How to Close Apps on Android: 6 Steps (with Pictures)

The Android OS features powerful multitasking, but this can occasionally lead to too many open programs. While the Android OS is fairly efficient at closing apps that don’t need to be open, sometimes you need to close all those running programs yourself. Follow this guide to learn how for any version of Android.
STEPS
METHOD 1 OF 2: FOR ICE CREAM SANDWICH & JELLY BEAN USERS (ANDROID 4.0 – 4.2)

1

PRESS AND HOLD THE "RECENTLY USED APPS BUTTON". A menu will appear with a list of your recently-used apps.

2

CLOSE ACTIVE APPLICATIONS BY TAPPING ON AN APP AND SWIPING IT EITHER TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE.
METHOD 2 OF 2: FOR OLDER VERSIONS OF ANDROID (2.2-3.X)

1

PRESS YOUR DEVICE’S MENU BUTTON. You should do this from the device's Home Screen. Select Settings from the menu that opens. Alternatively, you can select Settings from your list of apps in your Apps Drawer.

2

SELECT "APPLICATIONS" FROM THE LIST. Tap “Manage Applications” from the Applications submenu.

3

PRESS THE "RUNNING" TAB. This will open a list of apps that are currently open. Select the process that you want to end.

4

FROM THE STATUS WINDOW THAT OPENS, SELECT “END PROCESS” / "STOP". You may be warned that it will crash the application.
WARNINGS
Slow performance may be due to other soft- or hardware related problems. Refer to tech support from your phone's manufacturer or Google's Android Help database for more info.
Third party apps (such as task killers) can perform this function, but often come packaged with malware and can slow the performance of your device. Use caution when downloading new applications. These apps can also kill processes that end up saving you battery life.