How to Turn Off Split Screen on iPad: A Definitive Guide

Tired of wrestling with Split View on your iPad? Fear not! Disabling this feature is usually a breeze, though the method depends on the current state of your screen. The most common way is to simply drag the app divider completely to the left or right until the app you want to close disappears off-screen. This will return your iPad to a single-app, full-screen view.

Let’s dive deeper into the specifics and explore some troubleshooting tips for those particularly stubborn cases.

Understanding iPad Multitasking Modes

Before we get into the “how-to,” it’s crucial to understand the different multitasking modes on your iPad, as this will influence how you disable split screen. The two primary modes are:

• Split View: This displays two apps side-by-side, sharing the screen real estate. This is the main culprit we’re addressing in this guide.
• Slide Over: This presents one app in a smaller, floating window that sits on top of your full-screen app. While related to multitasking, it’s not technically “split screen.”

Confusing the two can lead to frustration when trying to close the view you don’t want. So, ensure you correctly identify the mode you’re in.

Methods for Exiting Split View

Here are several methods to exit Split View on your iPad. Start with the simplest and work your way down if you encounter difficulties.

Method 1: The Drag and Dismiss

This is the most straightforward and frequently used method.

1. Identify the App Divider: Locate the thick gray or black bar situated between the two apps in Split View.
2. Drag and Dismiss: Tap and hold the app divider. Then, drag it either all the way to the left or all the way to the right edge of the screen. This will force one of the apps off-screen, leaving the other app in full-screen mode.

Method 2: Using the App Switcher

The App Switcher offers another route to exit Split View, especially useful if dragging isn’t working smoothly.

1. Access the App Switcher: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold briefly in the middle, or quickly double-press the Home button on older iPads.
2. Locate the Split View App Pair: You’ll see the apps currently in Split View grouped together as a single card.
3. Swipe Away: Swipe up on the card representing the Split View pair to close both apps simultaneously. Alternatively, you can tap one of the other app icons shown on the screen to switch to that single app.

Method 3: Force Quitting Apps

In rare cases, one of the apps might be unresponsive, preventing you from dragging the divider or using the App Switcher effectively. Force quitting the app can resolve this.

1. Access the App Switcher: Use the same method as described above (swipe up from the bottom and hold, or double-press the Home button).
2. Force Quit: Swipe up on the app card you suspect is causing the issue to force quit it.
3. Repeat as Needed: If both apps are unresponsive, force quit both apps involved in the Split View. Restart them individually afterwards.

Dealing with Stubborn Split Screen Situations

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, Split View refuses to budge. Here are a few additional tips and troubleshooting steps:

• Restart Your iPad: A simple restart can resolve many software glitches, including those related to multitasking.
• Check for Software Updates: Outdated iOS or iPadOS versions can sometimes cause unexpected behavior. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for and install any available updates.
• Reset All Settings (Use with Caution): As a last resort, you can try resetting all settings on your iPad. Be aware that this will erase your Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings, and other preferences, but it won’t delete your data. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings.
• Hardware Issues: In extremely rare cases, a hardware problem with the touchscreen might interfere with dragging gestures. If none of the above steps work, consider contacting Apple Support.

Split View Alternatives: Slide Over and Center Window

It’s worth noting that iPadOS offers other multitasking features that might be preferable to Split View, depending on your needs. Slide Over, as mentioned earlier, allows you to float one app on top of another, ideal for quick access to information or a specific task without fully committing to splitting the screen. Center Window is another option, presenting an app in a smaller window centered on the screen, useful for focusing on a single task while keeping the rest of the screen visible.

Split View and App Compatibility

Not all apps fully support Split View. Some apps might appear distorted or function improperly when used in Split View mode. If you encounter issues with a specific app in Split View, consider using it in full-screen mode or exploring alternative apps that offer better multitasking support.

Split View for Professional Productivity

When used effectively, Split View can significantly boost your productivity on the iPad. Imagine drafting an email while simultaneously referencing a document, or researching information online while taking notes in a separate app. The key is to experiment with different app combinations and find workflows that suit your needs.

FAQs About Turning Off Split Screen on iPad

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of disabling Split Screen on your iPad.

1. Why is my iPad stuck in Split Screen?

Sometimes, apps can become unresponsive within Split View, making it difficult to exit. Try force quitting the apps involved and restarting them. A system glitch could also be the culprit, in which case, restarting your iPad should resolve the issue.

2. How do I close Slide Over without closing the main app?

To close Slide Over, swipe the gray bar at the top of the Slide Over window towards the right edge of the screen. The app will slide off-screen, leaving your main app untouched.

3. Can I disable Split View completely?

There’s no system-wide setting to completely disable Split View. However, you can avoid triggering it by being mindful of your gestures and how you open apps.

4. What iPads support Split View?

Split View is available on iPad Pro, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad 5th generation and later, and iPad mini 4 and later.

5. Why can’t I drag the divider to close Split Screen?

This usually indicates that one of the apps is unresponsive. Try force quitting the apps and restarting them. Also, ensure your finger is accurately placed on the divider when dragging.

6. How do I prevent accidentally activating Split View?

Be careful when dragging apps from the Dock or using Spotlight Search to open apps. Avoid dragging an app icon towards the side of the screen, as this is the primary trigger for Split View.

7. Does Split View drain the battery faster?

Yes, running two apps simultaneously will generally consume more battery than running a single app. Consider closing Split View when you don’t need it to conserve power.

8. Can I use Split View in landscape and portrait mode?

Yes, Split View works in both landscape and portrait orientations on supported iPads.

9. How do I make an app always open in full screen?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive setting to force an app to always open in full screen. The iPad remembers the last state the app was in.

10. What is the difference between Split View and Stage Manager?

Split View allows you to run two apps side-by-side, while Stage Manager is a more advanced multitasking interface that lets you group apps together and quickly switch between different sets of apps. Stage Manager is available on specific iPad models with the M1 chip or later.

11. How do I use Slide Over instead of Split View?

To use Slide Over, drag an app icon from the Dock and release it on top of the currently open app, rather than to the side. This will open the app in a floating Slide Over window.

12. My Split View is showing two instances of the same app. How do I fix this?

This can happen when you’re working on different documents within the same app. To exit, close one of the instances using the drag and dismiss method.

By understanding the nuances of Split View and the various methods for disabling it, you can regain control of your iPad screen and optimize your workflow. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover the multitasking setup that best suits your individual needs.