Moving apps to a different screen on your iPad is a quick and simple process. Just press and hold the app icon until it starts shaking, then drag it to the edge of the screen. The app will then move to the next screen. Release the icon to drop it in the desired location.
After completing this action, your app will be on a new screen, allowing you to better organize your iPad’s home screen according to your preferences or usage.
Introduction
Have you ever felt like your iPad’s home screen is a cluttered mess? With the countless apps we download, it can be hard to keep things organized. If you’re someone who uses an iPad for both work and leisure, you know the importance of having a well-organized home screen. It can save you time and frustration when you’re trying to find the app you need among the sea of colorful icons.
This process is not just for the tech-savvy; anyone can do it! Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who enjoys using their iPad, knowing how to move apps around is a valuable skill.
How to Move Apps to a Different Screen on an iPad
The following steps will guide you through the process of moving apps across different screens on your iPad to help you achieve a more organized and personalized home screen.
Step 1: Press and Hold the App Icon
Press and hold the app icon you wish to move until it starts shaking.
When you press and hold the app icon, you’ll notice that all the apps on the screen start to shake. This is the iPad’s way of indicating that you are now in edit mode. In this mode, you can move or delete apps. A small “X” may appear on the top-left corner of some apps, which allows you to delete them if you wish to do so. For now, focus on the app you want to move.
Step 2: Drag the App to the Screen Edge
Drag the shaking app icon to the edge of the screen in the direction of the desired screen.
As you drag the app towards the screen’s edge, you will notice that the screen will start to move, revealing the next screen. If your iPad has multiple screens, continue dragging the app icon to the edge until you reach the screen where you want to place the app. If you change your mind or make a mistake, simply drag the app back to its original location or to a different screen.
Step 3: Release the App Icon
Release the app icon to drop it onto the new screen.
Once you are happy with the new location for the app, simply lift your finger off the screen to drop the app into place. The other apps will automatically reposition to accommodate the newly moved app. You can then press the home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen (for newer iPad models) to exit edit mode and save the new arrangement of your apps.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Organized Home Screen | Having the ability to move apps to different screens helps keep your iPad’s home screen organized. |
| Increased Productivity | By grouping related apps together, you can increase your productivity as everything you need is easier to find. |
| Personalized Experience | Customizing the arrangement of your apps allows for a more personalized user experience. |
An organized home screen reduces the time spent searching for apps, giving you more time to actually use them. It also lowers the cognitive load, as a cluttered screen can be overwhelming and distract you from your tasks.
Grouping related apps, such as all your social media apps or work-related apps, can streamline your workflow. It helps create a more efficient and focused environment, so you’re not constantly flipping through screens to find what you need.
Personalization is key to making your iPad feel like it’s truly yours. By arranging apps in a way that makes sense to you, whether it’s by color, frequency of use, or category, you create an experience that is tailored to your habits and preferences.
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Accidental Deletion | While in edit mode, there is a risk of accidentally deleting apps if you’re not careful. |
| Time-Consuming | Initially organizing your apps can be time-consuming, especially if you have many screens. |
| Limited Space | The iPad screen has limited space, so you can’t have all your apps on one screen, which might frustrate some users. |
Accidental deletion is possible during this process, as the small “X” that appears in edit mode can be tapped unintentionally, causing the app to be deleted. Always make sure to tap away from the “X” when intending to move the app, not delete it.
Initially sorting through and organizing your apps might take a while, particularly if you’ve never done it or have a lot of apps. However, this is a one-time investment that pays off in the long run.
The limited space on each screen means you may have to prioritize which apps you want immediate access to. This can be frustrating for users who prefer having all their apps on one screen for convenience but is a limitation of the iPad’s design.
Additional Information
When moving apps on your iPad, you might find that you’re not just limited to different screens, but you can also create folders. This is particularly useful if you have a lot of apps in the same category. For example, you can have a folder for all your games or all your productivity tools. To create a folder, drag one app over another and release it. This will automatically create a new folder, which you can name according to its contents.
Another tip is to place your most-used apps at the bottom of the screen or in the dock. The dock is the bar at the bottom of the screen that is accessible from any home screen. You can also move apps here following the same process of dragging and dropping.
Remember, you can always change things up later. The beauty of the iPad is its flexibility. If you find a certain arrangement isn’t working for you, don’t hesitate to try something new.
Summary
- Press and hold the app icon until it shakes.
- Drag the icon to the edge of the screen.
- Release the icon on the new screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move multiple apps at once?
Yes, once you’ve selected one app, tap other apps you want to move, and they’ll group together. Then, you can move them all to a new screen at once.
What happens if I accidentally delete an app?
Don’t worry, any app you delete can be re-downloaded from the App Store, often with the data intact if it was backed up.
Can I move apps between different iPads?
No, this process is limited to organizing apps on the same device. You’ll need to manually arrange apps on each iPad.
How do I rename a folder I created?
Tap and hold the folder until it shakes, then tap it again to open it and click on the folder name to edit it.
Is there a limit to how many screens I can have?
The iPad allows up to 15 screens with apps and folders, which should be plenty of space for most users.
Conclusion
Knowing how to move apps to a different screen on an iPad can truly transform your user experience. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep your digital space tidy and functional. With the ability to customize your home screen, you can save time, enhance productivity, and enjoy a more personalized setup. Whether you’re a new iPad user or a longtime fan, it’s never too late to start organizing your apps for a smoother, more enjoyable iPad experience.
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.