Disabling split screen on an iPad is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is close either one of the two open apps or drag the divider to one side. This article will walk you through the steps in detail, ensuring you never have to deal with unwanted split screens again.
How to Disable Split Screen on iPad
If you’ve got two apps open side-by-side and want to return to just one app on your iPad screen, follow these steps.
Step 1: Open the Split Screen
First, activate the split screen by opening two apps. This step ensures you’re familiar with the split screen interface.
In case you’re not sure how to open split screen, swipe up from the bottom of your screen to see the Dock, then drag an app from the Dock to either side of your screen.
Step 2: Locate the Divider
Next, identify the vertical divider between the two apps.
The divider is a thin bar that you can move left or right to adjust the width of the apps. Knowing its location is crucial for the next step.
Step 3: Drag the Divider
Grab the divider with your finger and drag it either to the extreme left or right.
Dragging the divider all the way to one edge will close the app on that side, leaving you with just one app open on the screen.
Step 4: Release the Divider
Once the divider is at the edge, release it to disable the split screen.
This action will maximize the remaining app to full screen, effectively ending the split screen mode.
Step 5: Confirm Full-Screen Mode
Finally, ensure the remaining app is now in full-screen mode.
If done correctly, you should no longer see the split screen, and the app will occupy the entire screen.
After completing these steps, the split screen will be disabled, and you’ll be back to using a single app on your iPad.
Tips for Disabling Split Screen on iPad
Know Your iPad Model: Some older models might have different gestures or steps. Ensure your iPad supports split screen and its corresponding gestures.
Practice Makes Perfect: If you’re new to these gestures, it might take a couple of tries. Practice will make you more comfortable.
Update iOS: Make sure your iPad is running the latest iOS version to ensure compatibility with these gestures.
Close Unnecessary Apps: Having too many apps open might confuse you. Close unused apps to make the process smoother.
Use AssistiveTouch: Enable AssistiveTouch in the settings for an easier time navigating if you find the gestures challenging.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enable split screen on my iPad?
Swipe up from the bottom of your screen to open the Dock, then drag an app onto either side of the screen to enable split screen.
Can I disable split screen permanently?
No, you cannot disable the feature entirely, but you can easily exit split screen mode using the steps in this article.
Why can’t I get rid of the split screen?
Ensure you’re dragging the divider all the way to the screen’s edge. If it doesn’t work, restart your iPad and try again.
Does split screen work in all apps?
No, not all apps support split screen. Some apps are not designed to run in split view.
Can split screen affect my iPad’s performance?
Running two apps simultaneously can sometimes cause a slight performance lag, especially on older iPad models.
Summary
- Open the split screen.
- Locate the divider.
- Drag the divider.
- Release the divider.
- Confirm full-screen mode.
Conclusion
Disabling split screen on your iPad is a quick and easy process once you know the steps. It’s like learning a new dance move; it might feel awkward at first, but with a little practice, you’ll nail it every time. Whether you’re trying to focus on a single task or just prefer a cleaner screen, knowing how to disable split screen can be incredibly useful.
Remember, technology is here to make our lives easier, not harder. If you ever get stuck, don’t hesitate to revisit this guide. With these steps and tips, you’re well-equipped to handle your iPad like a pro. So the next time you find yourself juggling between apps and need a little breathing room, you’ll know exactly what to do. Happy iPadding!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.