What is split screen on iPad?
Split screen on iPad allows you to use two apps at the same time, side by side on the same screen. This can be useful if you want to multitask or reference information from one app while working in another. I absolutely love the split screen feature on my iPad! It has made multitasking so much easier and more efficient for me. One of my favorite things about split screen is the ability to reference information from one app while working in another. For example, I often use split screen to compare documents in Pages and Microsoft Word, or to reference a map while writing an email. It saves me the time and hassle of switching between apps, and I can get more done in less time.
Another thing I love about split screen is the ability to multitask with my favorite apps. Whether I’m watching a video on YouTube while browsing the web, or chatting with a friend on WhatsApp while working on a project, split screen makes it all possible. It’s a great way to stay productive and entertained at the same time. I find split screen to be an incredibly useful and convenient feature on my iPad. It has become an integral part of my daily workflow and I can’t imagine going back to a single app at a time. If you’re not already using split screen on your iPad, I highly recommend giving it a try! You might just find it as useful and enjoyable as I do.
For more information about split screen mode on iPad, you may find the following links from Apple’s official website helpful
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207582
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/guide/ipad/ipad08c9970c/ipados
Which iPads can use split screen mode?
Split screen mode is available on most iPad models running iOS 9 or later. Here is a list of iPad models that support split screen mode:
- iPad Pro
- iPad Air 2 and later
- iPad (5th generation) and later
- iPad mini 4 and later
To check if your iPad supports split screen mode, go to “Settings > General > Multitasking & Dock” and look for the “Allow Multiple Apps” option. If this option is available, then your iPad supports split screen mode.
Note that split screen mode is not available on all iPad models, even if they are running iOS 9 or later. For example, the original iPad and the iPad 2 do not support split screen mode.
How to enter split mode on iPad?
There are several ways to enter split screen mode on your iPad:
- Swipe from the right edge of the screen: To enter split screen mode with your current app, swipe from the right edge of the screen towards the center of the screen. This will open a new app window on the left side of the screen.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen: To open the app switcher and enter split screen mode with a different app, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold your finger on the screen. This will open the app switcher, where you can select a different app to open on the left side of the screen.
- Drag and drop app icons: If you have multiple app icons on the same home screen page, you can enter split screen mode by dragging one app icon onto another app icon. This will open both apps in split screen mode.
- Use the Dock: If you have an app in the Dock, you can enter split screen mode by dragging the app icon from the Dock and dropping it onto the right side of the screen. This will open the app in split screen mode with your current app.
How to exit split screen mode on iPad?
Disabling split screen mode on your iPad is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. Whether you’re using iOS 14 or an earlier version, the process is similar. Here’s what you need to do:
iOS 14 and later:
- Go to “Settings” on your iPad.
- Tap “Home Screen & Dock” and then tap “Multitasking”.
- Toggle off the switch next to “Allow Multiple Apps”. This will disable split screen mode on your iPad.
iOS 13 and earlier :
- Go to “Settings” on your iPad.
- Tap “General” and then tap “Multitasking & Dock”.
- Toggle off the switch next to “Allow Multiple Apps”. This will disable split screen mode on your iPad.

How to multitask on iPad with split screen mode disabled?
Even if you have disabled split screen mode on your iPad, there are still other ways to multitask and use multiple apps at the same time. Here are a few options:
- Multiple windows in a single app: Many apps, such as Safari and Pages, support the use of multiple windows within the same app. This allows you to have multiple documents or web pages open at the same time, without having to switch between apps.
- Slide Over: The Slide Over feature allows you to open a second app in a small window that can be moved to the side of the screen. This is useful for quickly accessing information or tools from a different app without leaving your current app.
- Picture in Picture: Picture in Picture mode allows you to watch a video or make a FaceTime call in a small window while using other apps. This is great for watching a video while working on a project, or having a video call while browsing the web.
I suggest you to try out these different methods and find what works best for you. Whether you prefer to use split screen mode or one of the alternative multitasking options, the important thing is to find a workflow that helps you get the most out of your iPad.
I hope this guide help, let me know if you have any other questions.
Troubleshooting and Questions
Can I customize the size of the app windows in split screen mode on my iPad?
You can customize the size of the app windows in split screen mode on your iPad. To do this, follow these steps:
- Enter split screen mode on your iPad.
- Drag the divider between the two app windows to the left or right to adjust the size of the app windows.
- Release your finger when you are satisfied with the size of the app windows.
Note that the size of the app windows can be adjusted only while in split screen mode. You cannot adjust the size of the app windows when using the Slide Over or Picture in Picture features.
Can I use split screen mode on my iPad if I have an older version of iOS?
Split screen mode is available on most iPad models running iOS 9 or later. However, it is not available on all iPad models, even if they are running iOS 9 or later. For example, the original iPad and the iPad 2 do not support split screen mode.
To check if your iPad supports split screen mode, go to “Settings > General > Multitasking & Dock” and look for the “Allow Multiple Apps” option. If this option is available, then your iPad supports split screen mode.
Can I use split screen mode with all apps on my iPad?
Not all apps support split screen mode on iPad. In general, apps that are optimized for the iPad are more likely to support split screen mode. However, even some iPad-optimized apps may not support split screen mode.
To see if an app supports split screen mode, try entering split screen mode and then select the app from the app switcher. If the app opens in split screen mode, then it is supported. If the app does not open in split screen mode, then it is not supported.
Note that you can also use the Slide Over and Picture in Picture features to multitask with apps that do not support split screen mode.
Is it possible to use split screen mode in landscape and portrait orientation?
You can use split screen mode in both landscape and portrait orientation on your iPad. To enter split screen mode in landscape orientation, simply turn your iPad to the side and enter split screen mode as you normally would. To enter split screen mode in portrait orientation, keep your iPad in the upright position and enter split screen mode as you normally would.
Note that some apps may not support split screen mode in both landscape and portrait orientation. For example, an app may support split screen mode in landscape orientation but not in portrait orientation. You can try entering split screen mode in both orientations to see which is supported by the app you are using.
One of the app windows in split screen mode is not responding, what can I do?
- Close the app: If the app is not responding, you can try closing it and then reopening it in split screen mode. To close the app, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the app switcher and then swipe the app off the top of the screen.
- Restart the app: If closing the app does not help, you can try restarting the app. To do this, close the app and then double-click the Home button to open the app switcher. Tap and hold on the app icon until it starts shaking, and then tap the red “-” button to close the app. Reopen the app and try using it in split screen mode again.
- Restart your iPad: If the app is still not responding, you can try restarting your iPad. To do this, press and hold the power button until the “Slide to power off” slider appears. Slide the slider to turn off your iPad, and then press and hold the power button again to turn it back on.
- Update the app: If the app is outdated, it may not be compatible with your version of iOS or may be experiencing bugs. Check the App Store for updates and install any available updates.