Overview:

If Safari—or any app—on your Mac becomes unresponsive and won’t close, you can use the Force Quit function to shut it down safely. This is a helpful tool when standard quitting methods (like Command-Q) don’t work.

Source: Adapted from Apple Support Article HT201276

When to Use Force Quit

Use Force Quit when:

  • An app freezes or becomes unresponsive

  • You see the spinning beachball cursor and can't interact with the app

  • You’re unable to close the app using the menu or keyboard shortcut

How to Force Quit an App

  1. Open the Force Quit Menu:

    • Press Option (⌥) + Command (⌘) + Esc (Escape) together

    • Or go to the Apple menu () in the top-left corner and select Force Quit

  2. Select the App:

    • In the Force Quit window, click the name of the app you want to close (e.g., Safari).

  3. Force Quit:

    • Click Force Quit, then confirm if prompted.

Tip:

Try quitting apps normally first using Command (⌘) + Q or by choosing Quit [App Name] from the menu bar. Use Force Quit only when those methods don’t work.


 If you continue to experience issues, please submit a technology help desk ticket or email us at helpdesk@kinkaid.org, and we will be happy to assist you promptly.