To force quit an app on a Mac, you can use the following methods:
Using Keyboard Shortcut
- Press Option (Alt) + Command (⌘) + Esc keys simultaneously.
- A "Force Quit Applications" window will open.
- Select the unresponsive app from the list.
- Click Force Quit to close the app
Using the Apple Menu
- Click the Apple logo () in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select Force Quit from the dropdown menu.
- In the Force Quit window, select the app you want to quit.
- Click Force Quit
Using the Dock
- Right-click (or click and hold) the app icon in the Dock.
- If the app is unresponsive, you will see "Application Not Responding."
- Hover over Force Quit and release the mouse button to quit the app
Using Activity Monitor
- Open Activity Monitor (via Spotlight search or Finder > Applications > Utilities).
- Select the app you want to quit.
- Click the Stop icon (an octagon with an "X") in the toolbar.
- Click Force Quit in the dialog box
Using Terminal (advanced)
- Open Terminal.
- Type
killall [application name](e.g.,killall Spotify). - Press Return to immediately quit the app. Use quotation marks if the app name has spaces (e.g.,
killall "Google Chrome")
If none of these methods work, you can restart your Mac or force it to shut down by holding the power button for up to 10 seconds
. These methods provide quick ways to close unresponsive apps and regain control on your Mac.
