ios15 Won’t let me close apps on ipad

You may need to do a full data backup of your iPad, either to Apple iCloud or a full Mac computer or Windows PC, and then do a full reset ( erase ) and restore of your iPad, to see if this cures your iPad issues.

You will need to have access to a full computer, like a Mac or Windows PC, try either using the Finder on a Mac that has the newest macOS Catalina, or later macOS, installed OR with an older Mac with an older Mac OS, download and install the latest iTunes version ( or latest iTunes for Windows PC ), make sure the Mac or Windows PC is connected to the Internet, connect your iPad by the USB charge cable to the computer and let the iTunes application backup that iPad,

Then go into your iPad's General Settings, under Reset, and fully erase that iPad and then restore that iPad from the full computer backup.

Make sure your iPad is, at least, charged to 50% or greater to attempt this.

If NO access to a Mac or Windows computer, you will have to seek help from a good friend or family member, with a full Mac or Windows PC, to help you out

OR

Failing the above,

You will need to search online for your nearest, “local” Apple store location and call contact phone numbers and call to make an appointment to have your Apple iPad diagnosed and options presented you.

Apple Store employees will be glad to help/assist you.

Failing that,

You need to contact Apple support via the contact support link located at the upper right hand corner of every Webpage of these Apple support communities.

Use the Hardware Repair and Device Performance support categories.

OR

by installing and using the Apple Support app found in the iOS App Store.

Tap the iOS App Store link below.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-support/id1130498044

OR

Call contact Apple via the support numbers found in the link bekow.

Contact - How to Contact Us - Apple

Tap the link below.

https://www.apple.com/contact/

Best of Luck to You!

Hi, I have the same issue but I think I’ve found a workaround. If I try to kill apps when the iPad is in portrait orientation and I can’t, I switch back to the Home Screen, change the orientation of the iPad to landscape and then I can kill the apps. Very weird but it works consistently.

I agree with other posters - the OSes are getting buggier each time. To much frilly functionality that 99% of ppl don’t want or need.

I had that problem & took it in for service. It was a button issue (the physical home button on the bottom of the screen). Apple swapped it out in the store - they had one in stock like mine- since it was still under warranty. If it was out of warranty it would have cost about $200. I didn’t damage it as far as I know. The new iPad is working great! So highly recommend you take it to the Genius Bar.

I have the same issue, if I have several Apps open and don’t close them after a few hours (never checked how long) they are then frozen and cannot be closed by using the swipe method.

the only way I can get them to close is to turn the iPad off for a few minutes then on restart I can close them using the swipe method.

By reboot, do you mean a simple hard reset?

After ANY iOS/iPadOS upgrade/update, you should ALWAYS perform a simple hard reset of your Apple mobile device.

For older iPad models with a Home button, do a simple hard reset of your iPad by holding down both the Home and sleep/wake/power button simultaneously until your iPad goes to black and restarts with Apple logo, then release the buttons.

Best of Luck to You!

I tried to post over a week ago. I had the same problem after the iOS update. I couldn’t close any of the apps I had opened.

If you have a touch screen or pencil -use your FINGER to swipe up or the PENCIL. That works for me.

Hope this helps.

Hi andydb9, 

Thank you for using the Apple Support Communities. 

It sounds like your iPad is having problems closing apps and we have some Apple Support articles below that can help. 

Close an app on your iPad

About iOS performance on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

If an app on your iPhone or iPad stops responding, closes unexpectedly, or won’t open

Best regards. 

I have 2 Ipad Pros 12.9, but I only update 1 at a time. I am having major problems with both my Ipads. The wi-fi only was updated to the latest iOS 15 and like you I am not able to close apps without shutting down and rebooting. I can no longer swipe right or left for apps only touch the multiple app icon. My other Ipad has its own sim card and that one was only updated to iOS 14 something. The problem I’m having with that iPad is the battery. The battery will charge to 100%, but if I leave it turned on the battery will drain within 1 hour. I have a Logi Create Backlight Keyboard cases on both and the keyboards are acting erratic switching back and forth from the popup screen keyboard to the backlight keyboard flickering. All the problems started with the updates.