5 Effective Methods to Force Quit Apps on Mac
You're in the middle of an important task on your MacBook when suddenly, the app you're using becomes unresponsive. It's frustrating, isn't it? Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. Luckily, there are several ways to force quit apps on Mac and get back to work. In this article, we'll explore five effective methods to force quit apps on your Mac.
1. From Dock
The first method to force quit an app on Mac is by using the Dock. Here's how:
- Right-click on the unresponsive app icon in the Dock.
- Select “Force Quit” from the context menu.
2. From Apple Menu
Another way to force quit an app on Mac is through the Apple menu. Follow these steps:
- Click on the Apple logo in the menu bar.
- Select “Force Quit [App Name]” from the dropdown menu.
3. Keyboard Shortcuts
If you're a fan of keyboard shortcuts, this method is for you. Here's how to force quit an app using keyboard shortcuts:
- Press the “cmd + option + esc” keys simultaneously.
- A small pop-up window will appear. Select the unresponsive app.
- Click on the “Force Quit” button.
4. Using Activity Monitor
Activity Monitor is a built-in app on Mac that allows you to monitor and force quit unresponsive apps. Here's how to use it:
- Press “cmd + space” to open Spotlight search.
- Type “Activity Monitor” and open the app from the search results.
- Select the unresponsive app in the CPU tab.
- Click on the “X” icon (Stop) button.
- Finally, click on “Force Quit” to close the app.
5. Force Restart Your Mac
If all else fails, you can force restart your Mac to close unresponsive apps. Here's how:
- Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds.
- Your Mac will shut down.
- Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.
By following these methods, you can easily force quit unresponsive apps on your Mac and continue with your work. Remember, force quitting an app will result in the loss of any unsaved work, so it's always best to save your progress regularly. If you frequently encounter unresponsive apps, it might be time to consider upgrading to a newer Mac model.
Say goodbye to the frustration of unresponsive apps on macOS and get back to being productive!
Looking for more Mac tips and tricks? Check out our article on how to fix iCloud when it's not opening in your browser on Mac.

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”