Mac Switch Open Apps
Typically, when you click on an app's icon in Applications (or in the Dock), it will open a new window for that app. If the app already has a window open, it will switch to the window instead.
Use the setting in the log out or restart dialog
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- Hold Command and tap Tab to display the app switcher, which lists open apps in order of recent usage. The app switcher stays open as long as Command remains held. The second app in the list (the one used prior to what you’re currently using) is selected by default. Release Command and you switch to that app.
When you log out of your Mac or restart it, deselect ”Reopen windows when logging back in” when prompted.
Or start up in safe mode, then restart normally. This doesn't change the setting, but your Mac forgets any windows that were open the last time you logged out or restarted.
If you deselect this setting and an app continues to open automatically:
- The app might be a login item. You can add or remove login items in Users & Groups preferences.
- The app might have installed its own startup software. Often this is controlled by a setting within the app. Check the app's preferences or documentation, or contact the app's developer.
Use the setting in General preferences
To prevent apps from remembering the windows they had open, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click General, then select ”Close windows when quitting an app.” /screen-mirroring-mac-app.html.
Or press and hold the Shift key while opening an app. This doesn't change the setting, but the app forgets any windows that were open the last time you quit the app.
If these steps don't work for an app, the app might have its own setting for reopening windows. Check the app's preferences or documentation, or contact the app's developer.
Switch apps on iPhone X and iPad
If you have an iPhone X or later, or an iPad:
- Swipe up from the bottom to the middle of your screen and hold until you see the App Switcher.
- Swipe left or right to find the app that you want to use.
- Tap the app.
If you have a Smart Keyboard or Bluetooth keyboard paired to your iPad, press Command-Tab to switch between apps.
Switch apps with the Home button
If you have an iPhone 8 or earlier, or an iPad:
- Double-click the Home button to see recently used apps.
- Swipe left or right to find the app that you want to use.
- Tap the app.
Use Background App Refresh
Mac Switch Between Open Apps
After you switch to a different app, some apps run for a short period of time before they're set to a suspended state. Apps that are in a suspended state aren’t actively in use, open, or taking up system resources. With Background App Refresh, suspended apps can check for updates and new content.
If you want suspended apps to check for new content, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turn on Background App Refresh. If you quit an app from the app switcher, it might not be able to run or check for new content before you open it again.
Learn more
Switch Open Apps Mac
- Use Multitasking features on your iPad to work with multiple apps at the same time.
- Learn what to do if an app unexpectedly quits, stops responding, or won't open.
- Find out how to change settings on your device to maximize battery life.