To split screen on an iPad, open an app, tap the Multitasking button at the top of the screen, choose Split View, and then select your second app. The two apps will appear side by side, allowing you to work, browse, message, or watch content without constantly switching between them.
Split-screen options can differ by iPad model, iPadOS version, and app compatibility. Most current iPads support some form of multitasking, while newer models may also offer Stage Manager and flexible windowing.
What Is Split Screen on iPad?
Split screen, often called Split View, lets you use two apps side by side.
For example, you can:
- Read a website in Safari while taking notes
- Watch a video while replying to Messages
- Check Mail while writing in Notes
- Compare two documents
- Drag photos from Photos into an email
- Use Files beside a productivity app
Split View works best in landscape orientation because it gives both apps more screen space.
How to Use Split View on iPad
- Open the first app you want to use.
- Tap the three-dot Multitasking button at the top of the screen.
- Select the Split View icon.
- The first app moves to one side and the Home Screen appears.
- Tap the second app you want to open.
- Both apps now appear side by side.
You can use the centre divider to adjust how much space each app receives.
How to Resize Apps in iPad Split Screen
When two apps are open in Split View, a vertical divider appears between them.
- Touch and hold the divider.
- Drag it left or right.
- Release it when the apps are the size you want.
Depending on the apps and iPad model, you may be able to give one app more space than the other.
For example, you can keep Safari wide while using a narrow Notes window for quick writing.
How to Switch an App in Split View
To replace one app with another:
- Tap the three-dot Multitasking button above the app you want to replace.
- Choose the option to move the app into full-screen or change its multitasking layout.
- Select a different app from the Home Screen or App Library.
On some iPadOS versions, you can also swipe up gently from the bottom edge to show the Dock, then drag another compatible app into the open workspace.
How to Open a Second App From the Dock
The Dock can make multitasking faster.
- Open your first app.
- Swipe up gently from the bottom edge to reveal the Dock.
- Touch and hold the second app’s icon.
- Drag it to the left or right side of the screen.
- Release it when the split-screen area appears.
If the app opens in a small floating window instead, drag it toward the edge of the screen to try Split View.
How to Use Slide Over on iPad
Slide Over places a second app in a smaller floating window over your main app. It is useful for quick messages, reminders, music controls, or short replies.
Open an App in Slide Over
- Open your main app.
- Swipe up slightly from the bottom to show the Dock.
- Touch and hold another app icon.
- Drag the app toward the centre of the screen.
- Release it to open the app as a floating window.
You can move the Slide Over window to the left or right side of the screen.
Split View vs Slide Over
| Feature | Split View | Slide Over |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Two apps side by side | One smaller app floats over another |
| Best for | Writing, comparing, research, work | Quick messages and short tasks |
| Resize options | Yes, with the centre divider | Limited |
| Main benefit | Both apps stay visible | Fast access without leaving the main app |
How to Use Stage Manager on iPad
Stage Manager is a more advanced multitasking feature available on supported iPad models. It can display resizable overlapping app windows rather than only fixed side-by-side layouts.
To turn it on:
- Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner.
- Tap Stage Manager, if available.
- Open apps and arrange their windows as needed.
Stage Manager is useful for people who use an iPad with a keyboard, trackpad, or external display. Availability depends on your iPad model and iPadOS version.
How to End Split Screen on iPad
To return to one app:
- Touch and hold the centre divider.
- Drag it all the way to the left or right edge.
- The app on the opposite side becomes full-screen.
You can also tap the Multitasking button above an app and select the full-screen option.
How to Turn On Multitasking on iPad
If you do not see the three-dot Multitasking button:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Home Screen & Multitasking or Multitasking & Gestures.
- Turn on the available multitasking options.
The exact menu name can change between iPadOS versions.
Why Can’t I Split Screen on My iPad?
There are several common reasons.
The App Does Not Support Split View
Some apps do not support iPad multitasking. If you do not see Split View after tapping the Multitasking button, try a different app such as Safari, Notes, Mail, Files, or Messages.
Multitasking Is Turned Off
Check Settings > Home Screen & Multitasking and make sure multitasking is enabled.
Your iPad Is in Portrait Mode
Split View is usually easier to use in landscape mode. Rotate the iPad horizontally and try again.
The iPad Model or iPadOS Version Is Limited
Older iPads may have fewer multitasking options. Update iPadOS through:
Settings > General > Software Update
The App Is Already Using a Full-Screen Feature
Some video, game, or camera apps may temporarily restrict multitasking. Exit full-screen mode and try again.
Useful iPad Split-Screen Ideas
Try these app combinations:
| Main app | Second app | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| Safari | Notes | Research and note-taking |
| YouTube or a browser | Messages | Watch and reply |
| Files | Attach documents to emails | |
| Calendar | Notes | Plan tasks and meetings |
| Photos | Share pictures quickly | |
| Books | Notes | Study and make notes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can every iPad use split screen?
Not every iPad supports the same multitasking features. Most modern iPads support Split View or another multitasking option, but the available layouts depend on the model, iPadOS version, and app support.
Can I split screen with the same app twice on iPad?
Some apps, such as Safari, may allow multiple windows or tabs in multitasking. Many apps do not support opening two separate copies at the same time.
How do I make one app bigger in Split View?
Drag the vertical divider between the two apps left or right.
Why is Split View not working in Safari?
Try rotating the iPad to landscape mode, updating iPadOS, checking whether multitasking is enabled, and opening Safari with another compatible app.
Can I use three apps at once on iPad?
On supported iPads and iPadOS versions, you may be able to use two apps in Split View with a third app in Slide Over. Stage Manager can provide more flexible window arrangements on supported devices.
Final Thoughts
The simplest way to split screen on iPad is to open an app, tap the three-dot Multitasking button, select Split View, and choose a second app. Use the centre divider to resize the apps and drag it to an edge when you are finished.
For quick tasks, Slide Over is often more convenient. If your iPad supports it, Stage Manager can give you a more desktop-like multitasking workspace.
