How Do I Get Out Of Split Screen On IPad? Simple Guide

Ever found yourself juggling two apps on your iPad, side-by-side, and then suddenly you want to go back to a single app? It’s a common scenario, and figuring out how to get out of split screen mode can feel a little tricky at first. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than you might think!

Split screen is a fantastic feature for multitasking, letting you work on a document while also referencing a web page, or chatting with a friend while watching a video. But when you’re done with the multitasking, you’ll need to know how to return to the single-app view.

This guide will walk you through the various methods to exit split screen on your iPad, ensuring you can seamlessly switch between apps and enjoy the full potential of your device. Whether you’re a seasoned iPad user or just getting started, this guide will provide clear, concise steps to regain your full-screen experience.

Understanding iPad Split Screen

Before we jump into the ‘how,’ let’s clarify what split screen is and why it’s so useful. Split View on your iPad allows you to use two apps simultaneously, displayed side-by-side. This is different from Slide Over, which presents one app in a floating window on top of another. Split View maximizes screen real estate, letting you see and interact with both apps at the same time.

Benefits of Split Screen

Increased Productivity: Multitasking becomes much easier. You can compare information, copy and paste between apps, and work on multiple tasks concurrently.
Enhanced Workflow: Streamline your work by having everything you need visible at once.
Improved Efficiency: Reduce the need to constantly switch between apps, saving time and effort.

The Basics of Split Screen on iPad

To use split screen, you generally start with one app open. Then, you’ll either drag another app from the Dock or use the multitasking button (three dots at the top of the screen) to enter Split View. The apps will then arrange themselves side-by-side. The key is understanding how to manipulate these side-by-side apps and, of course, how to get back to a single app view.

Methods to Exit Split Screen on Your iPad

There are a few different ways to get out of split screen mode on your iPad, depending on how you entered it in the first place and what version of iPadOS you’re using. Let’s explore each method.

Method 1: Using the App Divider (the Primary Method)

This is the most common and straightforward method. At the center of the screen, between the two apps in split view, you’ll see a vertical divider. This divider is your primary control for managing the split screen.

How it Works: Locate the vertical divider. You’ll see a small bar or line separating the two apps.
To Close One App: Touch and drag this divider to the left or right edge of the screen. Dragging the divider all the way to one side will close the app on that side, leaving the other app in full-screen mode.
Example: If you want to close the app on the right side, drag the divider all the way to the right edge of the screen. The right app will disappear, and the left app will expand to fill the entire screen.
Important Note: This method works regardless of which apps are in split view.

Method 2: Using the Multitasking Button (ipados 15 and Later)

With the introduction of iPadOS 15, Apple refined the multitasking experience by adding a multitasking button to the top of each app window. This button is represented by three dots (…). This is a very efficient approach to exit split screen. (See Also: Can You Repair Cracked iPad Screen? Your Complete Guide)

How it Works: Open the app you want to keep in full screen. Tap on the three dots at the top of the screen.
Selecting the Full Screen Option: You’ll see several options, including a full-screen icon. Tap on this full-screen icon.
The Result: The current app will expand to fill the screen, and the other app in split view will close. This is a quick way to switch between full-screen apps and manage your split-screen view.
Important Note: This feature is available on iPads running iPadOS 15 or later.

Method 3: Closing an App From the App Switcher

You can also close one of the apps in split view from the App Switcher. This method is useful if you can’t easily access the divider or if you prefer a more direct approach.

How it Works: Double-click the Home button (on iPads with a Home button) or swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause (on iPads without a Home button) to open the App Switcher.
Finding the Split-View Apps: You’ll see thumbnails of all your open apps, including the ones in split view.
Closing the App: Locate the app you want to close within the split view. Swipe up on the app’s thumbnail to close it. This will automatically return you to a single-app view with the remaining app.
Important Note: This method closes the app entirely, so make sure you don’t have unsaved work before closing.

Method 4: Using Slide Over (if Applicable)

If you’re using Slide Over (one app floating over another) instead of Split View, the process is slightly different. Slide Over is not the same as split screen, but it can be easily confused.

Identify Slide Over: If you see a small window floating on top of another app, you’re using Slide Over.
Closing Slide Over: Swipe up from the bottom edge of the floating window to dismiss it. Alternatively, tap the multitasking button (three dots) at the top of the Slide Over window and select the full-screen option.
Important Note: Slide Over is a different multitasking feature than split screen.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

Issue: The Divider Won’t Move

Possible Cause: You might not be touching the divider correctly.
Solution: Make sure you’re placing your finger directly on the vertical bar/line between the apps. Try a firm, deliberate drag.

Issue: The Multitasking Button Isn’t Visible

Possible Cause: Your iPad might be running an older version of iPadOS.
Solution: Check your iPad’s software version in Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, install it.

Issue: The App Switcher Doesn’t Show the Split-View Apps

Possible Cause: The apps might have crashed or closed unexpectedly.
Solution: Try reopening the apps. If the issue persists, restart your iPad.

Issue: The iPad Feels Laggy or Slow

Possible Cause: Running multiple apps simultaneously can tax your iPad’s resources.
Solution: Close any unnecessary apps from the App Switcher. Restart your iPad to clear temporary files. Ensure your iPad has enough free storage space.

Tips and Tricks for iPad Multitasking

Once you’re comfortable with exiting split screen, consider these tips to enhance your multitasking experience:

Using Drag and Drop

Drag and drop is a powerful feature that allows you to move text, images, and files between apps. This works seamlessly in split view.

How to Use: Touch and hold an item (e.g., a photo, a piece of text) until it lifts slightly. Then, drag it to the other app.
Example: Drag a picture from Photos into an email or a document.
Benefit: Saves time by eliminating the need to copy and paste.

Using the Dock for Quick App Access

The Dock at the bottom of the screen provides quick access to frequently used apps. It’s especially useful in split view.

How to Use: Drag apps from the Dock to create a split view or to open an app in Slide Over.
Benefit: Speeds up the process of starting and switching between apps.

Customizing the Dock

You can customize the Dock to show your favorite apps, making multitasking even more efficient. (See Also: Why Did My iPad Randomly Shut Off? Troubleshooting Guide)

How to Customize: Go to Settings > Home Screen > Show Suggested and Recent Apps in Dock (toggle this setting on or off).
Benefit: Personalize your multitasking experience.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Using a keyboard with your iPad unlocks a whole new level of multitasking efficiency. Keyboard shortcuts can streamline your workflow.

Common Shortcuts:

Command + Tab: Switch between apps.
Command + Space: Open Spotlight Search.
Command + C/V/X: Copy, paste, and cut.

Benefit: Saves time and reduces the need to tap on the screen.

Using Split View with Safari

Safari, the web browser, works exceptionally well with split view, allowing you to view multiple web pages simultaneously.

How to Use: Open Safari and drag a tab from the tab bar to the side of the screen to create a split view.
Benefit: Compare web pages, research, and work on multiple tasks efficiently.

Using Split View with Notes

The Notes app is perfect for split view, allowing you to take notes while referencing other documents or websites.

How to Use: Open Notes and split the screen with another app, such as Safari or Files.
Benefit: Streamlines note-taking and research.

Using Split View with Files

The Files app allows you to manage documents and files. Using it in split view is very efficient.

How to Use: Open Files and split the screen with another app, such as Pages or Safari.
Benefit: Easily transfer and manage files between apps and locations.

Advanced Multitasking Techniques

For those who want to take their multitasking skills to the next level, here are some advanced techniques:

Using Stage Manager (ipados 16 and Later)

Stage Manager is a new multitasking feature introduced in iPadOS 16. It allows you to create overlapping windows and resize them.

How to Use: Enable Stage Manager in Control Center. Then, open apps, and they will appear in overlapping windows.
Benefit: Flexible and dynamic multitasking experience.

Keyboard and Mouse Support

Using a keyboard and mouse with your iPad can significantly enhance multitasking, making it feel more like a desktop experience. (See Also: Can I Recover Deleted Photos From iPad? Your Ultimate Guide)

How to Use: Connect a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to your iPad.
Benefit: Increased precision and control.

Customizing Control Center

The Control Center is a quick way to access frequently used settings and features. Customizing it can improve your multitasking workflow.

How to Customize: Go to Settings > Control Center and add or remove items.
Benefit: Quick access to features such as screen recording and Do Not Disturb.

Comparing Split Screen Methods

Here’s a quick comparison of the methods to exit split screen:

Method	Description	Pros	Cons
Divider	Drag the vertical divider to close one app.	Simple, universally applicable.	Requires precise finger placement.
Multitasking Button	Tap the three dots icon and select Full Screen.	Fast, intuitive.	Requires iPadOS 15 or later.
App Switcher	Swipe up on an app’s thumbnail to close it.	Useful if the divider is inaccessible.	Closes the app entirely.
Slide Over	Swipe up to dismiss the floating window.	Simple.	Only applies to Slide Over, not Split View.

Verdict

Getting out of split screen on your iPad is a straightforward process, and with the methods we’ve covered, you’ll be able to manage your multitasking experience with ease. Remember the key methods: using the app divider, utilizing the multitasking button (if available), or closing apps through the App Switcher. Once you’re comfortable with these techniques, you can fully embrace the versatility of your iPad. You’ll be able to switch between apps seamlessly and make the most of your device!

Knowing how to exit split screen is a fundamental skill for any iPad user who wants to be productive. By mastering these simple techniques, you gain more control over your workflow. You’ll switch between single-app and split-view modes with confidence.

Practice each method to find the one that best suits your needs. With a little familiarity, you’ll be navigating your iPad’s multitasking features like a pro, and save time.

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The iPad is a powerful device, and understanding how to manage its features will help you get the most out of it. Enjoy your iPad!

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How Do I Get Out of Split Screen on iPad? Simple Guide