Open, close, switch apps

Open and close apps

To open an app, swipe up from the bottom of your home screen, then touch the app.

You don't need to close apps. Android manages the memory and battery that apps use, so you don't need to worry about leaving apps open.

To close one app, tap to return to your home screen. Or, if you're using the gesture navigation, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

To close all apps, touch . (Or, if you're using gesture navigation, drag up from the bottom of the home screen, hold, then let go.) In your recent apps, swipe all the way right and touch Clear all.

Switch between open apps

  1. Touch to see your recently used apps.

    Or, if you're using gesture navigation, drag up from the bottom of the home screen, hold, then let go.

  2. In your list of recent apps:

    • Swipe left or right to see more apps.
    • Touch any app screen to return to it.
Tips
  • Tap twice to switch between your two most recently used apps. (If you're using gesture navigation , swipe left or right at the bottom of the screen.)
  • Use two apps at once with split screen.

Get help using an app

To search this help, tap at the top of this page, and type keywords (like “add contact”).

If you don’t see what you’re looking for, check for app-specific help:

  1. Open the app.
  2. Tap or .
  3. Look for Help or Settings > Help.