then write your review
How to Force Quit an App on Mac (Quick Guide for All Models)
Apps freezing on macOS is frustrating, especially when clicks stop responding, and the spinning beach ball won’t go away. Knowing how to force quit an app on Mac can save you time, prevent system slowdowns, and avoid unnecessary restarts.
Whether you’re using a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, or Mac mini, this guide walks you through every effective method. Here we will explain everything from instant keyboard shortcuts to advanced fixes when nothing seems to work.
Show More
Part 1. The Fastest Way: Force Quit App on Mac Using Keyboard Shortcut (Quick Answer)
When speed matters, built-in Mac force close shortcuts are the most reliable way to force close a frozen app. This works instantly on all Mac models (including Intel and Apple Silicon like M1/M2/M3/M4) and doesn't require clicking through menus.
Mac Force Close Shortcut (Quickest Method)
Shortcut: Command + Option + Esc
This Mac force close shortcut instantly opens the Force Quit Applications window, even if the app is completely frozen.
When This Method Is Best
- The app is frozen, but macOS is still responsive
- Mouse clicks lag or don’t register
- You want the fastest possible solution
Steps to Use this Keyboard Shortcut to Force Quit an App on Mac
-
Press “Command + Option + Esc” at the same time.
-
Select the unresponsive app from the list from the "Force Quit Applications" window.
Click “Force Quit” and confirm if prompted.
This keyboard shortcut to force quit an app on Mac works system-wide and doesn’t require access to the Finder or Dock.
Part 2. How to Force Quit an App on Mac with Other Easy Ways
Different freeze scenarios require different solutions. Use the guide below to choose the right method.
Which Method Should You Use?
- App frozen but Dock responsive → Apple Menu
- App visible in Dock → Dock Right-Click
- App running in background → Activity Monitor
- App totally unresponsive → Terminal
Way 1. Using the Apple Menu (Best for Beginners)
This is the most user-friendly method and ideal for new Mac users.
Steps:
Here is how to force quit an app on Mac when frozen with the Apple Menu.
Click the “Apple logo” in the top-left corner
Select “Force Quit” and choose the frozen app
Click “Force Quit”.
When to Use
- Finder and menu bar still work
- The app is frozen, but the system isn’t lagging badly
Limitations: Won’t open if macOS UI is completely frozen
Way 2. Using Dock Right-Click Method (Simple and Quick)
If the app icon is still visible in the Dock, this method is extremely convenient.
Steps:
You can force close Mac applications using the dock right-click method with the steps below."
Locate the app icon in the Dock
Hold the "Option" button and right-click the app icon
Click “Force Quit” and confirm if asked
When to Use
- App is visible in the Dock
- You want a mouse-only solution
Limitations: Doesn’t work if the app is hidden or crashed in the background
Way 3. Using Activity Monitor to Force Quit Hidden/Background Apps (Mac's Task Manager Equivalent)
Activity Monitor is macOS’s built-in tool for monitoring and controlling running processes. Activity Monitor shows all running apps, background services, CPU usage, memory consumption, and stuck processes.
Steps:
You can force quit a frozen app on a Mac with the steps below.
-
Press “Cmd + Space” and search for “Activity Monitor," then open it.
Find the frozen app or process.
-
Select it and click the “X” button at the top and choose “Force Quit.”
When to Use
- App runs in the background
- App keeps relaunching
- System feels slow but responsive
Limitations: It can be overwhelming for beginners; Doesn’t always stop relaunching services.
Part 3. How to Force Quick Multiple/Unresponsive Apps on Mac Using Terminal (Advanced Tips)
When multiple apps freeze, or macOS ignores standard commands, Terminal gives you direct system-level control. Terminal bypasses the user interface and kills the processes directly. Here is how to force quit all apps on Mac with Terminal:
-
Press "Command + Space" and search for "Terminal," then open it.
-
Run the command “killall [AppName]" followed by the name of the app (e.g., killall Safari).
Part 4. Can't Force Quit an App on Mac? Follow This Fix Order!
Sometimes force quit fails. Follow this order to regain control.
1. Restart Your Mac Properly
Restart your Mac using the Apple Menu “Restart” option. If your Mac is completely unresponsive, you may hold the power button to restart it.
2. Kill All App Processes Using Tenorshare Cleamio
Are you also wondering why you can't force-quit an app on a Mac? The chances are that the built-in methods are failing again and again. When built-in tools fail, Tenorshare Cleamio offers the simplest and safest solution. It offers a simple solution to quit any stubborn applications or processes, and also works on hidden background processes and services.
With Cleamio, you can prevent apps from starting again automatically, and it does not require you to go through the complex terminal commands.
How to use Teorshare Cleamio
-
Download and install the Cleamio app on your Mac and launch it. Then tap on the top-right Cleamio logo to launch its Mac Status Center.
-
Click on the “CPU”, “Memory” or “Startup item management” section and click “Remove” or “Remove All” to force quit process.
Fore CPU and Memory
For Startup Item Management
3. Use Activity Monitor to Diagnose Stuck or Relaunching Processes (Mac's Built-in Task Manager)
Activity Monitor is the Mac version of the task manager that shows all running processes and their resource usage. Using it can help you diagnose stuck programs or relaunch processes on your Mac. You will need to use it when you see the abnormal signs listed below, and you are unable to force close the app normally.
Why Apps Keep Coming Back
- Auto-launch agents
- Background helper services
- Corrupted app files
What Abnormal Signs to Look For
- High CPU and memory usage
- Duplicate processes
- Apps marked "Not Responding."
- Unusual energy impact or relaunching after quitting.
What to Do (Same Steps as Way 2)
-
Force quit all related processes to that specific app or service by selecting the app in Activity Monitor, pressing the "X" button at the top, and then choosing "Force Close."
-
Disable auto-launch in System Settings and search for "Login Items", then disable the specific app.
4. Boot into Safe Mode
Safe Mode loads macOS with minimal services. Here is how to force quit an application on a Mac that keeps popping up with the Safe Mode method:
-
Shut down your Mac and power it on by holding the "Power Button."
-
Select “Startup Disk” and hold the “Shift Key” then click "Continue in Safe Mode."
Part 5. How to Prevent Frozen Apps on Mac and Close Apps Properly
Prevention saves time and protects system stability.
- Keep macOS updated
- Avoid running too many heavy apps
- Close apps normally with the Command + Q shortcut
- Remove unused or buggy software
- Use Cleamio to monitor startup items
People Also Ask about Force-Closing an App on Mac
Q1: Is it bad to force-quit apps on a Mac?
If you have unsaved work on that app, then force quitting will not save it, but if the app is making the Mac stuck, then it is the right thing to do.
Q2: What happens when you force-quit an app on a Mac?
The app closes immediately without saving progress. Force quitting immediately ends the processes, and it helps if the app was making your Mac unresponsive.
Q3: What to do if the force-quit application on Mac keeps popping up?
It usually indicates background services. You can use tools like Cleamio to stop them permanently.
Q4: How do I close running apps on my Mac?
Use Cmd + Q to quit apps that are open in the interface or Activity Monitor for background apps.
Q5: Why can't I force quit an app on Mac?
System-level processes or corrupted services may block you from force-quitting an app on a Mac.
Conclusion
Knowing how to force quit an app on a Mac gives you control when apps freeze, lag, or refuse to close. From keyboard shortcuts to Activity Monitor and Terminal, macOS offers multiple solutions.
When those methods fail, or apps keep relaunching, Tenorshare Cleamio provides a cleaner, safer, and faster way to stop stubborn apps for good, without technical hassle.
Speak Your Mind
Registrer/ Login
Speak Your Mind
Leave a Comment
Create your review for Tenorshare articles
By Jenefey Aaron
2026-01-08 / Mac Tips