How do I force-quit an individual app on an actual Apple Watch (not in the simulators)?

6
votes

When developing an app, it is sometimes useful to force-quit an application without having to re-start the entire device.

On my iPhone, I can force-quit the active app by double-clicking the home button and swiping the app to the top.

For the actual Apple Watch (not the simulators), force-quitting an app is particularly useful since there are sometimes connection problems between Xcode and the watch app. Also, sometimes I would like to force-quit my Apple Watch app when it is not connected to Xcode.

So, how can I force-quit / terminate the active app on the Apple Watch without restarting the entire device?

1
apple-watchquit
Press and hold the side button in (the button just below the Digital Crown) until the shut down screen appears. Let go of the side button, then press and hold it again – Fatti Khan
or use this link freewatchapp.com/article/… – Fatti Khan
macworld.co.uk/how-to/apple/… – Fatti Khan

1 Answers

6
votes

When the app that you would like to terminate is open:

  • Press and hold the side button and wait until the shut down screen appear. Then let go of the side button.
  • Press and hold the side button again until the home screen appears.

Your formerly active app has now been terminated.

PS: The side button is the button below the Digital Crown.