force quit safari

How to force an app to close on your Mac

If an app stops responding and you can't close the app normally, follow these steps to force the app to close.

To close a Mac app normally, choose Quit from the app’s menu in the menu bar, or press Command-Q. If the app won’t close, follow these steps to force the app to close.

Force an app to close

Press these three keys together: Option (or Alt), Command, Esc (Escape). 1 Or choose Force Quit from the Apple menu  in the corner of your screen.

A Force Quit window will open. Select the app you want to close, then click Force Quit:

The Finder is always open, but if it stops responding, you can force it to close and then open again: select Finder in the Force Quit window, then click Relaunch.

Find out how to close an app on your iPhone or close an app on your iPad .

If you can't force the app to close

If you can’t force the app to quit, try restarting your Mac: Choose Apple menu  > Restart.

If your Mac won’t restart, force your Mac to turn off:

Press and hold the power button on your Mac for up to 10 seconds until your Mac turns off. 2

Turn your Mac back on.

1. Even computers that have a Touch Bar It’s on the left-hand side of the Touch Bar.

2. Every Mac has a power button. On Mac laptops, the power button is in the top right-hand corner of the keyboard. If the laptop keyboard has Touch ID, that key is also the power button.

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How to Force Quit on a Mac

Has one of the apps on your Mac frozen? Are you seeing the ‘spinning beach ball’? Has your mouse stopped working? All these are symptoms that suggest an app has stopped working and you need to Force Quit before you can carry on. But how do you Force Quit on a Mac? Or, if you are used to Windows, how do you control alt delete on a Mac?

Windows users will be very familiar with the classic Ctrl+Alt+Delete key combination, the measure of last resort when an application has become unresponsive. Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete on a Mac will do nothing, that’s if you can even find those keys: on some Mac keyboards the Alt key is called Option, the Control key is there, but it’s equivalent on a Mac is really the Command key, and there isn’t usually a key marked as Delete.

So how do you Force Quit a Mac? There’s actually more than one way to Force Quit an app on a Mac. Here we’ll show you a variety of ways to find the problematic programs and shut them down, without the need to resort to the power button.

If you’re finding that apps are becoming unresponsive on a regular basis, and that it’s not always the same one, then it might be worth backing up all your data and doing a clean install of macOS . It’s a rather nuclear option, but could save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

You might also find it helpful to check out How to fix a frozen Mac . We also run through How to shut down a MacBook or Mac .

Before we begin we will quickly summarise the five different ways to force quit on a Mac:

• Right click on the app in the Dock
• Click on the Apple menu and select Force Quit
• Press Command + Alt (or Option) + Escape
• Force Quit in Activity Monitor
• Restart your Mac

Read on for details of how to do each of the above.

Force Quit via the Dock

If an app has become unresponsive, then there’s a good chance that trying to place your mouse pointer over the menu bar at the top of the screen will result in a spinning beach ball that doesn’t allow you to select any options. You can of course give the app some time to resolve its issue, but if the problem persists then the app will need closing and launching again.

• Go to the Dock at the bottom of your screen.
• Find the icon for the app.
• Right click (or Ctrl+click) to bring up the contextual menu.
• At the bottom of this list is the Quit option. Click this and hopefully the app will close.
• If this doesn’t close the app repeat the process, but when the menu appears hold down the Alt key and the Quit option changes to Force Quit. Select this and the program should close immediately.

Force Quit via the Apple menu

There is another way to access the Force Quit command:

• Switch to an app that is working fine. 
• Now click on the Apple icon in the top left of your screen. 
• You can select the Force Quit option from the drop-down list.
• Don’t worry, this won’t Force Quit the app you’re currently using – it will give you a list of all currently open apps, from which you can select the frozen one (s).
• Now click on Force Quit.

Force Quit on a Mac using the keyboard

Another way to Force Quit an app is to hold down the Command + Alt (or Option) + Escape keys, this will bring up the same Force Quit Applications window as seen above.

• A list will appear showing every app currently running on your system – the one you’re having problems with most likely has ‘Not Responding’ in brackets next to it.
• Highlight the app.
• Click the Force Quit button in the bottom of the window.

What to do when you can’t leave an app

In severe cases, you’ll find that you can’t actually escape from the app itself to perform the above commands. If this is the case then you still have a command you can use.

Simply hold down the Cmd + Alt (Option) + Shift + Esc buttons and macOS should close whichever app is currently the active one on your screen.  

Force Quit via Activity Monitor

If you’re experiencing problems on your system, say the spinning beach ball is appearing more than normal, then one way to see what’s happening is using the Activity Monitor app.

• Open Activity Monitor (press Command + Space and start to type Activity Monitor, or going to the Finder and navigate to Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor.)
• Once launched the Activity Monitor tool will display all the apps and services that are using the CPU , Memory , and Network among other things.
• Double-clicking on any app will bring up a separate window with even more information about the app and its current demands.
• From here you can choose to Sample the app, which gives you a report of its activities over a short period of time, but this is quite a technical procedure and the results are unintelligible for most people.
• The more useful command is the Quit button, which will of course close the app.

What to do if your Mac is frozen

Sometimes an app can get into trouble and cause your entire system to freeze. While these cases are rare, they do happen. We offer more advice about what to do if your Mac is frozen in a separate article as there can, of course, be a number of reasons why your Mac is frozen.

Should you be faced with an unresopnsive Mac due to an app that won’t force quit the only option left to you is to hold down the power button on your Mac for several seconds.

Normally when you press the power button a message is sent to your system telling it that you want to close it down. The system then usually responds by putting the machine to sleep. Holding the button down for longer will give you a dialog box with various options such as Restart, Sleep, or Shut Down. But in a severe system crash, even this option might not appear.

So the last resort is to hold the button down until the machine cuts off the power completely. Now, while this will allow you to reboot and get back into your Mac, because of the sudden nature of the shutdown you may find that any unsaved data will be lost.

It’s not perfect, but sometimes it’s the only way to get back up and running.

Note, if you want to prevent the application that was causing the problem from opening up again when the computer restarts make sure that the box beside Reopen windows when logging back in is not ticked!

We look at restart the Finder in a separate article. 

Wondering how to copy and paste on a Mac?

Author: Martyn Casserly , Contributor

Martyn has been involved with tech ever since the arrival of his ZX Spectrum back in the early 80s. He covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews for Macworld and its sister site Tech Advisor.

Recent stories by Martyn Casserly:

• Why is my Mac fan so loud? How to fix an overheating Mac
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How to Force Quit an Application on a Mac

Last Updated: December 16, 2023 Tested

Using a Keyboard Shortcut

Using the apple menu, using the dock, using activity monitor, using terminal, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Gonzalo Martinez . Gonzalo Martinez is the President of CleverTech, a tech repair business in San Jose, California founded in 2014. CleverTech LLC specializes in repairing Apple products. CleverTech pursues environmental responsibility by recycling aluminum, display assemblies, and the micro components on motherboards to reuse for future repairs. On average, they save 2 lbs - 3 lbs more electronic waste daily than the average computer repair store. The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. This article has been viewed 4,357,472 times.

Force-quitting a frozen app is an easy fix. This wikiHow will walk you through the different easy ways you can force quit an app on your Mac.

• The note "(Not Responding)" will appear in red next to frozen apps.

• The note "(Not Responding)" will appear next to frozen apps.

• If your computer is frozen, you may need to restart it.

• If a normal Force Quit doesn't work, you may need to use this method to end the program.

• The COMMAND list may use a truncated name for the program. Look for a name that looks similar to the program you are trying to close.

• If the program does not respond to the “kill” command, type “sudo kill -9 ###”, replacing ### with the PID number.

• It is not possible to force quit Finder. If you select Finder, the "Force Quit" button will say "Relaunch". Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Before you click "Force Quit", double check that the application is still frozen. Sometimes the application un-freezes while you bring up the "Force Quit" window. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Force quitting a running program can cause you to lose any unsaved changes in that program. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ Gonzalo Martinez. Computer & Phone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 March 2021

About This Article

1. Open the Apple menu. 2. Click on Force Quit… . 3. Click on the app you want to quit. 4. Click on Force Quit . Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How To Force Quit Safari On IPhone

• Software & Applications
• Browsers & Extensions

Introduction

Safari is a versatile and user-friendly web browser that comes pre-installed on Apple devices, including the iPhone. It offers a seamless browsing experience, allowing users to access websites, search for information, and enjoy a wide range of online content. However, there are instances when Safari may become unresponsive or encounter issues that necessitate a force quit. Whether it's due to a frozen screen, unresponsive tabs, or other technical glitches, knowing how to force quit Safari on your iPhone can be a valuable skill.

In this article, we'll explore various methods to force quit Safari on your iPhone. By understanding these techniques, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve issues related to the browser's performance. Whether you're a seasoned iPhone user or a newcomer to the iOS ecosystem, having the knowledge to force quit Safari can help you navigate through unexpected technical hiccups with ease.

Now, let's delve into the step-by-step methods that will empower you to regain control of Safari and ensure a smooth browsing experience on your iPhone. Whether you prefer using the App Switcher, navigating through Settings, or resorting to a force restart, we've got you covered with comprehensive instructions to help you tackle any Safari-related challenges that may come your way. So, let's roll up our sleeves and explore these effective solutions to force quit Safari on your iPhone!

Method 1: Using the App Switcher

When Safari becomes unresponsive on your iPhone, using the App Switcher is a convenient and effective method to force quit the browser . The App Switcher allows you to view all open apps and swiftly navigate between them, making it a handy tool for managing app-related issues.

To force quit Safari using the App Switcher, follow these simple steps:

Access the App Switcher : On older iPhone models with a Home button, double-press the Home button to open the App Switcher. For newer models without a Home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle of the screen to access the App Switcher.

Locate Safari : Swipe left or right to find the Safari app within the App Switcher. Once you've located Safari, it's time to force quit the app.

Force Quit Safari : On older iPhone models, simply swipe up on the Safari app preview to force quit it. For newer models, press and hold the Safari app preview until a red minus (-) icon appears in the corner of the preview. Tap the red minus icon to force quit Safari.

By following these steps, you can effectively force quit Safari using the App Switcher, allowing you to swiftly resolve any unresponsiveness or glitches within the browser. Once Safari has been force quit, you can relaunch the app and resume your browsing activities with a refreshed and responsive interface.

Utilizing the App Switcher to force quit Safari offers a quick and straightforward solution, empowering you to take control of the browser's performance and swiftly address any technical issues that may arise. This method is particularly useful when Safari becomes unresponsive or fails to function as expected, providing a seamless way to troubleshoot and restore the browser's functionality on your iPhone.

Method 2: Using Settings

When Safari encounters persistent issues or becomes unresponsive on your iPhone, utilizing the Settings app to force quit the browser can offer an effective solution. This method provides a systematic approach to managing app-related issues, allowing you to navigate through the device's settings and take control of Safari's performance.

To force quit Safari using the Settings app, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Access the Settings App : Begin by locating and tapping the "Settings" app on your iPhone's home screen. The Settings app serves as a centralized hub for managing various aspects of your device, including app settings and system configurations.

Navigate to Safari Settings : Within the Settings app, scroll down and tap on "Safari" to access the browser's specific settings and preferences. This will allow you to delve into Safari's configurations and take necessary actions to resolve any persistent issues.

Force Quit Safari : Once you've accessed Safari's settings, scroll down to the bottom of the screen to find the "Advanced" option. Tap on "Advanced" to reveal additional settings related to Safari's functionality.

Tap on Website Data : Within the Advanced settings, locate and tap on "Website Data." This will lead you to a screen displaying the stored website data and settings associated with Safari.

Clear Website Data : To force quit Safari using the Settings app, tap on "Remove All Website Data." This action will clear the stored website data, effectively terminating any ongoing browsing sessions and refreshing Safari's state.

By following these steps, you can effectively force quit Safari using the Settings app, providing a systematic and controlled approach to resolving any persistent issues or unresponsiveness within the browser. This method allows you to take proactive measures to manage Safari's data and configurations, ensuring a streamlined browsing experience on your iPhone.

Utilizing the Settings app to force quit Safari offers a comprehensive and methodical approach to troubleshooting app-related issues, empowering you to navigate through Safari's settings and take necessary actions to restore the browser's functionality. Whether you encounter persistent glitches or unresponsive behavior within Safari, leveraging the Settings app provides a structured method to address these challenges and ensure a seamless browsing experience on your iPhone.

Method 3: Using Force Restart

When Safari on your iPhone becomes completely unresponsive or fails to force quit using the App Switcher or Settings, resorting to a force restart can serve as a powerful solution. A force restart, also known as a hard reset, involves forcibly restarting the iPhone, effectively terminating all active processes and refreshing the device's state. This method can be particularly useful when encountering severe technical issues that hinder the normal functioning of Safari.

To perform a force restart on your iPhone and force quit Safari, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Initiate the Force Restart : Depending on your iPhone model, the process for initiating a force restart may vary. For iPhone 8 and later models, including iPhone X, XR, XS, 11, and 12 series, begin by quickly pressing and releasing the Volume Up button. Follow this by quickly pressing and releasing the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side button (also known as the Power button) until the Apple logo appears on the screen. For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, simultaneously press and hold the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake (Power) button until the Apple logo appears. If you have an older iPhone model with a Home button, such as iPhone 6s and earlier, simultaneously press and hold the Home button and the Sleep/Wake (Power) button until the Apple logo appears.

Wait for the Restart : After initiating the force restart, continue holding the necessary buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen. This indicates that the iPhone is restarting and refreshing its state.

Release the Buttons : Once the Apple logo appears, release the held buttons and allow the iPhone to complete the restart process. The device will undergo a full reboot, terminating all active processes and refreshing its system.

By performing a force restart on your iPhone, you can effectively force quit Safari and address severe technical issues that may have caused the browser to become unresponsive. This method serves as a powerful troubleshooting tool, allowing you to regain control of Safari's performance and ensure a smooth browsing experience on your iPhone.

Utilizing the force restart method provides a robust and comprehensive approach to addressing severe technical issues, empowering you to take decisive action when Safari encounters persistent unresponsiveness or glitches. By performing a force restart, you can effectively force quit Safari and restore the browser's functionality, ensuring that you can resume your browsing activities with a refreshed and responsive interface on your iPhone.

In conclusion, knowing how to force quit Safari on your iPhone is a valuable skill that empowers you to effectively troubleshoot and resolve issues related to the browser's performance. Whether you encounter unresponsiveness, persistent glitches, or technical hiccups within Safari, the methods outlined in this article provide comprehensive solutions to address these challenges and ensure a seamless browsing experience on your iPhone.

By utilizing the App Switcher, you can swiftly force quit Safari and regain control of the browser's functionality. This method offers a quick and straightforward approach, allowing you to manage app-related issues with ease. Navigating through the App Switcher empowers you to take decisive action when Safari becomes unresponsive, ensuring that you can resume your browsing activities with a refreshed and responsive interface.

Furthermore, leveraging the Settings app to force quit Safari provides a methodical and controlled approach to troubleshooting persistent issues. By delving into Safari's settings and managing its data and configurations, you can proactively address unresponsiveness and glitches within the browser. This method empowers you to take necessary actions to restore Safari's functionality, ensuring a streamlined browsing experience on your iPhone.

In cases where Safari encounters severe technical issues, resorting to a force restart serves as a powerful solution to force quit the browser. By performing a force restart on your iPhone, you can effectively terminate all active processes and refresh the device's state, addressing unresponsiveness and severe glitches within Safari. This method provides a robust troubleshooting tool, allowing you to regain control of Safari's performance and ensure a smooth browsing experience on your iPhone.

In essence, the ability to force quit Safari on your iPhone equips you with the necessary tools to navigate through unexpected technical challenges and maintain a seamless browsing experience. Whether you prefer using the App Switcher, navigating through Settings, or resorting to a force restart, having a comprehensive understanding of these methods empowers you to take decisive action and effectively manage Safari's performance.

By incorporating these techniques into your troubleshooting repertoire, you can navigate through unforeseen technical hiccups with confidence, ensuring that Safari continues to serve as a reliable and responsive web browser on your iPhone. With these methods at your disposal, you can tackle any Safari-related issues that may arise, allowing you to enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted browsing experience on your iOS device.

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