Following the upgrade to iPadOS 26, some users have encountered a frustrating bug that prevents them from closing open app windows. As detailed in an Apple Community discussion, this issue can manifest in two ways: the standard swipe‑up gesture in the App Switcher becomes completely unresponsive, which you can try to fix app closing gesture, and even the “x” button on tabs within apps like Safari fails to work. This problem points to a software glitch in the new operating system that affects the touch input and window management systems, rather than a hardware failure.

Why You Can’t Close Windows on iPadOS 26

iPadOS relies on a series of precise gestures to manage multitasking. Swiping up from the bottom of the screen opens the App Switcher, and a subsequent swipe up on an app preview closes it. When this core gesture stops working, it’s typically because the part of the operating system that processes touch input has encountered an error. If the screen itself feels sluggish or unresponsive, you may need to fix iPad touch issues before the gestures respond correctly.

This bug, likely introduced in the initial release of iPadOS 26, can cause the system to temporarily stop recognizing the “close” command, both for full app windows and for tabs within an application. The user in the community forum noted that rebooting helped, but the problem returned, which is characteristic of a software bug that gets triggered by specific conditions during use. The issue is not with your iPad’s screen, but with the software interpreting your actions.

How to Fix Unresponsive App Windows

These steps are ordered from the simplest and most effective to more comprehensive solutions for resolving this gesture‑related bug.

1. Force Restart Your iPad

A standard restart may not be enough to clear a deep software glitch. A force restart clears temporary system memory and reloads iPadOS, which is the most effective way to resolve temporary unresponsiveness in the user interface.

For iPads without a Home button:

1. Press and quickly release the volume up button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume down button.
3. Press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPads with a Home button:

1. Press and hold both the Top (or Side) button and the Home button at the same time.
2. Keep holding them until you see the Apple logo.

2. Use the “Switch and Return” Workaround

If the “x” button on a tab inside an app (like Safari or Files) is unresponsive, a user‑discovered workaround can often resolve it without a full restart.

1. Switch to a different open app using the App Switcher or the dock.
2. Immediately switch back to the original app where the tab wouldn’t close.
3. Try tapping the “x” on the tab again. This action of changing the active app often “unsticks” the unresponsive UI element.

For more insights into how Apple has redesigned Safari tab management in iOS 26, you can explore our guide.

3. Check for an iPadOS Update

If this is a widespread bug in the initial release of iPadOS 26, Apple will likely release a follow‑up update (e.g., iPadOS 26.0.1) to fix it.

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

   

2. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

4. Toggle Stage Manager

If you use Stage Manager, the bug may be related to this specific windowing system. Toggling it off and on can reset its processes.

1. Swipe down from the top‑right corner to open Control Center.
2. Tap the Stage Manager icon (a rectangle with three dots on the side) to turn it off.
3. Wait a few seconds, then tap the icon again to re‑enable it.
4. Try closing your app windows again.

For further details on how to troubleshoot multitasking features like Split View, refer to our dedicated guide.

5. Reset All Settings

If the issue persists, a system setting may have been corrupted during the upgrade. This action will reset all system settings to their defaults but will not delete any of your apps, data, or media.

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad.
2. Tap Reset > Reset All Settings.

   

3. You will need to enter your passcode to confirm. Your iPad will restart, and you will have to re‑enter Wi‑Fi passwords and reconfigure settings like wallpaper and privacy permissions.

If none of these solutions work, contact Apple Support for further assistance.