Mastering iPad Multitasking: How to Enable and Disable Split Screen

The iPad has evolved from a simple media consumption device to a powerful productivity tool. Central to this transformation is its multitasking capabilities, most notably Split View, commonly known as split screen. This feature allows you to run two apps side-by-side, significantly enhancing your workflow, research, and entertainment experiences. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about enabling, disabling, and effectively using split screen on your iPad.

Understanding iPad Split Screen: Split View and Slide Over

Before diving into the how-to, let’s clarify the two main multitasking modes available on iPads:

• Split View: This mode divides the screen into two equal or adjustable portions, each displaying a different app. Both apps are active and can be used simultaneously. This is ideal for comparing documents, writing while researching, or watching a video while taking notes.
• Slide Over: This mode floats a smaller, narrower app window over the top of your currently active app. The Slide Over app hovers and can be easily dismissed or brought back to view. This is perfect for quickly checking messages, browsing the web, or using a utility app without fully leaving your primary task.

While this article primarily focuses on Split View, understanding Slide Over is essential as it often complements the split-screen workflow.

Checking iPad Compatibility

Not all iPads support Split View. Ensure your iPad meets the following requirements:

• iPad Pro (all models)
• iPad Air 2 and later
• iPad (5th generation and later)
• iPad mini 4 and later

If your iPad is older than these models, it won’t be able to run apps in Split View.

Enabling Split Screen: Step-by-Step Instructions

There are several ways to enable split screen on your iPad. We’ll cover the most common and reliable methods:

Method 1: Using the Dock

This is often the easiest and most intuitive method for initiating Split View.

1. Open your first app: Begin by launching the app you want to use as your primary app in Split View. For example, open Safari if you want to browse the web.
2. Access the Dock: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (but not so far as to close the app entirely). This will bring up the Dock.
3. Select the second app: Locate the icon of the second app you want to use in Split View within the Dock.
4. Drag the icon: Tap and hold the icon of the second app and drag it away from the Dock.
5. Position the app: Drag the icon to either the left or right edge of the screen. You will see the first app shift slightly to accommodate the second app.
6. Release the icon: Release your finger. The second app will now snap into place, creating a split-screen view.

Method 2: Using the App Switcher

This method is useful when the app you want to use in Split View isn’t readily available in the Dock.

1. Open your first app: Start by opening the app that will be your primary app in Split View.
2. Access the App Switcher: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold your finger briefly in the middle of the screen. This will bring up the App Switcher, displaying all your recently used apps. Alternatively, quickly double-press the Home button (on iPads with a Home button).
3. Tap and hold the second app: Find the app you want to use in Split View in the App Switcher. Tap and hold its app preview.
4. Drag over the first app: Without releasing your finger, drag the app preview over the top of the first app’s preview. You’ll see the first app preview shrink slightly.
5. Release the icon: Release your finger. The two apps will now open in Split View.

Method 3: Using Quick Note (iPadOS 15 and later)

If you’re using an iPad with iPadOS 15 or later, you can leverage the Quick Note feature to quickly create a Split View with the Notes app.

1. Open any app: Start with the app you want to use alongside Notes in Split View.
2. Swipe from the corner: Swipe diagonally upwards from the bottom right corner of the screen. This action will open a Quick Note window.
3. Tap the ellipsis (…) at the top: In the Quick Note window, tap the ellipsis (…) button located at the top right corner.
4. Select ‘Open in Split View’: From the menu that appears, choose the option ‘Open in Split View’.
5. Choose the second app: The Notes app will move to one side of the screen, and you’ll be prompted to select another app to fill the remaining space. Choose the desired app.

Adjusting the Split Screen Ratio

Once you have two apps in Split View, you can adjust the amount of screen space each app occupies.

1. Locate the divider: Between the two apps, you’ll see a vertical divider line.
2. Drag the divider: Place your finger on the divider line and drag it either to the left or right.
3. Choose the ratio: You can choose from three screen ratios:
• 50/50: Divides the screen equally between the two apps.
• 75/25: Gives one app a larger portion of the screen (75%) while the other gets a smaller portion (25%).
• 25/75: The reverse of the previous ratio, giving the first app 25% and the second app 75% of the screen.
4. Release the divider: Once you’ve chosen your desired ratio, release your finger.

The available ratios may vary depending on the apps you are using, as some apps require a minimum screen size to function correctly.

Switching Apps in Split View

You can easily replace one of the apps in Split View with a different app without closing the split-screen entirely.

1. Tap the ellipsis (…) at the top: At the top of the app you want to replace, you’ll see a small horizontal ellipsis (…). Tap this ellipsis.
2. Select the ‘Replace App’ icon: A small menu will appear. Look for an icon that looks like two overlapping rectangles. This is the ‘Replace App’ icon. Tap it.
3. Choose a new app: You’ll be taken back to your Home screen or App Library. Select the app you want to use in Split View in place of the previous app.

The selected app will now replace the previous app in the Split View arrangement.

Moving an App from Split View to Slide Over (and vice versa)

You can seamlessly transition an app between Split View and Slide Over modes.

From Split View to Slide Over:

1. Tap the ellipsis (…) at the top: At the top of the app you want to move to Slide Over, tap the horizontal ellipsis (…).
2. Select the ‘Slide Over’ icon: From the menu that appears, choose the icon that looks like a small rectangle sitting on top of a larger rectangle. This is the ‘Slide Over’ icon. Tap it.

The selected app will now float in a Slide Over window above the remaining app.

From Slide Over to Split View:

1. Tap the ellipsis (…) at the top: In the Slide Over window, tap the horizontal ellipsis (…).
2. Select the ‘Split View’ icon: From the menu that appears, choose the icon that looks like two equal rectangles side-by-side. This is the ‘Split View’ icon. Tap it.
3. Choose the position: The Slide Over app will either automatically move to one side of the screen, or you’ll be prompted to choose which side of the screen you want to place it on.

Disabling Split Screen: Closing Split View

There are a few ways to close Split View and return to a single-app view.

Method 1: Dragging the Divider to the Edge

1. Locate the divider: Find the vertical divider line separating the two apps in Split View.
2. Drag the divider: Place your finger on the divider line and drag it all the way to either the left or right edge of the screen, depending on which app you want to close.
3. Release the divider: When the divider reaches the edge, release your finger. The app on the side you dragged to will close, and the remaining app will expand to fill the entire screen.

Method 2: Using the App Switcher (Less Reliable)

While less reliable and sometimes inconsistent, you can sometimes close Split View through the App Switcher.

1. Access the App Switcher: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold briefly in the middle, or double-press the Home button.
2. Swipe up on the app pair: Find the app pair that is currently in Split View. Swipe up on the app preview to close both apps simultaneously and effectively ending the Split View. However, this method sometimes just closes both apps entirely rather than just exiting Split View.

Troubleshooting Common Split Screen Issues

While Split View is generally reliable, you might encounter occasional issues. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

• Split View not working:
  • Check Compatibility: Ensure your iPad model supports Split View (refer to the compatibility list above).
  • Restart your iPad: A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches.
  • Update iPadOS: Make sure your iPad is running the latest version of iPadOS. Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  • Check App Compatibility: Not all apps support Split View. Some apps may have limitations or compatibility issues. Try using different apps to see if the problem persists.
• App freezing or crashing in Split View:
  • Close and reopen the app: Try closing the problematic app and reopening it.
  • Free up storage space: If your iPad is running low on storage, it can affect performance. Delete unnecessary files or apps.
  • Clear app cache: Some apps store a large amount of cache data, which can cause issues. Check the app’s settings to see if you can clear its cache.
  • Reset all settings (as a last resort): Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings. This will reset all your settings to their default values, but it won’t erase your data.
• Unable to adjust the Split View ratio:
  • Check App Requirements: Some apps have minimum size requirements and may not allow for extreme aspect ratios in Split View.
  • Experiment with Different Apps: The issue might be specific to a particular app combination. Try different apps in Split View to see if the problem persists.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Split Screen Productivity

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Split View on your iPad:

• Use Split View for research: Open Safari in one window and a note-taking app like Pages or Notes in the other. Research information on the web and easily take notes simultaneously.
• Compare documents side-by-side: Open two documents in different apps (e.g., Pages and Microsoft Word) to compare and edit them.
• Translate languages: Use Safari with a translation website in one window and a messaging app in the other to easily translate conversations.
• Watch videos while browsing: Watch YouTube or other video streaming services in one window and browse the web or use other apps in the other.
• Use drag and drop: You can drag and drop text, images, and files between apps in Split View, making it easy to transfer information. Simply tap and hold the item you want to move, then drag it to the other app.
• Master keyboard shortcuts: Use keyboard shortcuts to quickly switch between apps, adjust the Split View ratio, and perform other tasks.
• Create App Pairs (iPadOS 16 and later): iPadOS 16 introduced the ability to save sets of apps that you frequently use together in Split View. You can create App Pairs and quickly launch them together from the Dock.

iPadOS 16 and Stage Manager: A New Era of Multitasking (For Supported Models)

iPadOS 16 introduced Stage Manager, a completely revamped multitasking system. While Stage Manager is a separate feature from Split View, it’s important to understand its capabilities, especially if you have a newer iPad Pro or iPad Air.

Stage Manager Features:

• Resizable Windows: Stage Manager allows you to resize app windows and arrange them on the screen as you see fit, similar to a desktop operating system.
• Overlapping Windows: Unlike Split View, Stage Manager lets you have overlapping windows, giving you more flexibility in how you organize your workspace.
• External Display Support: Stage Manager provides improved external display support, allowing you to use your iPad with a larger monitor and multiple windows.

Compatibility:

Stage Manager is only available on the following iPad models:

• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later)
• iPad Air (5th generation)

Enabling and Disabling Stage Manager:

You can enable or disable Stage Manager in Control Center:

1. Open Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Tap the Stage Manager icon: The Stage Manager icon looks like a rectangle with three dots in the middle. Tap it to toggle Stage Manager on or off.

While Stage Manager offers a more advanced multitasking experience, Split View remains a valuable and accessible feature for all compatible iPads.

Conclusion

Split View on the iPad is a powerful tool that can significantly boost your productivity and enhance your overall user experience. By mastering the techniques outlined in this guide, you can seamlessly multitask between apps, streamline your workflow, and unlock the full potential of your iPad. Whether you’re researching, writing, creating, or simply enjoying entertainment, Split View is an indispensable feature for any iPad user.