Split screen on iPad is a multitasking feature that allows you to use two apps side by side at the same time. For example, you can open a YouTube video on one side and Apple Notes on the other to write down the video’s key points. It’s a great feature for productivity.
In this article, I will explain how to open a split screen on an iPad, how to close it when you are done, and show you some really cool use cases of split view.
Open Split Screen on iPad
Method 1: Using the Multitasking Menu
- Open one of the apps you want to use in Split View.
- Tap the ‘three dots’ at the top of the screen.
- Select the Split View option (the icon with two squares).
- Tap on the second app you want to use in Split View.
Method 2: Using the Dock
- Open one of the apps you want to use in Split View.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up the Dock.
- Drag the second app from the Dock to the left or right edge of the screen to open Split View.
Adjusting the Split View
- Once in Split View, adjust the divider between the two apps by tapping and holding the gray bar in the middle. Drag it left or right to resize the apps as needed.
Switching Between Apps in Split View
- To switch between apps, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Dock, then tap the app you want to switch to.
How To Close Split Screen on iPad
Method 1: Using the Multitasking Menu
- When in Split View, tap the ‘three dots’ at the top of the app you want to close.
- Tap ‘Close’.
- The Split View will close, and the other app will remain open.
Method 2: Using the Divider
- In Split View, locate the divider between the two apps.
- Tap and hold the gray bar on the divider.
- Drag the bar all the way to the left or right side of the screen. This will close one of the apps and maximize the other to fill the entire screen.
- Tap and hold the gray bar on the divider
- While holding the bar, drag it all the way to the left or right side of the screen. This will close one of the apps and maximize the other to take up the entire screen.
Slide Over Feature on iPad
The Slide Over feature on iPad is a multitasking feature that allows you to quickly access a secondary app without completely exiting the current app you’re using. It’s a way to temporarily overlay a smaller app window on top of your main app, making it convenient to perform quick tasks or reference information without fully switching between apps.
How To Close Slide Over
To dismiss the Slide Over app, swipe it off the screen to the right. This action will tuck it away, and you can easily bring it back by swiping in from the right edge again.
6 Use Cases For Split View on iPad (Benefits)
Here are 6 use cases how you can use split view feature on iPad:
- Note-Taking/Research: web browser open on one side and a note-taking app on the other.
- Podcasts/Videos/Class: video opened on one side and a note-taking app on the other. Writing down the keynotes.
- Making Plans: Keep your social app opened on one side of the screen while checking your calendar on the other.
- Social Media and Messaging: Stay connected by having your social media app open on one side and a messaging app on the other. This way, you can stay entertained while waiting for replies.
- Coding and Documentation: If you’re a developer, you can have your code editor open on one side and documentation or a web browser for reference on the other. This facilitates coding and debugging.
- Language Learning: You can have a language learning app open on one side and a dictionary or translation app on the other to enhance your learning experience.
Remember not all iPad apps support split-view.
Do All iPad Apps support Split View?
Not all apps support Split View. Most native Apple apps and many third-party apps are compatible, but some apps may not have this functionality.
Apps that don’t support split view on iPad
- Netflix
- Disney+
- Clash of Clans
- Among Us
- TikTok
Typically, entertainment apps and games have not optimized their apps for split view.
Apps that do support split view on iPad
- Notability
- Apple Notes
- Spotify
- Safari
- Google Chrome
- YouTube
- Gmail
These developers have optimized their apps and are capable of split view.
FAQ’s
How do I exit Split View and return to a single app view?
You can either tap the ‘three dots’ at the top of the app you want to close and select ‘Close,’ or drag the divider bar all the way to the left or right to close one of the apps and maximize the other.
Can I adjust the size of the apps in Split View?
Yes, you can adjust the size of the apps by dragging the gray bar in the middle of the screen left or right.
How do I open a third app while in Split View?
While in Split View, you can open a third app as a Slide Over by dragging an app from the Dock to the middle of the screen.
Can I use Split View in both portrait and landscape modes?
Yes, Split View works in both portrait and landscape modes, but it is more commonly used and offers better functionality in landscape mode.
How do I replace one of the apps in Split View?
Swipe up from the bottom to open the Dock, then drag a new app to the side of the screen where you want it to appear in Split View.
What should I do if Split View is not working?
Ensure your iPad is updated to the latest iOS version and that the apps you want to use support Split View. If it’s still not working, try restarting your iPad.
Can I disable Split View?
Yes, you can disable multitasking features including Split View by going to Settings > Home Screen & Dock > Multitasking and turning off the features you don’t want.
How do I use Split View with Safari to open two websites simultaneously?
Open Safari, tap and hold a link, then select “Open in Split View.” Alternatively, you can drag a tab to the left or right edge of the screen to open it in Split View.
I'm a writer and editor in iPads & Android Tablets, Windows Tablet section. I'm passionate about technology, especially about tablets. I'm on a mission to assist people in discovering their ideal tablets. In addition, I'm dedicated to producing helpful how-to guides and sharing top-notch tips and tricks. In my early carrier I founded and became and editor at worldoftablet and have been a guest author at many other tech blogs. In wolfoftablet I'm focusing on iPads, Tablets, Apple Pencil, Apps, Reviews, Buyers Guides and Tablet Accessories. In free time I like to play games on my PS5 or iOS.