It can be annoying to try to switch between two apps you're using at once. Want to know how to quickly switch between open apps or close apps running in the background? We'll show you how to access and use the App Switcher on your iPhone so you can quickly view and close your open apps without scrolling endlessly through your Home Screens.

Why You'll Love This Tip

Easily scroll between your open iPhone apps and switch to a different app.
See all apps currently open on your iPhone.
Close apps running in the background.

How to Open App Switcher on iPhone

System Requirements

This tip was performed on an iPhone 15 Pro running iOS 27 (available as a beta now and to be shipped universally in September 2026). Find out how to update to the latest version of iOS.

The app swticher is a feature on your iPhone that allows you to easily switch between apps and close them if they are running slow or not responding. If you like tips about using your iPhone, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day! Let's get into how to switch between apps on the iPhone:

To open the App Switcher, swipe up from the bottom of the screen, stopping about halfway up.
Swipe left or right to scroll between your open apps.
Tap anywhere on an app to open it.
Swipe up to close the app. Note: Apps only need to be closed if they slow or not responding.
To exit the App Switcher and return to your Home screen, tap above or below the displayed apps.

That's how to open App Switcher on your iPhone to view, open, and close apps. Keep in mind that apps only need to be closed if they are slow or frozen. Conrtary to popular belief, closing all of your apps does not save battery. It actually ends up using more battery since your iPhone has to use more processing power to open them again later.