How do I force-quit an individual app on an actual Apple Watch (not in the simulators)?

Question

When developing an app, it is sometimes useful to force-quit an application without having to re-start the entire device.

On my iPhone, I can force-quit the active app by double-clicking the home button and swiping the app to the top.

For the actual Apple Watch (not the simulators), force-quitting an app is particularly useful since there are sometimes connection problems between Xcode and the watch app. Also, sometimes I would like to force-quit my Apple Watch app when it is not connected to Xcode.

So, how can I force-quit / terminate the active app on the Apple Watch without restarting the entire device?

Answer 1

When the app that you would like to terminate is open:

• Press and hold the side button and wait until the shut down screen appear. Then let go of the side button.
• Press and hold the side button again until the home screen appears.

Your formerly active app has now been terminated.

PS: The side button is the button below the Digital Crown.