your apps and data.

    Select Restart

If your Apple TV is completely frozen and you cannot get it to restart, simply unplug your TV, wait for a few moments, and then plug it back in to restart it. This may fix any issues you were having with uncooperative apps. Next, learn how to close an app on Apple Watch.

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Topics

How-To
Apple TV
Apple TV Remote
Apps
Settings
App Switcher
Device Management

Author Details

Elisabeth Garry's picture

Author Details

Elisabeth Garry

Elisabeth Garry is an Associate Editor for iPhone Life. Formerly of Gartner and Software Advice, they have six years of experience writing about technology for everyday users, specializing in iPhones, HomePods, and Apple TV. As a former college writing instructor, they are passionate about effective, accessible communication, which is perhaps why they love helping readers master the strongest communication tools they have available: their iPhones. They have a degree in Russian Literature and Language from Reed College.

When they’re not writing for iPhone Life, they’re reading about maritime disasters, writing fiction, rock climbing, or walking their adorable dog, Moosh.