How to force close Apple Watch apps in watchOS 3

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Posted:
in Apple Watch edited February 2017
Just like with any other platform, sometimes Apple Watch apps will freeze or have bugs. Thankfully, watchOS 3 includes a quick way to force-quit an app from your wrist, allowing it to start fresh.




With limited buttons and screen real estate, force closing an app on the Apple Watch is not quite as simple as it is on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or even Apple TV. But it's still possible with a pair of button presses.

With the problematic app in question open, simply hold the side button for about two seconds. This pulls up the usual "power off" screen.

From here, press and hold the Digital Crown in for another couple of seconds. The buggy app will then immediately close, returning the user to the Apple Watch's "honeycomb" home screen.

To restart the app, tap on it from the home screen. It should now have a fresh start and will hopefully let you bypass any crashes or glitches.

For more, see everything you need to know about watchOS 3 for Apple Watch.
watto_cobra

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 6
    I don't have to do this right now, but maybe about a week ago I was having trouble with a Watch app. I often wondered if force closing Watch apps was possible and if so, how? Thanks!
    radarthekatwatto_cobraBill0328
     3Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 2 of 6
    Whoa, I'm not sure I want to have my watch pop up and say "One PM, time for Cardio Boot Camp"!!   But hey, I still want one.
    watto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 3 of 6
    Rayz2016rayz2016 Posts: 6,957member
    I did not know this. Thanks for the tip. 
    watto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 4 of 6
    Good to know. Always wondered how to do this. Thanks.
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 5 of 6
    rezwitsrezwits Posts: 914member
    Yes thanks for the tip, Shazam was a bi-a-tch to get working!
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 6 of 6
    macguimacgui Posts: 2,542member
    Whoa, I'm not sure I want to have my watch pop up and say "One PM, time for Cardio Boot Camp"!! 
    Then don't tell it to do that.
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
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