Emily ParkerBy Emily Parker

Updated November 2026

To close running apps on Apple Watch, you can force quit from the Dock, press and hold the side button to reach the power menu, or end the workout itself from the Workout app. Which method you use depends on whether the app is frozen, still tracking a run, or just sitting in the background. This guide walks through each option so you can stop the app without losing your workout data.

Check Whether a Workout Is Still Running

Before you close anything, look at the screen. If a workout is active, closing the app alone may not end the session, and your run could keep recording in the background. Open the Workout app and check for a timer or a Pause button. If you see one, end the workout first so the data saves properly. Closing an app during an active workout is the most common reason runners end up with partial or missing activity records.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Running App Apple Watch (2026): Which Should You Choose?.

Method 1: Close an App From the Dock

This is the standard way to close an app you are done with. It works well for apps that are open but not tracking anything.

  1. Press the side button to open the Dock, or swipe up from the bottom of the watch face.
  2. Scroll through the Dock until you find the app you want to close.
  3. Swipe left on the app card, then tap the remove or close control if it appears.
  4. Confirm the app has disappeared from the Dock.

Method 2: Force Quit an Unresponsive App

When an app freezes and will not respond to taps, you can force it to close. This does not change your saved data, but any unsaved in-app progress will be lost.

  1. Press and hold the side button until the power-off slider appears.
  2. Do not drag the slider. Instead, press and hold the Digital Crown until the watch returns to the watch face.
  3. Reopen the app from the Home screen to see whether it now works normally.

If the app keeps freezing, restart the watch by holding the side button and dragging the power-off slider, then turn it back on.

Method 3: End the Workout Properly

Ending a workout is different from closing the app. A properly ended workout saves your distance, pace, heart rate and route to the Health app.

  1. Open the Workout app while your run is active.
  2. Tap the End button, then confirm when prompted.
  3. Wait for the summary screen to appear, which confirms the data has saved.
  4. Close the app from the Dock if you want it out of the way.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Closing a running app mid-workout, which can leave the session incomplete.
  • Force quitting before the summary screen appears, risking lost data.
  • Assuming a closed app stops GPS tracking; always end the workout first.
  • Ignoring low battery, since background tracking drains power faster.
  • Restarting the watch repeatedly instead of checking for a software update.

A few accessories make running with your watch easier and reduce the chance of accidental taps during a workout.

  • A sport band that stays snug on your wrist, which helps prevent accidental swipes and taps on the screen during runs. View on Amazon
  • A screen protector sized for your watch model, which helps keep the display responsive when you are sweaty or gritty. View on Amazon
  • A charging cable compatible with Apple Watch, so you can top up the battery before long runs. View on Amazon

FAQ

Will closing a running app delete my workout?

No. Workouts that were properly ended are saved to the Health app. Closing an app without ending the workout can leave the session incomplete.

Why won’t my Apple Watch running app close?

The app may be stuck or frozen. Try force quitting by holding the side button and the Digital Crown, then restart the watch if the problem continues.

Do I need to close apps to save battery?

Usually not. watchOS manages background apps automatically, but ending unused workouts and closing apps that are misbehaving can help conserve power.

Conclusion

Closing a running app on Apple Watch is simple once you know which method fits the situation. End active workouts first to protect your data, use the Dock for everyday cleanup, and force quit only when an app stops responding. For more help choosing and setting up a running watch, explore the related guides on this site.

Ready to choose one?

Emily Parker

About Emily Parker

Emily Parker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our running gear & races guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.