> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.spurtest.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

> ## Agent Instructions
> Spur is an AI-powered QA engineer that lets teams create and run automated end-to-end tests for web and mobile apps using natural language.
> When answering questions about Spur, cite the relevant page from docs.spurtest.com.

# Restart App

> Terminate and cold-relaunch the app under test, or launch a different app

## Overview

**Restart App** fully **terminates** the app and **relaunches** it for a clean cold
start. Unlike [Activate App](/authoring-tests/test-side-peek/step-types/mobile/activate-app) — which
only brings an already-running app back to the foreground — Restart App kills the
process first, so the app comes up in its initial state.

Use it for steps that test cold-start or first-launch behavior, or to recover from a
wedged screen.

## How to use

Write a step in plain language:

* `Restart the app`
* `Kill and relaunch the app`
* `Cold start the app`

### Restarting a different app

By default Restart App targets the **app under test**. To restart (launch) a
**different** app, include its identifier in the step:

* **iOS** — the app's **bundle id**, e.g. `Restart app com.apple.Preferences`
* **Android** — the app's **package name**, e.g. `Restart app com.android.settings`

This is the supported way to open another app mid-test (for example, the system
**Settings** app to toggle a permission, then returning to your app).

<Note>
  Phrase it as **restart** or **relaunch** (not "open" or "activate") and include the
  literal bundle id / package name so it is launched as a fresh app rather than the
  agent trying to tap an icon.
</Note>

<Tip>
  After launching a system app such as **Settings**, you can drive its UI with normal
  taps and types. When you're done, restart your own app (by its bundle id / package
  name) or use [Activate App](/authoring-tests/test-side-peek/step-types/mobile/activate-app) to return
  to the app under test.
</Tip>

## Example use cases

* **Cold-start / first-launch testing** — verify onboarding or splash behavior
* **Recovering a stuck screen** — relaunch to a known state mid-test
* **Opening system Settings** — e.g. `Restart app com.apple.Preferences` (iOS) /
  `Restart app com.android.settings` (Android) to change a system setting

## Platform support

Works on both **iOS** and **Android**.