What "complete" means depends on what you're trying to finish
The phrase "how do you complete" covers dozens of different tasks — finishing a form, closing an app, submitting a document, ending a video call, or marking something as done. This guide walks through the most common ones: what each task actually means, where to find the option, and what happens after you do it.
Most of these tasks work the same way across devices, though the exact steps shift between Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android. We'll cover the differences where they matter.
Key Takeaways
- Closing an app is different from signing out — closing just shuts the program, while signing out removes your account access and is usually safer when sharing a device.
- Submitting a form online requires you to find and click a button labeled "Submit", "Send", "Post", or "Finish", not just fill in the fields.
- Ending a video call means clicking the red phone icon or "End Call" button, which disconnects you but does not delete the recording if one was made.
- Marking a task complete in a to-do app usually means clicking a checkbox or tapping the item, which moves it to a "Done" section but keeps the record.
- The back button on your phone closes the current screen but does not save unsaved work, so save first if you have typed anything.
Submitting a form or survey online
A form is not complete until you click the submit button. Filling in all the fields is only half the work — the information stays on your device until you send it. Look for a button at the bottom of the form labeled "Submit", "Send", "Post", "Finish", or sometimes just a right arrow. On mobile, you may need to scroll down to see it.
After you click submit, the page usually shows a confirmation message or takes you to a new page. If nothing happens and you see an error message in red text, the form found a problem — usually a required field you missed or an email address in the wrong format. Fix what the error points to and click submit again.
Some forms save your answers as you type (Google Forms does this). Others only save when you click submit. If you are not sure, look for a "Save" button separate from the submit button. If there is no save button, the form is probably auto-saving.
Closing an app or program
On Windows, click the X button in the top right corner of the window. On Mac, click the red circle in the top left. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. On Android, tap the back button or swipe up from the bottom. The app closes and returns you to your home screen or desktop.
Closing an app does not sign you out. Your account stays logged in, and the next time you open the app, you will still be there. If you want to sign out — which is safer if someone else uses your device — look for a "Sign Out", "Log Out", or "Exit Account" option in the app's settings menu, usually found by tapping your profile picture or a gear icon.
On a computer, closing a program is not the same as shutting down your computer. The program stops running, but your computer stays on. If you want to turn off your computer entirely, use the Start menu on Windows or the Apple menu on Mac and choose "Shut Down".
Ending a video or phone call
During a call on Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, FaceTime, WhatsApp, or any other app, look for a red phone icon or a button labeled "End Call" or "Leave Meeting". Tap or click it. You will disconnect from the call immediately, and the other person will see that you have left.
Ending a call does not delete any recording that was made. If the meeting was recorded, the file saves to the organizer's account or to cloud storage — check the app's settings to see where recordings go. If you do not want to be recorded, you can usually mute your video or audio before joining, or ask the organizer to stop recording.
If you close the app instead of clicking "End Call", you will still disconnect, but it is less clean — the other person may see you as "still in the call" for a few seconds. Always use the end call button when you can.
Marking a task as done in a to-do app
In apps like Microsoft To Do, Apple Reminders, Google Tasks, or Todoist, open the task and look for a checkbox or circle next to the task name. Tap or click it. The task usually moves to a "Completed" section or gets a strikethrough, but the record stays in the app — you can still see it later if you need to.
Marking a task complete does not delete it. If you want to remove it entirely, look for a delete or trash icon, usually three dots or a trash can symbol. Deleting removes the task from the app completely, so only do this if you are sure you will not need the record.
Some to-do apps let you set a due date and get a reminder before the date arrives. If you complete a task before the due date, the reminder usually stops. If you complete it after the due date, the app may mark it as "late" but still counts it as done.
Finishing a document or file
If you mean saving a document you have been working on, use Ctrl+S on Windows or Command+S on Mac. The file saves to your computer or cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox). If you have not saved before, a dialog box appears asking where to save and what to name the file.
If you mean submitting a document for someone else to review — like turning in homework or sending a contract — save it first, then attach it to an email or upload it to the platform your teacher or manager told you to use. Do not assume they can see it just because it is on your computer.
If you mean printing a document, open the File menu and choose "Print" (or Ctrl+P on Windows, Command+P on Mac). A print dialog appears. Choose your printer, the number of copies, and which pages to print, then click "Print". The document goes to your printer, but the file stays on your computer.
Signing out of an account
Signing out removes your account access from that device or browser. On most websites, look for your profile picture or name in the top right corner, click it, and choose "Sign Out" or "Log Out". On apps, this option is usually in Settings, often under "Account" or "Profile".
After you sign out, you will need to enter your password the next time you want to use that account on that device. This is the right thing to do if you are using a shared computer or a public device. If it is your personal device, signing out is optional — most people stay signed in for convenience.
Signing out is different from closing the app or browser. You can close the app and still be signed in. The next time you open it, you will be right where you left off. Only sign out if you specifically want to disconnect your account.
Going back or exiting a screen on your phone
On most phones, tap the back button (usually an arrow pointing left) at the top left of the screen or at the bottom of the screen. This takes you to the previous screen. If you are at the home screen, the back button does nothing.
Going back does not save unsaved work. If you have typed something into a form or note and you go back without saving, that text disappears. Some apps warn you before you leave ("You have unsaved changes. Leave anyway?"), but not all do. If you see that warning, tap "Save" or "Keep Editing" to stay.
On iPhone, there is usually a back button at the top left that says the name of the previous screen (like "< Messages"). Tap it to go back. If you do not see a back button, swipe from the left edge of the screen toward the right, and it will take you back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between closing and minimizing?
Minimizing hides the window but leaves the program running in the background. Closing stops the program entirely. On Windows, the minimize button is the dash or underscore in the top right. On Mac, it is the yellow circle. Closing uses the X or red circle.
If I close an app without saving, is my work gone forever?
Usually yes, but some apps auto-save or keep a backup. Google Docs and Microsoft 365 save as you type. Notes apps often save automatically too. But if you close a text editor or email draft without hitting save, it is gone. When in doubt, save before closing.
Does signing out delete my account?
No. Signing out just disconnects you from that device. Your account and all your data stay on the company's servers. You can sign back in anytime with your password, and everything will be there.
Can I undo something after I mark it complete?
In most to-do apps, yes — tap the completed task and uncheck the box. In some apps, you can also use Ctrl+Z or Command+Z right after you complete it. But if you close the app and come back later, undo usually will not work anymore.
What happens if I end a call by accident?
You disconnect from the call. The other person sees you have left. You can call back or rejoin the meeting if it is still active, but you will have to click the call button or meeting link again. There is no automatic reconnect.