How to Enable and Disable Split Screen on an iPad: Easy Guide

PDF download Download Article
Learn how to get rid of iPad's split screen update
PDF download Download Article

With iPad's newest update, you can now use Multitasking to open two apps side-by-side in split screen mode. If you have open apps in split screen, you can easily close it by tapping the Multitasking button. You can also disable this feature entirely. Here's how to enable and disable split screen on an iPad.

Turning Off Split Screen on an iPad

To quickly close an app open in split screen, drag the divider to the edge of either side. To disable the feature completely, go to Settings > Multitasking & Gestures > Off .

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Disabling Multitasking

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the grey cog icon. If you don't want the multitasking (split screen) feature, you can disable it entirely. Multitasking is enabled by default, and it can be used in either orientation .
    • Be sure to update your device . You must have at least iPadOS 17 to disable this feature.
    • If your iPad is older , you can close Split Screen by dragging the divider to either end of the screen.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can find this in the left panel, underneath Home Screen & App Library .
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the first option on the left. The changes will be applied immediately.
    • If you have any active split screens, they'll be separated into their individual app windows.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Multitasking

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Open an app . This can be any app that supports split screen.
    • Make sure this feature is enabled in your settings. Tap Settings > Multitasking & Gestures > Split View & Slide Over .
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the three dots at the very top of the app.
    • A pop-up menu will open.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the second option.
    • Alternatively, you can tap Slide Over if you want this app to open in a separate panel on top of another app.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can browse your Home screen , Dock, or App Library.
    • The apps will open in split view with the first app on the left and the second app on the right.
    • To rearrange the app, tap the Multitasking icon above either app. Tap Split VIew , and then select Left Split or Right Split .
    • To return to full-screen mode, tap the Multitasking icon above either app, and tap Full Screen . [1]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Enable-and-Disable-Split-Screen-on-an-iPad-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you don't want to use the Multitasking icon, you can drag an app to split view instead. Do the following:
    • Open an app.
    • From the Dock, tap, hold, and drag another app to the left or right of the screen.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I delete multiple screens?
    Community Answer
    Hold down the double screen icon until the tabs appear, hit tabs, then turn it off (merge all).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 70 Helpful 44
  • Question
    How do I turn off split screen on iPad so it does not reappear?
    Community Answer
    Open Settings, go to Safari, and click Clear History And Web Site Data.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 53 Helpful 15
  • Question
    How do I turn off the split screen feature?
    Community Answer
    Open the settings app on your iPad, tap General, and go to select multitasking.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 173 Helpful 63
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Change the Home Screen Background on an iPad
      How to
      Reset an iPad Without the Password
      iPad Battery Draining Fast? 8 Quick Solutions
      How to Tell if Your iPad Is Too Old to Update
      2 Ways to Screen Mirror Your iPhone to iPad
      A Complete Guide to Jailbreak an iPad, iPad Pro, or Mini
      How to See if Someone Read Your Text on iPhone & iPad
      3 Simple Ways to Completely Power Down Your iPad or iPad Pro
      7 Ways to Transfer Files to iPad from PC or Mac
      How to
      Use Smart View on iPhone or iPad
      Use Your iPad to Stream Video or Mirror Your Screen to a TV
      How to Turn Off AirPlay: The Complete Guide
      How to
      Get a Free iPad
      A Quick Guide to Transfer Photos from an iPad to Your Computer
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102364

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 376,109 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement