Summarize this article with:
Switching between apps on iPad wastes time. There’s a better way.
Learning how to do split screen on iPad lets you run two apps side by side. Research in Safari while taking notes. Check email while reviewing your calendar. Real multitasking, not constant app switching.
This feature works on most iPad models running iPadOS 15 or later. Takes about two minutes to set up.
This guide covers everything: finding the multitasking button, activating Split View, adjusting window sizes, and fixing common problems.
By the end, you’ll use your iPad like a productivity tool instead of an oversized phone.
How to Do Split Screen on iPad
Split View on iPad lets you run two apps side by side on the same screen.
Learning how to do split screen on iPad takes about 2 minutes. Once you get it, you won’t go back to switching between apps the old way.
This guide covers the exact steps for iPadOS 15 through iPadOS 18. We’ll walk through opening apps, finding the multitasking button, and adjusting your split screen layout.
Prerequisites
Not every iPad supports multitasking features like Split View. Here’s what you need before starting.
Compatible iPad Models
Split View works on iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 2 and later, iPad 5th generation and later, and iPad mini 4 and later.
Older models don’t support running two apps at once.
Software Requirements
Your iPad needs iPadOS 15 or newer. Earlier versions have limited multitasking or none at all.
Check your version in Settings > General > About.
Multitasking Settings
Go to Settings > Multitasking & Gestures. Make sure “Allow Multiple Apps” is turned on.
This setting controls whether your iPad can display simultaneous apps. Without it, Split View stays disabled.
Time and Skill Level
- Time needed: 2-3 minutes
- Skill level: Beginner
- No accessories required
Step One: How Do You Open the First App for Split View?
Tap any app from your Home Screen, Dock, or App Library. The app opens in full screen mode, ready for Split View.
Action
Find the app you want on the left side of your split screen. Tap its icon.
Wait for it to load completely before moving to the next step.
Where to Find Your Apps
- Dock: The bar at the bottom of your screen
- Home Screen: Your main app pages
- App Library: Swipe left past your last Home Screen page
If you need to organize apps on iPad before starting, do that first. Having your frequently used apps in the Dock makes Split View much faster.
Purpose
This first app becomes your anchor. Everything else builds around it.
Step Two: Where Do You Find the Multitasking Button?
Look at the top center of your open app. You’ll see three small dots arranged horizontally. That’s the multitasking button.
Action
Tap those three dots once. A menu appears with three options: Full Screen, Split View, and Slide Over.
The icons are pretty self-explanatory. Full Screen shows a complete rectangle. Split View shows a divided rectangle. Slide Over shows a small rectangle overlapping a larger one.
What Each Option Does
- Full Screen: Default single-app view
- Split View: Two apps side by side (50/50, 25/75, or 75/25)
- Slide Over: Floating window on top of main app
Troubleshooting
Can’t see the three dots? Some apps hide them in certain views.
Try scrolling to the top of your content or rotating your iPad. The button should appear. If it still doesn’t show, that app might not support multitasking at all.
Step Three: How Do You Activate Split View Mode?
Tap the Split View button in the multitasking menu. Your current app slides to the side, revealing the Home Screen behind it.
Action
After tapping Split View, your first app docks to one half of the screen.
The rest of the display shows your Home Screen, Dock, and App Library. Now pick your second app.
Selecting the Second App
Tap any app icon from what’s visible. That app fills the remaining half of your screen.
Both apps are now active and usable. You can interact with either one by tapping inside its window.
Want to see open apps on iPad instead of launching a new one? Swipe up to access the App Switcher before selecting.
What Happens Next
A black divider bar appears between your two apps. This is your resize handle.
Drag it left or right to give more space to either app. Three positions available: equal split, or weighted toward either side.
Step Four: How Do You Select the Second App?
With your first app docked, tap any app from the Home Screen, Dock, or App Library. The second app fills the remaining screen half.
Action
Browse your available apps. Tap the one you want.
Both apps now share the display in Split View mode.
Best App Combinations
- Safari + Notes: Research while writing
- Mail + Calendar: Schedule from emails
- Photos + Messages: Share images quickly
- Files + Pages: Reference documents while editing
Purpose
Two apps running simultaneously means no more constant switching. Your workflow efficiency jumps immediately.
Step Five: How Do You Adjust the Split Screen Divider?
Drag the black bar between apps left or right. Release to lock the new size.
Action
Touch the app divider in the center. Slide it toward either edge.
Three positions available: 50/50 equal split, 75/25 left-heavy, or 25/75 right-heavy.
Size Options
- Equal split: Both apps get same screen real estate
- 75/25: Primary app gets most space
- 25/75: Secondary app dominates
Purpose
Different tasks need different layouts. Give more space to whichever app needs it.
Alternative Method: Using the Dock to Split Screen
Skip the multitasking button entirely. Drag apps straight from the Dock into Split View.
Action
- Open your first app
- Swipe up slowly from bottom edge until Dock appears
- Touch and hold the second app icon
- Drag it to the left or right screen edge
- Release when you see the split preview
When to Use This Method
Faster for apps already in your Dock. Requires muscle memory but saves taps.
Power users prefer this approach for tablet multitasking.
Verification
Confirm your split screen setup works correctly before diving into work.
Signs Split View Is Active
- Black divider bar visible between apps
- Both apps respond to touch independently
- Content updates in both windows
- Divider can be dragged to resize
Quick Test
Tap inside each app. Type something or scroll.
Both should respond without affecting the other. That’s working Split View.
Troubleshooting
Split View not cooperating? Here are fixes for common problems.
Split View Option Missing or Grayed Out
Problem: Can’t find Split View in the multitasking menu.
Solution: Settings > Multitasking & Gestures > enable “Allow Multiple Apps”
App Won’t Open in Split View
Problem: Specific app refuses to split.
Solution: That app doesn’t support multitasking. Check the App Store listing for compatibility. Some developers disable this feature.
Split View Closes Unexpectedly
Problem: Apps keep collapsing to full screen.
Solution: Avoid dragging the divider all the way to either edge. That closes the adjacent app. Keep it somewhere in the middle.
Multitasking Button Not Visible (iPadOS 26)
Problem: Three dots missing on newer iPadOS.
Solution: Settings > Multitasking & Gestures > select “Windowed Apps” mode. Apple changed the interface in iPadOS 26.
Apps Running Slowly in Split View
Problem: Performance drops with two apps open.
Solution: Close apps on iPad that you’re not using. Too many background apps drain resources. You can also clear cache on iPad for apps that feel sluggish.
How Do You Exit Split Screen Mode?
Ready to return to full screen mode? Two quick options.
Method One: Multitasking Button
Tap the three dots on the app you want to keep. Select the Full Screen icon (solid filled rectangle).
The other app closes. Your chosen app expands.
Method Two: Drag the Divider
Drag the center divider all the way to either screen edge.
The app on that side closes. The remaining app takes over.
Apps Stay Open
Exiting Split View doesn’t quit your apps. They remain in the App Switcher for quick access later.
Related Processes
Master these connected iPad features next.
Slide Over Mode
A floating window that hovers over your main app. Smaller than Split View but always accessible.
Swipe to hide it off-screen when you don’t need it.
Stage Manager
Available on iPad Pro and iPad Air with M-series chip. Run up to four apps in resizable windows.
More like a Mac experience. Enable in Control Center.
Picture in Picture
Watch video while using other apps. The video shrinks to a movable corner window.
Works with FaceTime, Safari videos, and supported streaming apps.
Drag and Drop Between Apps
With Split View active, drag text, images, or files between windows.
Touch and hold content, then slide it to the other app. Release to drop.
External Display Support
iPads with M-series chips support extended displays. Run Stage Manager on your iPad while different apps show on the monitor.
Up to eight apps across both screens.
More iPad App Management
Need to control what runs on your device? Learn how to lock apps on iPad for privacy, or delete apps on iPad you no longer use.
For family devices, you can block apps on iPad through Screen Time settings.
FAQ on How To Do Split Screen On iPad
What iPads support Split View?
Split View works on iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 2 and later, iPad 5th generation and later, and iPad mini 4 and later. Your device needs iPadOS 15 or newer. Older models lack the processing power for running two apps simultaneously.
Why can’t I see the multitasking button?
The three dots appear at the top center of most apps. Some apps hide it when scrolling. Try scrolling to the top or rotating your iPad. Certain apps don’t support multitasking at all and won’t show the button.
Can I use Split View with any app?
No. Each app developer decides whether to enable multitasking support. Most Apple apps like Safari, Notes, and Mail work fine. Third-party apps vary. Check the App Store listing or simply try opening the app in Split View.
How do I adjust the size of split screen windows?
Drag the black app divider bar between your two apps. Move it left or right to resize. Three positions available: 50/50 equal split, 75/25, or 25/75. Release to lock your preferred layout.
Can I have more than two apps open at once?
Yes. Use Slide Over to add a floating window on top of Split View. That gives you three apps visible. iPads with M-series chips support Stage Manager, which allows up to four resizable windows simultaneously.
How do I close Split View and return to full screen?
Tap the multitasking button on the app you want to keep, then select Full Screen. Alternatively, drag the center divider all the way to either screen edge. The app on that side closes automatically.
Why does Split View keep closing on my iPad?
You might be accidentally dragging the divider to the edge, which closes one app. Low memory can also force apps to quit. Try closing background apps through the App Switcher to free up resources.
Can I drag and drop content between split screen apps?
Yes. Touch and hold text, images, or files in one app. Drag across the divider into the second app. Release to drop. Works great for moving photos into emails or copying text between documents.
Does Split View work differently on iPadOS 26?
Apple changed multitasking in iPadOS 26 with Windowed Apps mode. Split View still exists but access differs. Go to Settings > Multitasking & Gestures and select Windowed Apps to enable the feature.
How do I use Split View with a keyboard shortcut?
Connect a Magic Keyboard or external keyboard. Press Globe + Control + Left Arrow to tile the current app left. Open another app and press Globe + Control + Right Arrow. Both apps now share the screen.
Conclusion
Now you know how to do split screen on iPad. The whole process takes less than a minute once you’ve done it a few times.
Split Screen transforms your iPad from a single-app device into a real productivity tool. Two apps running side by side means less switching, faster workflows, and better focus.
Start with simple combinations. Safari and Notes work great together. Email and Calendar make scheduling easier.
Once comfortable, try Slide Over for a third app or Stage Manager for desktop-style window management. Drag and drop content between apps to speed things up even more.
Your iPad can handle serious multitasking. Now you know how to use it.
Many of his resources are available on various design marketplaces and for free on Codepen.
Over the years, he's worked with a range of clients and contributed to design publications like Design Your Way, Designmodo, WebDesignerDepot, WPDean, Speckyboy, and Slider Revolution among others.
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