How to Remove Split Screen on iPad

If your iPad suddenly feels cramped because two apps are side by side, you are not alone. Split Screen, also called Split View, is useful when you want to multitask, but it can get in the way when you just want one app full screen, want to save battery, or need to focus on a single task like email or browsing. The good news is that removing split screen on iPad is quick once you know where to drag and tap.

In this guide, you will learn the fastest way to close Split View, how to return to one app in full screen, and what to do if Split View keeps coming back. You will also see a few alternate methods for different iPad models and app layouts. Whether you want a temporary fix or a more permanent way to stop multitasking distractions, the steps below will get you there in a minute or two.

Summary

• To remove split screen on iPad, drag the divider all the way to the left or right until one app fills the screen.
• If you only want to close one app, swipe it away in the app switcher or close the app from the dock.
• If split screen keeps appearing, check your multitasking settings in Settings.

Tutorial – How to Remove Split Screen on iPad Using Split View

The main method below works for most iPad models running modern versions of iPadOS. It will close one side of Split View and return your iPad to a single full-screen app.

Step 1: Find the vertical divider between the two apps

Look for the thin black or gray bar in the middle of the screen that separates the two apps.

This divider is the control that lets you resize Split View or remove It. If you do not see it, you may be in a different multitasking mode like Slide Over, which uses a floating window instead of two equal halves.

Step 2: Press and drag the divider all the way to one side

Touch and hold the divider, then drag it fully to the left or right edge of the screen.

As you drag, one app will get bigger and the other will shrink. Keep moving the divider until the app you want to close disappears completely and the remaining app fills the entire display.

Step 3: Release the divider when one app takes full screen

Let go of the divider once the app you want to keep occupies the full screen.

You should now see a single app with no split line in the middle. This means Split View has been removed successfully, and your iPad is back in standard single-app mode.

Step 4: Confirm the screen is back to normal

Check that only one app is visible and that no second app is tucked beside it.

If you still see a narrow panel on one side, you may be dealing with Slide Over instead of Split View. In that case, swipe the floating app off the screen or use the alternative methods below.

Alternative Methods or Edge Cases

• Close Split View from the app switcher: Swipe up from the bottom and pause, then swipe the app cards up to close both apps. Reopen only the app you want in full screen.
• If you are using Slide Over instead of Split View: Place your finger on the small handle at the top of the floating app and swipe it off the screen to the right.
• If the app was opened from the dock: Open the app, then tap its multitasking button at the top and choose the full-screen option if available.
• If Split View keeps returning: Go to Settings > Home Screen & Multitasking > Multitasking and turn off Allow Multiple Apps features if you want to reduce accidental split screen use.
• If you want to keep two apps but not in split layout: Use one app full screen and the other in Slide Over, which is less intrusive than Split View.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t the divider move on my iPad?

Some apps do not support Split View, and in those cases the divider may not behave normally. Try a different app or restart the iPad if the interface seems stuck.

Will removing split screen close one of my apps?

Yes, in most cases one app will be removed from view and the other will stay open full screen. Depending on the app, it may still remain running in the background.

Is Split Screen the same as Slide Over?

No. Split Screen, or Split View, shows two apps side by side. Slide Over is a smaller floating app window that sits on top of another app.

How do I get Split Screen back later?

Open one app, then drag another app from the Dock to the left or right edge of the screen. If the app supports it, iPadOS will recreate Split View.

Can I completely disable Split Screen on iPad?

You can reduce or limit multitasking in Settings, but some iPadOS versions still allow multitasking features in certain situations. Apple’s options vary by software version, so check your multitasking settings if you want stronger control.

Tips

• If you only want one app open, the quickest way is usually to drag the divider all the way to one side.
• Not every app supports Split View, so if the screen behaves oddly, the app itself may be the reason.
• If you are switching between work and personal tasks, closing Split View can help reduce distractions and speed up navigation.
• Restarting the iPad can fix stuck multitasking behavior if the divider does not respond.
• If your iPad keeps opening two apps together, check whether you are accidentally dragging apps from the Dock.

Troubleshooting

• The divider does not respond: Try tapping and holding directly on the divider, then drag slowly. If that fails, close and reopen the apps.
• The app keeps snapping back into split screen: One of the apps may have been launched from the Dock or a recent-app suggestion, which can trigger Split View again.
• I only see one app but there is a small floating window: That is likely Slide Over, not Split View. Swipe the floating app off-screen to remove it.
• The screen looks frozen after I try to exit Split View: Force close the app or restart the iPad. A temporary system glitch can cause multitasking controls to stop responding.
• I cannot find the multitasking settings: Open Settings, then use the search bar at the top and type “multitasking” or “home screen and multitasking.”
• My iPad seems to have changed after an update: Apple occasionally adjusts multitasking behavior in iPadOS updates, so the menu names or gestures may look slightly different.

Conclusion

Removing the split screen on iPad is usually as simple as dragging the divider to an edge until one app takes up the whole screen. Once you know that gesture, it becomes second nature, and you can switch between multitasking and single-app mode whenever you want.

If Split View is being stubborn, the alternate methods above should help you clean up the layout fast. A few taps or one careful drag is usually all it takes to get your iPad back to a normal full-screen view.