How to Close Split Screen on Your Device

Understanding Split Screen Mode on Modern Devices

Split screen mode is a feature found on smartphones, tablets, and computers that allows you to view and use two applications simultaneously on the same display. Instead of switching back and forth between apps, you can have one app occupying the top or left portion of your screen while another app takes up the bottom or right portion. This feature became widely popular starting around 2015, when major operating systems like Android 5.0 and later versions of iOS and Windows began offering this functionality.

The split screen feature works by dividing your device's display into sections, with each section running its own independent application. This means you could watch a video tutorial in one half while taking notes in another app, or have your email open while working on a document. The applications maintain their full functionality while sharing the screen space, though they may display in a reduced size compared to using them individually.

Understanding how split screen works on your specific device is important before attempting to close it. Different devices use different methods to activate and deactivate this feature, and what works on an Android tablet may not work the same way on an iPad or Windows computer. The process involves recognizing which operating system your device runs and then following the appropriate steps for that system.

Split screen mode can be useful, but many users activate it accidentally or find they no longer need the feature and want to return to single-screen viewing. Learning to close split screen efficiently means you'll spend less time frustrated with your device and more time actually using it for your intended purposes. The following sections break down specific methods for various device types.

Takeaway: Split screen divides your display between two apps, and closing it returns you to viewing one full-screen app at a time. The method you use depends on your device type and operating system.

Closing Split Screen on Android Devices

Android devices, including phones and tablets from Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and other manufacturers, typically use one of two methods to close split screen mode. The most common approach involves using the multitasking or recent apps button, which usually appears as a square icon at the bottom of your screen. When you press this button while in split screen mode, your device displays thumbnail views of your open apps arranged in two sections.

To close split screen on most Android devices, start by opening your recent apps view. This is typically done by pressing the square icon at the bottom right of your screen (though the exact location may vary depending on your Android version and manufacturer). Once you see the split screen layout with two apps displayed, look for the divider line between them. This dividing line is usually a thick separator running horizontally or vertically across your screen. Swipe or drag this divider line toward the top or side of the screen, depending on your split screen orientation. This action should collapse one of the apps and return your display to single-screen mode.

An alternative method involves closing one of the two apps directly. Swipe up on one of the app windows to close it, which automatically exits split screen mode and leaves the other app in full-screen view. Some Android devices also allow you to long-press the recent apps button to close split screen, though this varies by manufacturer and Android version.

Android 12 and newer versions introduced some changes to how split screen functions, making it accessible through the overview screen. On these newer versions, open your recent apps, find the app you want to keep in full screen, and tap on it. This should close split screen and return that app to full-screen mode.

Takeaway: On Android devices, close split screen by dragging the divider line to the edge of your screen, swiping up to close one app, or tapping an app in recent apps to maximize it.

Closing Split Screen on iPad and iOS Devices

iPad devices running iPadOS 9 and later support split screen functionality, though iPhones have more limited multitasking capabilities. On iPad, split screen is called "Split View," and closing it requires slightly different steps than Android. The process is generally straightforward once you understand where to look and what to grab.

To close Split View on an iPad, locate the divider between the two apps on your screen. This divider appears as a thin line separating the left and right sides of your display (or top and bottom on certain iPad orientations). Look for a small handle or grab area on this divider—it often appears as a subtle vertical or horizontal line with a slightly raised appearance. Press and hold this divider, then drag it all the way to the left, right, top, or bottom edge of your screen, depending on your split orientation. When you drag the divider completely off-screen, one app closes and the other expands to full-screen view.

Another method involves swiping up from the bottom of your iPad screen to access the dock or app switcher, then closing one of the split apps directly. On newer iPad models with gestures enabled, you can swipe up with four or five fingers on your screen to exit Split View mode entirely, which returns you to a single full-screen app.

iPadOS 16 and later versions introduced additional options for managing Split View through the app expose or window management features. These newer systems allow you to tap an app's title bar and drag it to rearrange your split view layout. To close split screen on these newer versions, drag one app's window completely off your screen, which removes it from the split view and leaves the other app displayed full-screen.

Takeaway: On iPad, close Split View by dragging the divider between apps all the way to the edge of your screen, or swipe up to close one of the apps directly.

Closing Split Screen on Windows Computers

Windows computers offer split screen functionality through a feature called "Snap Assist," which has been available since Windows 7 and has evolved significantly through Windows 10 and Windows 11. Unlike mobile devices, Windows split screen works with windows rather than full-screen apps, allowing for more flexible multitasking. However, the process of closing split screen on a Windows computer differs somewhat from mobile approaches.

On Windows 10 and 11, if you have two windows snapped to the left and right sides of your screen, closing split screen involves simply closing one of the windows or unsnapping it. To unsnap a window, click and hold on the title bar of one of the snapped windows and drag it away from the edge of your screen toward the center. This removes the window from snap mode and allows you to resize and position it independently. Alternatively, you can simply click the X button in the top right corner of one window to close it entirely, which exits split screen and leaves the other window on your screen.

Windows 11 introduced a more refined version of snap functionality with improved visual organization. In Windows 11, you can see your snap layout options by hovering over the maximize button in a window's title bar. To exit split screen in Windows 11, simply click the X button to close one of the snapped windows, or drag a window away from its snapped position by its title bar.

For those using keyboard shortcuts, you can press the Windows key plus either the left or right arrow key to snap a window to that side of the screen. Pressing Windows key plus the up or down arrow resizes the window. To exit snap mode, you can press Windows key plus the down arrow repeatedly, which cycles through different window arrangements and eventually returns to normal windowed mode.

Takeaway: On Windows, close split screen by dragging a window away from the screen edge, closing one window with the X button, or using Windows key plus arrow shortcuts to change the window layout.

Closing Split Screen on Mac Computers

Mac computers use a feature called "Split View," which is similar to split screen on other devices but functions slightly differently since macOS emphasizes window management rather than full-screen app behavior. Split View on Mac allows two apps to occupy full-screen space side by side, creating an organized multitasking environment. Understanding how to exit this mode is important for users who prefer single-app full-screen viewing.

To close Split View on a Mac, you have several options depending on your preference and situation. The most straightforward method involves exiting full-screen mode for one of the apps. Move your cursor to the top of your screen where the menu bar appears, then click on the yellow minimize button or the full-screen exit button (usually represented by diagonal arrows pointing inward) in the top-left corner of the window. This action exits Split View mode and returns that app to a regular windowed state on your desktop.