What is an app switcher?

Welcome Delta Sigma Pi

  • Accessibility
  • Sales:

    Home:

    1-800-426-7235

    Business:

    1-866-426-0911

    Chat Now >

    Visit Sales Support Page >


    Order Support:

    Order Lookup >

    Visit Order Support Page >

    Technical Support >

Lenovo
All
  • All
  • Laptops
  • Desktops
  • Workstations
  • Monitors
  • PC Accessories & Electronics
  • Tablets
  • Servers & Storage
  • Servers Accessories
  • Sign In / Create Account
    My Lenovo Account
    Keep track of your wishlist, orders, and rewards all in one place
    Sign In / Create Account
    Welcome Back!
    Access your order, subscriptions, saved carts, rewards balance, and profile
    View My Account
    Orders
    View & track your orders
    Rewards
    Earn & redeem Rewards
    Profile
    Edit name, password, and account settings
    Wishlist
    Manage a wishlist of your favorite products
    Products
    Manage your devices, accessories
    Product Registration
    Register your product and/or update your warranty dates
    Sign Out
  • My Lenovo Rewards
  • Cart
  • Products
  • Solutions
  • Services
  • Support
  • About Lenovo
  • Deals
  • Student
  • Gaming
  • Laptops
  • Desktops
  • Workstations
  • Accessories
  • Software
  • Monitors
  • Tablets
  • Servers & Storage
  • Home & Office
  • AI
  • Deals
TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE
DISCONTINUED
Temporary Unavailable
Cooming Soon!
. Additional units will be charged at the non-eCoupon price. Purchase additional now
We're sorry, the maximum quantity you are able to buy at this amazing eCoupon price is
Sign in or Create an Account to Save Your Cart!
Sign in or Create an Account to Join Rewards
View Cart
Remove
Your cart is empty! Don’t miss out on the latest products and savings — find your next favorite laptop, PC, or accessory today.
item(s) in cart
Some items in your cart are no longer available. Please visit cart for more details.
has been deleted
Please review your cart as items have changed.
of
Contains Add-ons
Subtotal
Proceed to Checkout
Yes
No
Popular Searches
What are you looking for today ?
Trending
Recent Searches
Items
All
Cancel
Top Suggestions
View All >
Starting at
  • Black Friday in July! Limited-time Doorbusters + Buy more, Save more!  Shop Now >

  • My Lenovo Rewards! Earn 3%-9% in rewards and get free expedited delivery on select products. Join for Free >

  • Buy online, pick up select products at Best Buy. Shop Pick Up >

  • Lease-to-own today with Katapult. Get started with an initial lease payment as low as $1! * Learn More >

Home > Glossary > What is an app switcher?
Glossary Hero
Learn More
StarStar

Annual Sale

Lenovo Laptop SaleLenovo Laptop Sale

Laptop Deals

Desktop DealsDesktop Deals

Desktop Deals

Workstation DealsWorkstation Deals

Workstation Deals

StoreStore

Pick Up Today at Best Buy

ControllerController

Gaming PC & Accessory Deals

MouseMouse

PC Accessories & Electronics Deals

MonitorMonitor

Monitor Deals

Tablet and phoneTablet and phone

Tablets & Phones Deals

ServerServer

Server & Storage Deals

Discount tagDiscount tag

Clearance Sale


What is an app switcher?

An app switcher is a feature in operating systems, such as Android™, that allows you to quickly switch between different open applications or tasks on your device.

Can I customize the app switcher on my Android™ device?

Yes, depending on your Android™ device and version of the operating system, you may have options to customize the app switcher. Some Android™ phones allow you to choose between different app switcher styles or enable features like split-screen multitasking.

What can I do with the app switcher?

With the app switcher, you can quickly switch between different open apps on your device without having to go back to the home screen. It helps you multitask more efficiently and pick up where you left off in different applications.

Can I close apps in the app switcher?

Yes, you can close apps in the app switcher. On Android™, you can usually swipe an app sideways or tap a close button to remove it from the app switcher.

Does using the app switcher drain my device's battery?

No, using the app switcher itself doesn't significantly drain your device's battery. However, if you have many apps running in the background, they may consume system resources and impact battery life. It's good practice to close unnecessary apps from the app switcher to optimize battery usage.

Can I switch between apps using keyboard shortcuts on my computer?

Yes, on most desktop operating systems like Windows, or Linux®, you can use keyboard shortcuts to switch between open applications. For example, on Windows, you can press "alt + tab" to cycle through open applications.

Can I see a preview of the apps in the app switcher?

Yes, many app switchers show a preview or snapshot of each app, allowing you to identify and switch to the desired application more easily. This visual preview can be helpful when you have multiple apps open simultaneously.

Is the app switcher the same as multitasking?

The app switcher and multitasking are related but slightly different concepts. The app switcher allows you to switch between apps quickly, while multitasking refers to the ability to run multiple apps simultaneously or perform multiple tasks at the same time.

Can I rearrange the order of apps in the app switcher?

The app switcher displays apps in the order of their most recent use, but you cannot manually rearrange them within the default app switcher.

Does the app switcher work with all apps on my device?

Yes, the app switcher works with all the apps that are currently open or running on your device. It provides a convenient way to switch between any active applications, regardless of the type or category of the app.

Can I force-quit apps from the app switcher?

Yes, on some devices and operating systems, you can force-quit unresponsive or problematic apps directly from the app switcher. This can be useful when an app becomes unresponsive or freezes, and you want to close it forcibly.

Is the app switcher available on tablets as well?

Yes, the app switcher is available on most tablets, including Android™ tablets. The process to access the app switcher may vary slightly depending on the tablet's operating system, but it serves the same purpose of switching between open apps.

Can I switch between tabs in my web browser using the app switcher?

In most cases, the app switcher doesn't directly allow you to switch between tabs in a web browser. However, some web browsers provide their own tab switcher within the app, allowing you to switch between different open tabs easily.

Is there a limit to the number of apps I can have in the app switcher?

The number of apps visible in the app switcher depends on the device's screen size and the operating system's design. Typically, you can see a few apps at a time in the app switcher, but you can scroll or swipe to view additional open apps beyond the visible ones.

Can I disable or turn off the app switcher on my device?

In most cases, you cannot completely disable the app switcher as it is an integral part of the operating system's multitasking capabilities. However, some devices may offer limited options to customize or restrict access to the app switcher for security or parental control purposes.

Does the app switcher work differently on different versions of the same operating system?

The app switcher's functionality can vary between different versions of the same operating system. Operating system updates often introduce improvements, changes, or new features to the app switcher. It's best to consult the documentation or release notes specific to your device's operating system version to understand its behavior.

Can I switch between apps using gestures instead of buttons on my device?

Yes, many modern smartphones and tablets support gesture-based navigation, allowing you to switch between apps by swiping on the screen instead of using buttons or the app switcher. These gestures are often customizable, allowing you to tailor the navigation experience to your preferences.

Can I switch between apps on my smartwatch using an app switcher?

Smartwatches typically have a different interface and limited screen space, so they may not have a traditional app switcher like smartphones or tablets. However, they usually provide a way to quickly switch between recently used apps or functions, often through gestures or a dedicated button.

Can I see notifications in the app switcher?

Yes, some app switchers display notifications alongside the app previews. This allows you to have a quick glance at your incoming messages, emails, or other notifications without having to open each app individually.

Does the app switcher remember my last-used position in an app?

The app switcher doesn't remember the specific position within an app. It primarily focuses on quickly switching between apps and doesn't retain the exact state or location you were in within each app.

Can I switch between apps on a Windows computer using the taskbar?

Yes, on Windows computers, the taskbar at the bottom of the screen allows you to switch between open applications. You can click on the application icons on the taskbar to bring the corresponding app to the foreground.

Is the app switcher the same as the recent apps screen?

The app switcher and the recent apps screen often refer to the same functionality, but the terminology can vary depending on the operating system and device. They both serve the purpose of showing and allowing you to switch between recently used apps.

Can I access the app switcher from any screen on my device?

Yes, on most devices, you can access the app switcher from any screen. Regardless of the app or screen you are currently in, you can typically invoke the app switcher by using a specific gesture, button combination, or a dedicated soft key.

Looking for a Great Deal?
Shop Lenovo.com for great deals on A+ Education PCs, Accessories, Bundles and more.
Shop Deals Now

  • Legion 7i Gen 9 (16″ Intel) Gaming Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,699.99
    Learn More
  • ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition (15ʺ Intel) Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,127.97
    Learn More
  • Yoga Book 9i (13” Intel)
    Starting at
    $1,999.99
    Learn More
  • Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (14″ Intel) Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,439.99
    Learn More
  • ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 (16″ Intel) Mobile Workstation
    Starting at
    $1,871.22
    Learn More
  • Shop
    • Student Deals
    • K-12 Student Laptops
    • Student Accessories
    • Laptops by Major
    Education resource
    Explore
    • What is STEM?
    • Best Laptops for College
    • Student & Teacher Discounts
    • Lenovo Sustainability Programs
    Education carry case

    Stem Articles
    See All STEM Articles
    • Online STEM Education

    • STEM Career Tips & Resources

    • Women in STEM

    • STEM Educator Training

    • STEM Grants & Funding

    • STEM Education: Coding for Kids

    • STEM Education: Robotics

    • STEM Education: Biotechnology

    • STEM Education: Sustainability

    • STEM Education: AI & ML

    While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this glossary is provided for reference purposes only and may contain errors or inaccuracies. It serves as a general resource for understanding commonly used terms and concepts. For precise information or assistance regarding our products, we recommend visiting our dedicated support site, where our team is readily available to address any questions or concerns you may have.

    Why Lenovo?

    Go Greener with Leno...

    Lenovo is committed to Smarter Climate Action with lower energy laptops, use of sustainable materials and packaging, and available CO2 Offset Services.
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Get It Now, Pay For ...

    Lenovo has multiple financing option: the Lenovo Credit Card, installment plans, and lease-to-own financing op...
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Productivity & Peace of Mind

    Stay productive with Premium Care Plus - 24/7 priority support and coverage against accidental damage. Power through your day with our Smart Performance and extended battery solutions.
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Fast & Secure

    Get the most from your laptop with Lenovo’s state-of-the-art Smart Performance, delivering powerful, all-in-on...
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Assistance and Suppo...

    Chat with a trained professional who can help you find the right products, place or check on an order, or setup your Education laptop.
    Contact Us
    pastel background
    Enter email to receive Lenovo marketing and promotional emails. Review our Privacy Statement for more details.
    Please enter the correct email address!
    Email address is required
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Youtube
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Instagram
    Select Country / Region:
    Country
    AndroidIOS

    About Lenovo

    • Our Company
    • News
    • Investors Relations
    • Compliance
    • ESG
    • Product Recycling
    • Product Security
    • Product Recalls
    • Executive Briefing Center
    • Lenovo Cares
    • Careers
    • Formula 1 Partnership

    Products & Services

    • Laptops & Ultrabooks
    • Smarter AI for You
    • Desktop Computers
    • Workstations
    • Gaming
    • Tablets
    • Servers, Storage, & Networking
    • Accessories & Software
    • Services & Warranty
    • Product FAQs
    • Outlet
    • Deals
    • Lenovo Coupons
    • Cloud Security Software
    • Windows 11 Upgrade

    Resources

    • Legion Gaming Community
    • Lenovo EDU Community
    • Lenovo Pro Community
    • Lenovo Pro for Business
    • My Lenovo Rewards
    • Lenovo Financing
    • Lenovo Trade-in
    • Affiliate Program
    • Affinity Program
    • Employee Purchase Program
    • Lenovo Partner Hub
    • Laptop Buying Guide
    • Where to Buy
    • Glossary

    Customer Support

    • Contact Us
    • Policy FAQs
    • Return Policy
    • Shipping Information
    • Order Lookup
    • Register a Product
    • Replacement Parts
    • Technical Support
    • Forums
    • Provide Feedback
    © 2025 Lenovo. All rights reserved.
    PrivacyCookie Consent ToolSite MapTerms of UseExternal Submission PolicySales terms and conditionsAnti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
    Compare  ()
    x
    Call

    Need Help? Call: 

    1-800-426-7235
    Select Your Store
    Add items to your cart?
    We've noticed that you've entered a different store. Do you want to add these items to your cart in the new store?
    No Yes. Add in Lenovo Pro