How Do I Close Split Screen On IPad? Simple Steps

Ever found yourself juggling two apps side-by-side on your iPad, a split screen making multitasking a breeze? It’s a fantastic feature, allowing you to work on a document while referencing a webpage, or chat with friends while watching a video. But what happens when you’re done with that multi-app setup? How do you gracefully exit split screen mode and reclaim your full screen real estate?

Don’t worry, it’s a simple process. Whether you’re a seasoned iPad user or just starting out, closing split screen is a straightforward task. This guide will walk you through all the methods, ensuring you can seamlessly transition back to single-app view whenever you need.

We’ll cover the primary methods, from the intuitive drag-and-drop gesture to the more traditional methods using the multitasking controls. You’ll learn how to close split screen in any situation, no matter which apps you are using. Let’s get started!

Understanding Split Screen on iPad

Before we jump into closing split screen, let’s briefly touch upon what it is and how it works. Split View, as Apple calls it, allows you to use two apps simultaneously on your iPad screen. This is a huge productivity booster, especially on the larger iPad models. It lets you work without constantly switching between apps.

You can adjust the size of each app window, giving more screen space to the app you’re focusing on. The feature is available on most iPad models running iPadOS. Understanding the basics of how split screen works is crucial for efficiently closing it when you’re done.

How Split Screen Works

Split Screen is designed to be intuitive. You typically start by opening one app, then either:

Using the Dock: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the Dock. Tap and hold the icon of a second app, then drag it to either the left or right edge of the screen. You’ll see the screen split, and you can release the app icon.
Using the Multitasking Menu: Open an app, then tap the three dots at the top center of the screen (the multitasking button). Select the Split View icon (two squares side-by-side). The current app will move to one side, and you can select another app to open in the other panel.

Once in Split View, you can adjust the app sizes by dragging the vertical divider in the center. This is key to understanding how to close it, as you’ll be manipulating this divider to exit the mode.

Benefits of Using Split Screen

Split Screen offers several advantages, including:

Enhanced Productivity: Work on multiple tasks at once without constant app switching.
Improved Multitasking: Easily reference information from one app while writing in another.
Better Workflow: Streamline tasks that involve copying and pasting or comparing information.

But when you’re finished with these tasks, knowing how to close split screen is just as important as knowing how to open it. (See Also: What Is iPad Memory? A Comprehensive Guide for Users)

Methods to Close Split Screen

Now, let’s get into the main topic: how to close split screen on your iPad. There are several methods, each with its own advantages. We’ll cover the most common and effective ones.

Method 1: Using the Divider

This is the most straightforward and often the quickest method. It involves interacting with the vertical divider that separates the two apps in Split View.

Locate the Divider: This is the vertical line located between the two apps. It will have a small bar in the middle.
Drag the Divider: Tap and hold the divider. Now, drag it completely to the left or right edge of the screen.
Release: Release the divider when it reaches the edge. The app on that side will close, and the other app will expand to fill the entire screen.

This method is quick and easy to remember. It’s especially useful if you only need one of the apps to remain open.

Method 2: Using the Multitasking Menu

The multitasking menu provides another way to close Split View. This method is useful if you want to switch between apps and close Split View at the same time.

Tap the Multitasking Button: Locate the three dots at the top of the app you want to keep open (or close).
Choose the Full-Screen Option: Tap the full-screen icon (a square). The other app will close, and the current app will expand to fill the entire screen.

This method is helpful if you want to quickly switch to a single app view and close the other one.

Method 3: Closing From the App Switcher

The App Switcher (accessed by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and pausing) provides another way to close Split View, particularly when you want to quickly close both apps simultaneously or choose a different app to open.

Open the App Switcher: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle of the screen. This will display all open apps, including those in Split View.
Close the Split View: You’ll see the two apps in their Split View arrangement. Swipe up on either app in the Split View to close both apps at the same time. If you want to keep one of the apps open, simply tap on it.

This method is useful if you want a clean slate and to close both apps quickly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While closing Split View is usually simple, you might encounter some issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them: (See Also: What Gen Is iPad on? A Comprehensive Guide)

The Divider Won’t Move

If the divider isn’t moving, ensure you’re tapping and holding it correctly. Sometimes, a light tap isn’t enough. Make sure your finger is firmly placed on the divider before you start dragging. Also, check that you are not accidentally touching the app content instead of the divider bar.

Apps Are Not Responding

If the apps in Split View are unresponsive, try closing and reopening them. You can do this by swiping up on them in the App Switcher. If the issue persists, try restarting your iPad. This often resolves minor software glitches.

Split View Isn’t Working

If you’re having trouble opening Split View, ensure your iPad model and the apps you are using support it. Not all apps are compatible with Split View. Also, check your iPad settings to make sure multitasking features are enabled. Go to Settings > Home Screen & Dock > Multitasking and ensure that “Allow Multiple Apps” is enabled.

Tips for Efficient Split Screen Use

Beyond closing split screen, here are some tips to make the most of this feature:

Customize Split View Layouts

Experiment with different app combinations and sizes. You can adjust the size of each app window by dragging the divider. The optimal layout depends on the apps you’re using and your workflow.

Use Drag and Drop

One of the best features of iPad split screen is the ability to drag and drop content between apps. You can drag text, images, and files from one app to another. This is particularly useful for tasks like composing emails, creating documents, and organizing files.

Learn Keyboard Shortcuts

If you use a keyboard with your iPad, learn the keyboard shortcuts for multitasking. This can significantly speed up your workflow. For example, using Command + Tab to switch apps.

Optimize for Your Workflow

Think about how you use your iPad and identify tasks that can benefit from Split View. For example, if you often take notes while reading articles, using Split View to have both the note-taking app and the article open side by side can save time and improve productivity. (See Also: How Do You Know If Your iPad Is Charging? A Simple Guide)

Additional iPad Multitasking Features

Besides Split View, iPadOS offers other multitasking features to enhance your productivity:

Slide Over

Slide Over allows you to open an app in a floating window that sits on top of other apps. You can quickly switch between apps using Slide Over, and it’s great for taking notes or checking messages without leaving your current app. To use Slide Over, swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen to reveal the Dock. Then, tap and drag an app icon from the Dock to the right or left edge of the screen. The app will open in a floating window.

Picture in Picture (pip)

Picture in Picture (PiP) allows you to watch videos or use FaceTime while using other apps. The video or FaceTime call will shrink into a small, movable window that stays on top of your other apps. To use PiP, start playing a video or initiate a FaceTime call. Then, tap the PiP button (usually a small square icon) to minimize the video into a corner of the screen.

Using External Displays

Some iPad models support connecting to external displays. This allows you to mirror your iPad’s screen or extend your workspace. This feature is particularly useful for presentations or working on large projects.

These features, along with Split View, offer a comprehensive multitasking experience on the iPad, making it a versatile tool for various tasks.

Which Method Is Best?

The “best” method for closing Split View depends on your specific needs and the apps you’re using. Here’s a quick comparison:

Method	Description	Best For
Divider Drag	Drag the vertical divider to the edge of the screen.	Quickly closing one app and maximizing the other.
Multitasking Menu	Tap the multitasking button (three dots) and select the full-screen option.	Switching to a single-app view and closing the other app.
App Switcher	Swipe up from the bottom, pause, then swipe up on the app.	Closing both apps simultaneously or choosing a different app.

Experiment with each method to see which one you prefer and which works best in different scenarios.

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Final Verdict

Closing split screen on your iPad is a straightforward process. You’ve learned how to gracefully exit Split View using the divider, the multitasking menu, and the App Switcher. Practice these methods, and you’ll become a pro at managing your iPad’s multitasking capabilities. Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and the apps you are using. With these simple steps, you can easily transition between single-app and split-screen views, enhancing your productivity and enjoying a more seamless iPad experience. You are now equipped to quickly switch between tasks and close split-screen mode whenever you desire!

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How Do I Close Split Screen on iPad? Simple Steps