How to Close Split Screen on iPad

Understanding Split Screen on iPad

Split Screen, officially called Multitasking, is a feature built into iPad that lets you view and use two apps at the same time on your screen. Instead of switching back and forth between applications, you can have one app on the left side and another on the right side. This feature works on most modern iPad models, including iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini.

The Split Screen feature became widely available starting with iOS 9 in 2015. Since then, Apple has refined how it works across different iPad models and sizes. Not all iPad models support Split Screen—some older models like iPad 2 or the original iPad Air do not have this capability. Generally, if your iPad was released after 2014, it likely supports Split Screen functionality.

When you have two apps open in Split Screen mode, you can interact with both simultaneously. You might have email open on one side while taking notes on the other, or watch a video while browsing the web. Each app runs independently, so you can scroll, type, or perform actions in one app without affecting what happens in the other app.

Split Screen differs from other iPad multitasking modes. Slide Over is another feature where you can open a second app in a smaller window that slides in from the side. Picture in Picture allows video apps to play in a floating window while you use other apps. Understanding these distinctions helps when you want to close or adjust your current view.

Practical Takeaway: Before attempting to close Split Screen, confirm your iPad supports this feature and understand that you have two apps currently running side by side on your display.

How Split Screen Looks on Your iPad Display

When Split Screen is active, your iPad screen is divided into two distinct sections by a vertical divider line running down the middle of the display. On the left side, you'll see one app, and on the right side, you'll see a different app. This divider line is thin but visible, and it serves as both a visual separator and a functional tool for resizing the apps.

The division between the two apps doesn't have to be exactly 50-50. You can adjust how much screen space each app uses by dragging the divider line left or right. For example, you might want one app to take up three-quarters of the screen while the other uses one-quarter. Some apps work better with more screen real estate, so this flexibility is useful.

In Split Screen mode, each app displays its own interface elements. If you're using Safari on one side, you'll see the browser address bar, tabs, and controls on that side only. The app on the other side has its own separate interface. The status bar at the top of your iPad—showing time, battery, and Wi-Fi signal—runs across the entire screen width above both apps.

You'll notice that the apps in Split Screen mode run independently. Notifications might appear for one app while the other continues functioning normally. You can tap between the two apps to switch which one you're actively using. The app you most recently tapped will be in focus, though both continue running in the background.

Practical Takeaway: Recognizing the visual layout of Split Screen—the vertical divider line and the two distinct app sections—helps you identify when Split Screen is actually active before attempting to close it.

Methods for Closing Split Screen

There are several straightforward methods to close Split Screen on your iPad. The most common approach is to use the vertical divider line that separates your two apps. To do this, locate the thin vertical line running down the middle of your screen between the two apps. Swipe this divider line toward one edge of the screen—either toward the left edge or the right edge. As you drag the divider line to the edge, one app will shrink and eventually disappear, leaving you with just one full-screen app.

Dragging the divider line toward the left edge will close the app on the right side and expand the left app to full screen. Dragging the divider line toward the right edge will close the app on the left side and expand the right app to full screen. You control which app remains visible by which direction you drag.

Another method involves using the Dock on your iPad. The Dock is the row of app icons that typically appears at the bottom of your screen. You can open the Dock while in Split Screen mode and drag any app from the Dock onto the screen. This action will push one of your current apps out of Split Screen. However, this method can be less intuitive than using the divider line.

You can also close Split Screen by using the app switcher. Double-tap the Home button (or swipe up from the bottom on newer iPads without a Home button) to see all your open apps. Then swipe up on one of the apps in Split Screen to close it entirely, or you can tap on a single app to make that your full-screen view.

Practical Takeaway: The most reliable method is dragging the vertical divider line to either edge of your screen to close one app and expand the other to full screen.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Closing Split Screen

Follow these detailed steps to close Split Screen on your iPad:

• Look at your iPad screen and locate the vertical dividing line that separates your two apps. This line typically appears as a thin gray or slightly visible separator running from the top to the bottom of your screen.
• Position your finger or stylus directly on this dividing line. You need to be fairly precise—the tap area is relatively small, usually about the width of a pencil.
• Press down gently on the dividing line. You should feel or see visual feedback indicating you've selected the divider.
• While holding down on the dividing line, drag your finger toward either the left edge or right edge of your iPad screen. Move steadily and deliberately.
• As you drag, you'll notice one of the apps beginning to shrink. The app you're dragging away from will get smaller and smaller.
• Continue dragging until the shrinking app reaches the edge of the screen and disappears entirely. This typically takes a few inches of dragging motion.
• Once the app closes, release your finger. The remaining app will expand to fill the entire screen.
• Your iPad will now display just one app in full-screen mode, and Split Screen will be closed.

If you find it difficult to grab the dividing line accurately, try tapping slightly to the left or right of the exact center line—most iPads allow a small margin for error. Some users find it helpful to use their thumb for this action, as thumbs can sometimes provide better control than fingers for precise dragging motions.

Practical Takeaway: Locate the divider line, tap it, and drag it to the edge of your screen in the direction of the app you want to close.

Alternative Ways to Exit Split Screen

If dragging the divider line doesn't work or feels awkward for you, several alternatives exist for closing Split Screen on your iPad. One option involves using your iPad's app switcher, which you can access through gestures. On iPads with a Home button, double-press the Home button to open the app switcher. On newer iPads without a Home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause briefly. In the app switcher view, you can see all your open apps including those in Split Screen. Swipe up on the app you want to close, and it will shut down entirely. Then tap on the remaining app to expand it to full screen.

Another approach uses Control Center, which you can access by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen (or swiping up from the bottom on older models). While this doesn't directly close Split Screen, you can use it to force-close apps or restart your iPad if needed, though this is a more extreme measure and not typically necessary.

You can also exit Split Screen by simply opening a new app. Tap on any app in your home screen or app library while in Split Screen mode. Depending on your iPad's settings and the app you select, this action may replace one of your current apps in Split Screen or exit Split Screen entirely and open the app in full screen.

Some users prefer to close Split Screen by using Slide Over instead. Slide Over opens a second app in a floating window rather