Does a watchOS app stop working, or does it keep loading? Then there is no other option than to close the Apple Watch app. In this tip, we’ll show you how.
Exit an Apple Watch app
Starting with watchOS 4 (the update supported by all Apple Watch models), force quitting apps has changed. Instead of holding down the side button, Apple has added a new way to revive unresponsive apps.
This has everything to do with the new SOS feature that introduced the fourth major update to the operating system. You activate this by pressing and holding the side button when you have the closing screen in view.
- Open the app you want to force close;
- Hold down the side button and do not release until the shutdown screen appears;
- Release the side button and press and hold the digital crown;
- The app disappears from view and you return to your watch face.
Pay attention: Forcibly closing apps on the Apple Watch is not positive for the battery life of the device. As with the iPhone, the average battery life even decreases if you continuously close apps in this way. So only use this tip for watchOS apps that are unresponsive.
Do you want to know more about speeding up your Apple Watch? In the articles below, we give a series of practical tips to make even the first generation of Apple’s smart clock run extra well.
Also read: 4 tips to make a slow Apple Watch faster again