What is a Split Screen on an iPad?
Like the title suggests, a split-screen refers to dividing your screen into several portions. It is a software-based program that enables your iPad to split its screen either horizontally or vertically. This will allow you to view different sections of your document or files as wanted. Why would you want to do this? Well, you can open different apps into resizable sections, for example. Alternatively, you can have several documents open at the same time for editing, etc. There are many practical uses to which this facility can be put. However, some people seem to struggle with dismissing the split-screen functionality once it’s open.
Before we learn how to get rid of split screens, let’s cover how to start a split screen in the first place.
How to Split Screen on an iPad
In this section, you will learn how to split your screen and multitask. Follow these steps.
- Open your iPad settings – You should first go to your iPad’s settings. It is the grey app that has an image of gears on your home screen.
- Click on the ‘General’ tab – You will find several prompts in the settings tab, with the topmost being the ‘General’ tab. Click on it.
- Tap on the ‘Multitasking’ – You will find another expanded menu under the ‘General’ tab. Click on the ‘Multitasking and Dock’ prompt to continue.
- Allow Multiple Apps by Tapping ‘On’ – Under ‘Multitasking and Dock’, you can click on ‘Allow Multiple Apps’ and switch it on. When enabled or turned on, it should turn green.
- Press your iPad’s Home button – Use the ‘Home’ button to leave the settings and go back to all your apps.
- Use the iPad’s landscape orientation – Since you have turned on the ‘Multiple Apps’ function, you need to put your iPad to a landscape orientation. Hold your iPad in a horizontal position and watch the apps rearrange themselves.
- Tap on your desired app – While on landscape orientation, choose the app you want to use on the split-screen.
- Gently swipe left – After selecting your app, gently swipe from the right edge of the screen towards the left side. You will see a tab appear at the right-centre of your screen.
- Drag your tab to the left – Pull the new tab to the centre of the screen to reduce its size. You will then see a display of your applications (vertically) in the new pane. If your other app opens, you can quickly swipe down from the top of the right pane to close the application and show the application options.
- Scroll on your app list – When the list appears, scroll through it until you see the other application that you want to open. It is crucial to understand that not all apps are compatible with the ‘Multiple Apps’ function. As such, only compatible applications will show on the scrolling list.
- Tap on your second desired app – Have you found the app you want to split? You should click it to launch on the split-screen immediately. If you desire to change the app, you can scroll from the bottom to the top and pick a new application from the scrolling list. It is as easy as that.
Enjoy your view – Once the screen is split, you can multitask and have fun with your iPad.
How to Get Rid of a Split Screen
While split screens are useful and effective for multitasking on your iPad, you may want to turn them off. It does not have to be a difficult task or process. Here is how you can get rid of the split screen on your iPad.
- Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPad – The settings app on your iPad looks like a gear image. It contains all the adjustments that you should make on your iPad.
- Click on the Home screen and Dock – While in the settings, click on the home screen and dock to display another array of prompts.
- Tap on the Multitasking prompt – Under the home screen and dock, you will find other prompts. Click on the Multitasking prompt to see another list of commands for your iPad.
- Click on ‘Allow Multiple Apps’ and disable – You will see the ‘Allow Multiple Apps’ prompt with some instructions below it. You should tap on the prompt to disable it. It should be grey when it’s turned off.
You have disabled the split-screen so congratulations, you have disabled the split-screen function by following these simple steps.
Is Your iPad Split Screen not Working?
Have you tried our procedure and found that the split-screen is not working? Well, there are a few things that affect the functionality. Here is a quick fix to try if your iPad’s split-screen not working.
- Consider the compatibility – Some apps are not compatible with the split-screen function. If the app doesn’t work, try using Apple’s native apps and see.
- Enable your iPad’s auto-rotate feature – Your auto rotation function must be on to split your screens. The landscape orientation should be on.
- Enable multitasking feature – Have you enabled the multitasking function? Well, if it is off, the split-screen will not work. You should follow the procedure we outlined above to enable multitasking.
- Use the dock app to split the screen – The iPad dock menu is also indispensable in facilitating your split-screen. You should use it to launch the split.
- Restart your device – Is it working yet? If the changes in the settings don’t take effect, you can try restarting your device. The delay happens if your device has been running for a long time. Just restart it and check the settings.
- Update to the most recent OS version – Your operating system may have a bug that prevents the split screen from functioning. You should update your device to the most recent OS and try again.
- Reset the settings – Sometimes, the settings take too long to launch or conflict with the current settings. To fix it, you should reset all the settings and restart your device.
Multitasking doesn’t have to be difficult when you have an iPad. You can enable split-screen and disable it when you are through. Turning it off is as easy as turning it on. You only need to follow the instructions above.
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