How To Close Apps on FireStick

How to Close Apps on FireStick

Closing apps on your FireStick is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Return to the FireStick Home Screen: If you’re currently within an app, press the Home button on your FireStick remote to return to the home screen.
2. Navigate to the Apps Section: Using the navigation buttons on your remote, move to the “Apps” section on the FireStick home screen.
3. Highlight the App to Close: Scroll through the list of installed apps and highlight the app you want to close.
4. Press the Options (Menu) Button: On your FireStick remote, press the Options (or Menu) button, usually represented by three horizontal lines.
5. Select “Quit”: A menu will appear on the right side of the screen. Select “Quit” to close the highlighted app.
6. Confirm Quit: If prompted, confirm that you want to quit the app. The app will then close, freeing up resources on your FireStick.

How to Close Background Apps on FireStick

In addition to manually closing apps, you can also manage background apps to ensure they don’t continue running when not in use. Here’s how:

1. Return to the FireStick Home Screen: Press the Home button on your remote to go to the home screen.
2. Go to “Settings”: Navigate to the “Settings” option in the top menu.
3. Select “Applications”: In the Settings menu, scroll down and select “Applications.”
4. Choose “Manage Installed Applications”: Under Applications, select “Manage Installed Applications.”
5. Select the App to Force Stop: Scroll through the list of installed apps and choose the app you want to stop from running in the background.
6. Select “Force Stop”: On the app’s details page, select “Force Stop” to close the app if it’s currently running in the background.
7. Confirm Force Stop: If prompted, confirm that you want to force stop the app.

How to Disable Apps on FireStick

Disabling apps on FireStick means preventing them from running entirely. Keep in mind that not all apps can be disabled, but many can. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to “Settings”: From the FireStick home screen, go to “Settings.”
2. Select “Applications”: Under Settings, select “Applications.”
3. Choose “Manage Installed Applications”: Again, select “Manage Installed Applications.”
4. Select the App to Disable: Scroll through the list of installed apps and choose the app you want to disable.
5. Select “Disable”: On the app’s details page, select “Disable” if the option is available.
6. Confirm Disable: If prompted, confirm that you want to disable the app. The app will no longer run on your FireStick.

Force Close Apps on Firestick (Native Method)

The native method for force closing apps on Firestick is relatively simple. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Return to the Firestick Home Screen: Press the Home button on your Firestick remote to return to the home screen.
2. Navigate to the App to Force Close: Use the navigation buttons on your remote to move to the app you want to force close. Highlight the app’s icon.
3. Press and Hold the Options (Menu) Button: On your Firestick remote, locate the Options (or Menu) button, usually represented by three horizontal lines. Press and hold this button for a few seconds.
4. Select “Close App”: A menu will appear on the screen. Select “Close App” to force close the highlighted app.
5. Confirm Closure: If prompted, confirm that you want to close the app. The app will then be force closed, and you will return to the Firestick home screen.

Force Close Apps on Firestick Using Third-Party Applications

For more advanced users who want additional control over app management and force closing, you can use third-party applications like the “Settings” application (also known as the “Hidden App”) or a file manager. Here’s how:

Using the “Settings” (Hidden App) Method:

1. Return to the Firestick Home Screen: Press the Home button on your Firestick remote to go to the home screen.
2. Navigate to “Settings”: Use the navigation buttons to go to the “Settings” option on the top menu.
3. Select “Applications”: Under the “Settings” menu, scroll down and select “Applications.”
4. Choose “Manage Installed Applications”: Again, select “Manage Installed Applications.”
5. Highlight the App to Force Close: Scroll through the list of installed apps and highlight the app you want to force close.
6. Select “Force Stop”: On the app’s details page, you should see the option to “Force Stop.” Select it to force close the app.
7. Confirm Force Stop: If prompted, confirm that you want to force stop the app. The app will then be force closed.

Using a File Manager Method:

1. Install a File Manager App: If you don’t already have a file manager app installed on your Firestick, you can download one from the Amazon Appstore. ES File Explorer is a popular choice.
2. Open the File Manager: Launch the file manager app you installed.
3. Navigate to the Apps Folder: Use the file manager to navigate to the “Apps” folder on your Firestick. You can typically find it in the internal storage directory.
4. Locate the App Folder: Inside the “Apps” folder, look for the folder corresponding to the app you want to force close. The folder names are usually a combination of numbers and letters.
5. Force Close the App: Open the app’s folder, and you should see an APK file. Long-press on this file to select it, and then choose an option like “Force Stop” or “Kill Process,” which may vary depending on the file manager you’re using.
6. Confirm Force Closure: If prompted, confirm that you want to force close the app. The app will be force closed.

Please note that the availability and functionality of third-party apps may vary, and you should exercise caution when using them. Ensure you are comfortable with the app’s permissions and functionality before proceeding.

Is Closing Apps on FireStick Safe?

Closing apps on FireStick is entirely safe and recommended for maintaining the performance of your device. When apps run in the background, they consume system resources such as memory and processing power, which can slow down your FireStick.

By closing or disabling unnecessary apps, you can ensure your FireStick runs smoothly and efficiently.

Benefits of Closing Apps on FireStick

Here are some key benefits of managing and closing apps on your FireStick:

1. Improved Performance: Closing background apps prevents them from hogging system resources, leading to a smoother and more responsive FireStick experience.
2. Reduced Data Usage: Background apps can continue to stream or download content, potentially eating into your data limits. Closing them conserves data.
3. Enhanced Stability: Keeping too many apps running can lead to instability and crashes. Closing apps can help prevent these issues.
4. Longer Lifespan: Managing apps can extend the lifespan of your FireStick by reducing wear and tear on its hardware components.
5. Free Up Storage: Disabling or uninstalling unnecessary apps can free up storage space on your FireStick, allowing you to install more apps or store content.

Conclusion

Managing and closing apps on your FireStick is a simple yet effective way to optimize its performance and ensure a smoother streaming experience. Whether you want to close apps manually, force stop background apps, or disable apps entirely, taking control of your FireStick’s apps is a valuable skill.

By doing so, you can enjoy faster navigation, reduce data usage, and extend the life of your device, all while enjoying your favorite content hassle-free.

Whether you choose to use the native method or employ third-party applications for advanced management, knowing how to force close apps is a valuable skill for optimizing your Firestick experience.

By doing so, you can maintain better control over your device’s performance and enjoy uninterrupted streaming and app usage.