Open, close and switch apps

Open and close apps

To open an app, tap its icon on the Home screen, or swipe up from the bottom of your Home screen to open the app tray, then tap the app.

To leave an app and go to your home screen, just swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

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, drag up from the bottom of the screen, hold, then let go. In your recent apps, swipe up on the app.

To close all apps, drag up from the bottom of the screen, hold, then let go. In your recent apps, swipe right until you see the start of the list, then tap Clear all.

Switch between open apps

To switch between recently used apps, swipe left or right at the bottom of the screen.

To see your list of recent apps, drag up from the bottom of the screen, hold, then let go:

  • To see more apps, swipe left or right.
  • To switch to an app, tap it in the list.
  • To choose between opening the app in freeform or full screen, touch and hold its icon.
Tip

Use two apps at once with split screen.

Get help using an app

To search this help, tap at the top of this page, then 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.