Getting rid of the split screen on your iPad can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with the settings. Don’t worry, though—once you know where to look and what to do, you’ll find it’s pretty straightforward. This guide will walk you through the steps to disable split screen in a way that ensures you can return to a single-app view quickly.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Get Rid of iPad Split Screen
The following steps will guide you on how to disable or remove the split screen feature on your iPad. By the end of these steps, you will have a seamless, single-app display.
Step 1: Open the Split Screen You Want to Remove
To start, launch any app that is currently using split screen.
Before you can disable split screen, you need to be in the split screen mode. Ensure your iPad displays two apps side by side.
Step 2: Locate the Divider Bar
Find the gray bar that separates the two apps on your screen.
The divider bar is your key to adjusting or removing the split screen. It typically appears as a thin, vertical line right between the two apps.
Step 3: Drag the Divider Bar
Tap and hold the divider bar, then drag it to the edge of the screen.
Dragging the divider bar all the way to the left or right edge will close one of the apps, effectively removing the split screen and leaving you with a full-screen view of the remaining app.
Step 4: Confirm the Split Screen is Disabled
Release the drag when the divider bar reaches the screen’s edge.
Once the divider bar reaches the edge and you release it, one app will take up the entire screen. You’ve successfully disabled split screen.
Step 5: Exit the App
Press the Home button or swipe up from the bottom to exit the app.
Ensuring your iPad is no longer in split screen mode can be confirmed by returning to the Home screen and reopening the app.
After you complete these actions, your iPad will display only one app at a time, providing a more focused user experience.
Tips for How to Get Rid of iPad Split Screen
- Practice with a few apps: The more you practice, the easier it will be to maneuver the divider bar.
- Use landscape mode: Split screen works better in landscape mode, making it easier to identify and drag the divider bar.
- Check for app compatibility: Not all apps support split screen, so don’t panic if you can’t divide every app.
- Utilize multitasking gestures: Familiarize yourself with iPad’s multitasking gestures for quicker adjustments.
- Restart your iPad if in doubt: Sometimes, a quick restart can resolve any issues you face with split screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I find the divider bar?
The divider bar might be hard to see if the apps supported don’t use split screen. Ensure you are using compatible apps.
How do I disable split screen permanently?
Go to Settings > Home Screen & Dock > Multitasking, then toggle off the Allow Multiple Apps option.
What if the split screen is stuck?
Restart your iPad. A simple restart can often fix such glitches.
Can I use split screen with any app?
No, only apps that support multitasking will work in split screen mode.
How do I re-enable split screen?
Simply drag an app from the dock to the side of the screen while another app is open to re-enable split screen.
Summary
- Open the split screen you want to remove.
- Locate the divider bar.
- Drag the divider bar.
- Confirm the split screen is disabled.
- Exit the app.
Conclusion
Dealing with an unwanted split screen on your iPad doesn’t have to be a headache. By following the straightforward steps provided in this guide, you can easily remove the split screen and return to a single-app view in no time. Whether you’re a student using an iPad for studying, a professional juggling multiple tasks, or just a casual user, knowing how to manage your screen layout can significantly improve your user experience.
For further reading, you might want to explore more on iPad multitasking features or delve into other iPad settings that can enhance your productivity. Remember, the more you know about your device, the more you can make it work for you. So go ahead, play around with the settings, and make your iPad usage as smooth as possible.
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.