Mastering Kindle Fire HD: A Comprehensive Guide to Closing Apps
The Kindle Fire HD is a versatile tablet perfect for reading, watching videos, browsing the web, and even playing games. However, like any device, running too many apps in the background can impact its performance, leading to sluggishness and decreased battery life. Understanding how to properly close apps on your Kindle Fire HD is crucial for maintaining its speed and efficiency. This comprehensive guide will walk you through several methods, providing detailed steps and troubleshooting tips to ensure your device runs smoothly. We’ll cover everything from the basic app switcher to advanced techniques for managing background processes.
Why Closing Apps Matters on Your Kindle Fire HD
Before diving into the ‘how,’ let’s understand the ‘why.’ Leaving apps running in the background consumes valuable system resources. These resources include:
* **RAM (Random Access Memory):** Apps running in the background continue to occupy RAM, even if you’re not actively using them. This reduces the amount of RAM available for other tasks, potentially causing them to load slower or even crash.
* **CPU (Central Processing Unit):** Some apps, especially those with background syncing or location services, constantly use the CPU to perform tasks even when minimized. This drains the battery and can make the device feel hot.
* **Battery Life:** Background activity significantly impacts battery life. The more apps running in the background, the faster your battery will deplete.
* **Overall Performance:** A device with limited RAM and CPU power, like some older Kindle Fire HD models, can become noticeably slow with numerous apps running in the background. Closing unused apps frees up these resources, resulting in improved performance and a smoother user experience.
Methods for Closing Apps on Your Kindle Fire HD
There are several ways to close apps on your Kindle Fire HD. Let’s explore the most common and effective methods:
1. Using the App Switcher (Recent Apps Tray)
The App Switcher is the quickest and most straightforward way to close recently used apps. Here’s how to use it:
**Steps:**
1. **Access the App Switcher:**
* **Swipe Up from the Bottom (Gesture Navigation):** If your Kindle Fire HD uses gesture navigation (a single bar at the bottom of the screen), swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold briefly. This will reveal the App Switcher.
* **Tap the Square Icon (Three-Button Navigation):** If your Kindle Fire HD uses the traditional three-button navigation (a triangle, circle, and square at the bottom of the screen), tap the square icon (usually on the right side) to open the App Switcher.
2. **View Recent Apps:** The App Switcher displays a carousel or a grid of recently used apps. You’ll see thumbnails or icons representing each app.
3. **Close an App:**
* **Swipe Away (Gesture Navigation):** Swipe the app’s thumbnail or icon upwards or sideways to close it. The direction you swipe depends on the App Switcher’s layout. Keep swiping until the app disappears from the App Switcher.
* **Tap the ‘X’ or Close Button (Three-Button Navigation):** Some versions of the Kindle Fire HD might display an ‘X’ button or a close button on each app’s thumbnail in the App Switcher. Tap this button to close the app.
4. **Close All Apps (If Available):** Some Kindle Fire HD models offer a “Close All” button within the App Switcher. Tapping this button will close all the apps displayed in the App Switcher. Be cautious when using this option, as it will close all your currently opened application even the one you want to keep opened.
**Detailed Instructions with Visual Aids:**
Imagine you’re reading an ebook on the Kindle app and then switch to browsing the web using Silk Browser. Later, you open a game like Candy Crush. To close these apps using the App Switcher:
1. **Swipe up from the bottom** of the screen (or tap the square icon) to open the App Switcher.
2. You’ll see thumbnails representing the Kindle app, Silk Browser, and Candy Crush. They appear in the reverse order you used them.
3. **Swipe up on the Candy Crush thumbnail** to close the game. You’ll see the thumbnail disappear from the App Switcher.
4. **Swipe up on the Silk Browser thumbnail** to close the browser.
5. **Swipe up on the Kindle app thumbnail** to close the ebook reader.
Now, when you open the App Switcher again, you shouldn’t see these apps listed. If you do, repeat the process.
**Important Note:** Closing an app using the App Switcher completely removes it from the device’s active memory. The next time you open the app, it will start from scratch.
2. Force Stopping Apps Through Settings
While the App Switcher is convenient for closing recently used apps, sometimes an app might become unresponsive or buggy. In such cases, you can force stop the app through the device’s settings. Force stopping an app terminates it immediately, even if it’s frozen or misbehaving.
**Steps:**
1. **Open Settings:** Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the Quick Settings panel. Tap the gear icon to open the full Settings menu.
2. **Navigate to Apps & Notifications:** In the Settings menu, find and tap on “Apps & Notifications.” Depending on your Kindle Fire HD model, this might be labeled simply as “Apps.”
3. **See All Apps:** Tap on “See all apps” or “Manage all apps” to view a list of all the apps installed on your device. You might need to scroll down to find this option.
4. **Select the App:** Scroll through the list of apps and tap on the app you want to force stop. For instance, if you’re having trouble with the Amazon Music app, select it from the list.
5. **Force Stop:** On the app’s information screen, you should see a “Force Stop” button. Tap this button. A warning message might appear, informing you that force stopping the app could cause it to malfunction. Confirm that you want to force stop the app by tapping “OK” or “Force Stop” again.
**Detailed Instructions with Visual Aids:**
Let’s say the Facebook app is constantly crashing or not loading properly.
1. **Swipe down from the top** of the screen and tap the gear icon to open Settings.
2. **Tap on “Apps & Notifications.”**
3. **Tap on “See all apps.”**
4. **Scroll down** until you find the Facebook app and tap on it.
5. On the Facebook app’s information screen, **tap the “Force Stop” button.**
6. **Tap “OK”** to confirm that you want to force stop the app.
After force stopping the app, it will be completely terminated. The next time you open the Facebook app, it will start fresh, as if you just installed it.
**Important Notes:**
* **Use with Caution:** Force stopping an app should be used as a last resort when the app is unresponsive or causing problems. Force stopping an app that is currently performing important tasks, such as downloading a file, could lead to data loss or corruption.
* **Rooted Devices:** On rooted Kindle Fire HD devices, you might have additional options for managing apps, such as completely uninstalling them or disabling background services. However, rooting your device voids the warranty and can potentially damage it if not done correctly.
3. Disabling Background Data Usage
Even when an app isn’t actively in use, it might still consume data in the background for syncing, notifications, or other purposes. Disabling background data usage can help conserve battery life and reduce data consumption.
**Steps:**
1. **Open Settings:** Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the gear icon to open the Settings menu.
2. **Navigate to Apps & Notifications:** Tap on “Apps & Notifications” (or simply “Apps” on some models).
3. **See All Apps:** Tap on “See all apps” or “Manage all apps” to view a list of all installed apps.
4. **Select the App:** Choose the app for which you want to disable background data usage. For example, if you want to limit background data for the Instagram app, select it from the list.
5. **Data Usage:** On the app’s information screen, find and tap on “Data usage” or “Mobile data & Wi-Fi.”
6. **Background Data:** Look for an option labeled “Background data” or “Allow background data usage.” Toggle this option to the off position to disable background data usage for the app.
**Detailed Instructions with Visual Aids:**
Suppose you want to prevent the Twitter app from constantly syncing in the background.
1. **Swipe down from the top** of the screen and tap the gear icon to open Settings.
2. **Tap on “Apps & Notifications.”**
3. **Tap on “See all apps.”**
4. **Scroll down** to find the Twitter app and tap on it.
5. **Tap on “Data usage.”**
6. **Toggle the “Background data” switch to the off position.**
Now, the Twitter app will only use data when you actively open and use it. It won’t sync in the background unless you grant it permission again.
**Important Notes:**
* **Functionality Limitations:** Disabling background data usage might limit the functionality of some apps. For instance, you might not receive push notifications from the app until you open it.
* **Wi-Fi vs. Mobile Data:** Some devices allow you to disable background data usage separately for Wi-Fi and mobile data. This gives you more control over how apps use data in different situations.
* **Data Saver:** The Kindle Fire HD also has a built-in Data Saver feature that can help reduce data usage across all apps. You can find this option in the Settings menu under “Network & Internet” or “Data usage.”
4. Managing Auto-Start Apps (If Applicable)
Some apps are designed to automatically start when you turn on your Kindle Fire HD. These apps can consume resources and slow down the boot-up process. Unfortunately, not all Kindle Fire HD models allow you to directly manage auto-start apps through the settings. However, you can sometimes achieve a similar effect by disabling notifications or background activity for these apps.
**Steps (If Available):**
1. **Open Settings:** Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the gear icon to open the Settings menu.
2. **Look for Auto-Start or Startup Manager:** Explore the Settings menu for an option like “Auto-start apps,” “Startup manager,” or something similar. This option might be located under “Apps & Notifications,” “Battery,” or “Device Maintenance.”
3. **Disable Auto-Start:** If you find an auto-start manager, you’ll see a list of apps that are configured to start automatically. Toggle the switches next to the apps you want to prevent from starting automatically.
**Alternative Methods (If Auto-Start Manager is Unavailable):**
If your Kindle Fire HD doesn’t have a dedicated auto-start manager, you can try the following:
* **Disable Notifications:** Disabling notifications for an app can prevent it from running in the background to check for updates or new content.
* **Disable Background Data:** As described earlier, disabling background data usage can limit an app’s ability to run in the background.
* **Uninstall Unnecessary Apps:** The most effective way to prevent an app from running automatically is to uninstall it completely if you don’t need it.
**Detailed Instructions with Visual Aids:**
Imagine you have a news app that automatically starts every time you turn on your Kindle Fire HD, even though you only check it occasionally.
1. **Check for Auto-Start Manager:** Explore the Settings menu for an option to manage auto-start apps. If you find one, disable the auto-start setting for the news app.
2. **If No Auto-Start Manager:**
* **Disable Notifications:** Go to “Apps & Notifications,” select the news app, tap on “Notifications,” and disable all notifications.
* **Disable Background Data:** Go to “Apps & Notifications,” select the news app, tap on “Data usage,” and disable background data usage.
By disabling notifications and background data, you can significantly reduce the news app’s activity in the background, even if it still starts automatically.
**Important Notes:**
* **System Apps:** Some system apps are essential for the Kindle Fire HD to function properly and cannot be disabled from auto-starting.
* **Third-Party Apps:** Be cautious when using third-party apps that claim to manage auto-start apps, as some of these apps might be malicious or ineffective.
5. Using Third-Party Task Manager Apps (Use with Caution)
While the Kindle Fire HD offers built-in tools for managing apps, some users might consider using third-party task manager apps for more advanced control. These apps typically provide features like:
* **Killing Multiple Apps at Once:** Task manager apps often allow you to kill all running apps with a single tap.
* **Monitoring Resource Usage:** They can display detailed information about CPU usage, RAM usage, and battery consumption.
* **Scheduling Tasks:** Some task manager apps allow you to schedule tasks to automatically kill apps or clear cache at specific times.
**However, it’s crucial to exercise caution when using third-party task manager apps for the following reasons:**
* **Potential for Instability:** Aggressively killing apps can sometimes lead to system instability or unexpected behavior.
* **Battery Drain:** Some task manager apps themselves consume battery life by constantly running in the background to monitor other apps.
* **Security Risks:** Some task manager apps might contain malware or collect your personal data.
**If you decide to use a task manager app, choose one from a reputable developer and read reviews carefully. Avoid apps that request excessive permissions or display suspicious behavior.**
**Recommended Task Manager App (with Disclaimer):**
* **Greenify (Use at Your Own Risk):** Greenify is a popular task manager app that hibernates apps when they’re not in use, preventing them from running in the background and consuming resources. However, using Greenify requires root access on some devices and can potentially cause issues if not configured properly. **Use this app with caution and only if you understand the risks involved.**
**Steps (Using Greenify as an Example):**
1. **Download and Install:** Download Greenify from the Amazon Appstore and install it on your Kindle Fire HD.
2. **Grant Permissions:** Greenify will request various permissions, including access to your app list and system settings. Grant these permissions carefully and only if you trust the app.
3. **Select Apps to Hibernate:** Greenify will display a list of apps that you can hibernate. Choose the apps you want to prevent from running in the background.
4. **Hibernate Apps:** Tap the “Hibernate” button to put the selected apps into a hibernation state. They will no longer run in the background until you explicitly open them again.
**Important Notes:**
* **Root Access:** Some Greenify features require root access. Rooting your device voids the warranty and can potentially damage it if not done correctly.
* **System Apps:** Do not hibernate essential system apps, as this could cause your device to malfunction.
* **Monitor Performance:** After using a task manager app, monitor your device’s performance and battery life carefully. If you experience any issues, uninstall the app immediately.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best techniques, you might encounter some challenges when closing apps on your Kindle Fire HD. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
* **App Keeps Reopening:** Some apps are designed to automatically restart themselves even after you close them. This could be due to background services, notifications, or other settings. To prevent this, try disabling notifications, background data usage, or auto-start settings for the app.
* **Kindle Fire HD is Still Slow:** If your Kindle Fire HD is still slow even after closing apps, try the following:
* **Restart Your Device:** Restarting your Kindle Fire HD can clear temporary files and free up system resources.
* **Clear Cache and Data:** Clearing the cache and data for individual apps can resolve performance issues. Go to “Apps & Notifications,” select the app, tap on “Storage,” and then tap on “Clear cache” and “Clear data.” Note that clearing data will reset the app to its default state, so you might need to log in again or reconfigure your settings.
* **Uninstall Unused Apps:** Uninstalling apps that you no longer use can free up storage space and improve performance.
* **Factory Reset (Last Resort):** If all else fails, you can perform a factory reset to restore your Kindle Fire HD to its original settings. This will erase all your data, so be sure to back up your important files first.
* **Force Stop Button is Grayed Out:** The “Force Stop” button might be grayed out for some system apps that are essential for the Kindle Fire HD to function properly. You cannot force stop these apps.
* **Battery Draining Quickly:** If your battery is draining quickly, try the following:
* **Reduce Screen Brightness:** Lowering the screen brightness can significantly extend battery life.
* **Disable Location Services:** Turn off location services when you don’t need them, as they can consume a lot of battery power.
* **Turn Off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:** Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you’re not using them, as they can drain the battery even when idle.
* **Check Battery Usage:** Go to “Settings” > “Battery” to see which apps are consuming the most battery power. Close or uninstall these apps if possible.
Tips for Optimizing Kindle Fire HD Performance
In addition to closing apps, here are some general tips for optimizing the performance of your Kindle Fire HD:
* **Keep Your Device Updated:** Install the latest software updates to ensure that you have the latest performance improvements and security patches.
* **Free Up Storage Space:** Ensure that you have enough free storage space on your device. Delete unnecessary files, photos, videos, and apps.
* **Use a Lightweight Launcher:** If you’re using a custom launcher, consider switching to a lightweight launcher that consumes fewer resources.
* **Disable Unnecessary Features:** Disable features that you don’t use, such as animations, live wallpapers, and widgets.
* **Regularly Restart Your Device:** Restart your Kindle Fire HD regularly to clear temporary files and free up system resources.
* **Consider a Factory Reset (Periodically):** Performing a factory reset every few months can help maintain optimal performance.
Conclusion
Mastering how to close apps on your Kindle Fire HD is essential for maintaining its speed, efficiency, and battery life. By using the App Switcher, force stopping apps through settings, disabling background data usage, and managing auto-start apps, you can effectively control the apps running on your device and optimize its performance. Remember to use third-party task manager apps with caution and follow the troubleshooting tips to resolve common issues. By implementing these techniques, you can ensure that your Kindle Fire HD remains a reliable and enjoyable device for reading, entertainment, and more.