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This post reveals how you can use an app switcher. An app switcher is an attribute on your device (smartphone or tablet) that lets you instantly alternate between apps already running. Doing this lets you manoeuvre and switch between several apps that are currently running. The best part about it is that you do so without having to close any of them.
You might be asking yourself what the whole point behind switching between several apps is. Well, there are a number of reasons why you could use the app switcher. Firstly, you could use it to instantly switch between open apps or tasks. Secondly, you could use it to access a frequently used app without having to go back to the home screen or app launcher. Thirdly, you could use it to close or force quit an app that may be frozen or unresponsive. Fourthly, you could use it to handle multiple tasks at once and work with several apps at the same time, such as copying and pasting text or media between apps. And lastly, you could use it to manage and organize open apps, such as reordering or grouping them or to resume or return to an app that was previously open but has since been closed or minimized.
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How to Use the App Switcher
Now that you have covered what the app switcher does, we can move on to how to use it. The app switcher feature is available on most smartphones and tablets that lets you quickly switch between open apps. The means of using the app switcher differs depending on the device and operating system. Nevertheless, here is an overall picture of how to use it:
For Android Devices:
For a majority of Android smartphones, you can access the app switcher by holding down the home button. (A home button is a physical button or on-screen button found on many smartphones and other devices. Pressing the home button typically takes you to the device’s home screen or main menu). Alternatively, on some Android devices, you may need to hold down the recent apps button instead. This button is usually located next to the home button.
Quick Note: Some smartphones will allow you to use gestures to switch between apps. Such as swiping from the left or right edge of the screen to switch to the previous or next app.
Given that the app switcher is open, you will now see a list of all the apps that are currently open on your smartphone. Keep in mind that you can scroll through this list to find the app you want to switch to.
To switch to an app, tap on its icon. The app will then become an active app and will be displayed on your screen.
To close an app, swipe it up or to the left or right or tap on the cancel icon (x).
For IOS Devices:
In iOS devices, you can access the app switcher by double-clicking the home button, or by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and pausing. The app switcher will appear with all open apps, you can then swipe left or right to find the app you want to switch to and tap on it to open.
Then, to close an app on iOS, drag it up off the screen.
Wrap-up: I regularly use the app switcher on my smartphone. Several times in the day. That is how important it is to the daily usage of my smartphone. It great to know that using the app switcher is a quick and easy way to navigate between multiple open apps. This certainly makes it a useful tool for multitasking on your device.