How to Exit Apps on Apple TV
Apple TV is a popular streaming device that allows users to access a wide range of apps and services, from streaming movies and TV shows to playing games. While navigating through various apps, it is essential to know how to properly exit them to avoid any unnecessary running in the background, conserving resources and improving the overall performance of your device. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to exit apps on Apple TV.
1. Return to the Home Screen:
To exit an app and return to the main interface, simply press the “TV/Home” button on your Apple TV remote. This button usually bears the Apple logo and can be found at the top-left corner of the remote. Pressing this button will bring you back to the home screen, where you can select a new app or perform other actions.
2. Force Quit an Active App:
Occasionally, an app may freeze or become unresponsive. In such cases, you will need to force quit the app to close it completely. Here’s how to do it:
– Double press the “TV/Home” button on your remote to open the App Switcher. This action will display previews of all the currently running apps.
– Navigate to the app you want to exit by swiping left or right on the remote’s touchpad.
– Once you have selected the app, swipe up on the touchpad to force quit it. The app will close, and you will be returned to the home screen.
3. Enable Automatic App Termination:
Apple TV offers a feature called “Background App Refresh.” When enabled, it allows apps to refresh content periodically in the background, ensuring you have the latest updates when you launch them. However, this feature can consume system resources and may impact performance. To automatically exit apps and free up resources, you can enable the “Background App Refresh” toggle:
– Go to the “Settings” app from the home screen.
– Select “Apps.”
– Choose “Background App Refresh.”
– Toggle the switch to turn off the feature.
4. Utilize Siri:
Apple TV’s virtual assistant, Siri, can also help you exit apps quickly with just a voice command. Here’s how:
– Press and hold the “Microphone” button on your Apple TV remote.
– Say, “Exit” or “Close App [app name].”
– Siri will recognize your command and close the app you mentioned, bringing you back to the home screen.
5. Update tvOS Software:
Keeping your Apple TV’s operating system up to date is crucial for optimized performance and enhanced features. Regular software updates include bug fixes, stability improvements, and app optimizations. To make sure your Apple TV is running the latest software version:
– Open the “Settings” app from the home screen.
– Go to “System” and select “Software Updates.”
– If an update is available, choose “Download and Install.”
6. Restart or Reset Apple TV:
If you are experiencing ongoing issues with an app or your entire Apple TV, performing a restart or reset can often help resolve them. Here are the steps to restart or reset your device:
– Restart:
– Go to the “Settings” app from the home screen.
– Select “System” and then “Restart.”
– Confirm the restart by selecting “Restart” again.
– Reset:
– In the “Settings” app, choose “System” and then “Reset.”
– Select either “Reset All Settings” or “Restore.”
– Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the reset process.
Mastering the art of exiting apps on Apple TV is essential for a seamless and optimized streaming experience. By following the steps mentioned above, you can free up system resources and ensure smooth navigation between your favorite apps. Whether you prefer the traditional button presses, voice commands, or custom settings, Apple TV offers several options to suit your preferences and needs.