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Remove the clutter from the App Switcher in iOS 8

Notice your recent contacts in the app switcher since upgrading to the latest version of iOS 8? Want to get rid of it? Here's how!

Jason Cipriani Contributing Writer, ZDNet
Jason Cipriani is based out of beautiful Colorado and has been covering mobile technology news and reviewing the latest gadgets for the last six years. His work can also be found on sister site CNET in the How To section, as well as across several more online publications.
Jason Cipriani

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Recent and Favorite contacts now sit atop the app switcher screen in iOS 8. Josh Miller/CNET

Prior to iOS 8, when you double-clicked your home button you would only see an array of app thumbnails, allowing you to quickly switch between apps. With iOS 8, avatars of your recent and favorite contacts will now show up as well.

30 tips every new iOS 8 user should know

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The new feature is convenient and one I found myself frequently using, but it's naturally not going to be appreciated by all.

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The Settings path to disable contacts from showing up in App Switcher. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

To disable your contacts from displaying in the app switcher, launch the Settings app and select Mail, Contacts, Calendar form the list of options.

Scroll down until you come upon the Contacts section where an option for "Show in App Switcher" can be found. You can disable your recents, favorites, or both from showing up in app switcher with a toggle of a switch.

For more helpful iOS 8 tips, be sure to check out our complete guide to iOS 8.

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