Apple introduced multitasking to the iPad in the iOS 4.2 update, much to the delight of the users. But while multitasking allows us to listen to Pandora in the background while we play Hearthstone, it can sometimes cause problems. This is why it is important to know how to quit an app that is running on your iPad. Sometimes, closing an errant app is the best way to cure problems with the iPad.

To close the iPad app, you must get to the multitasking screen.

This is accomplished by double clicking the home button at the bottom of your iPad.  

The multitasking screen will appear with your most recently opened iPad apps.  This screen shows windows of the apps running across the display with their associated icons below.  It will also show your most recent contacts across the top of the screen.  

Apple has made it easier than ever to "force close" an app.  Simply hold your finger down on the app window you want to close and then slide your finger to the top of the screen without ever lifting your finger from the iPad's screen.   This will cause the app to shut down immediately.  Think of it as "flicking" the window off the iPad.

Note: In order to quit the app, you must drag the miniature window, not the app's icon.

Having trouble following these directions? If you are running an earlier version of the iPad's operating system, you might be seeing a totally different screen when you double click the home button. Get directions on closing an app in iOS 6.x or earlier.

 

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