How to Enable and Disable Split Screen on an iPad: Easy Guide

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Learn how to get rid of iPad's split screen update

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: January 18, 2026 Fact Checked

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Disabling Multitasking

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Using Multitasking

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Video

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Q&A

With iPad's newest update, you can now use Multitasking to open two apps side-by-side in split screen mode. If you have open apps in split screen, you can easily close it by tapping the Multitasking button. You can also disable this feature entirely. Here's how to enable and disable split screen on an iPad.

Turning Off Split Screen on an iPad

To quickly close an app open in split screen, drag the divider to the edge of either side. To disable the feature completely, go to Settings > Multitasking & Gestures > Off.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Disabling Multitasking

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1
Open the Settings app. This is the cog icon. If you don't want the multitasking (split screen) feature, you can disable it entirely. Multitasking is enabled by default, and it can be used in either orientation.
- Be sure to update your device. You must have at least iPadOS 17 to disable this feature.
- If your iPad is older, you can close Split Screen by dragging the divider to either end of the screen.
You can find this in the left panel, underneath Home Screen & App Library.

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3
Tap Full-Screen Apps under "Multitasking". This is the first option on the left. The changes will be applied immediately.
- If you have any active split screens, they'll be separated into their individual app windows.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Multitasking

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1
Open an app. This can be any app that supports split screen.
- Make sure this feature is enabled in your settings. Tap Settings > Multitasking & Gestures > Windowed Apps or Stage Manager.
This is at the bottom-right of the app.
You can browse your Dock or App Library. A new window will open.
4
Flick the windows into left and right of the screen respectively.
- To return to full-screen mode, tap the traffic light icon at top-left corner of window and tap the green button. Alternatively, you can flick the window to the top to maximise the window.
5
Use the drag method (optional). If you don't want to use the windowing method, you can drag an app to split view instead. Do the following:
- Open an app.
- From the Dock, tap, hold, and drag another app to the left or right of the screen.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I delete multiple screens?

Community Answer

Hold down the double screen icon until the tabs appear, hit tabs, then turn it off (merge all).

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Question

How do I turn off split screen on iPad so it does not reappear?

Community Answer

Open Settings, go to Safari, and click Clear History And Web Site Data.

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Question

How do I turn off the split screen feature?

Community Answer

Open the settings app on your iPad, tap General, and go to select multitasking.

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