Close split screen by swiping the divider to the edge
To close split screen on an iPad, find the thin vertical line dividing your two apps and swipe it all the way to the left or right edge of the screen. The app on that side will close, and the remaining app will expand to fill the full screen. This works on any iPad model running iPadOS 9 or later.
The divider is sometimes hard to see, especially on newer iPad models with thinner bezels. Look for a faint line running vertically down the middle of your screen, or a small handle that appears when you tap near the center. Once you locate it, place your finger on it and drag firmly toward whichever edge you want to close.
Key Takeaways
- Swipe the vertical divider between your two apps to the left or right edge to close one app and expand the other to full screen.
- If you cannot see the divider, tap near the center of the screen to make the handle appear before swiping.
- You can also close split screen by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and tapping the X on the app card you want to remove.
- Closing split screen does not delete the app — it simply returns you to single-app view.
- On iPad models with a notch, the divider may be harder to locate, but the swiping method works the same way.
Use the app switcher to close one side
Another way to close split screen is through the app switcher at the bottom of your iPad. Swipe up from the very bottom of the screen to reveal your open apps as cards. Find the app you want to close and swipe up on its card to remove it from split screen view.
This method is useful if you have trouble locating the divider. The app cards show you exactly which apps are running, and swiping up on a card is a familiar gesture that works the same way as closing an app from the home screen.
Return to single-app view from the home screen
If you want to exit split screen entirely and start fresh, press the home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen (depending on your iPad model) to go to the home screen. This closes both apps in split screen and returns you to the standard single-app view.
When you open a new app from the home screen, it will open in full-screen mode rather than split screen. You can then choose to activate split screen again if you want to view two apps side by side.
Understand the difference between split screen and slide over
iPad has two ways to view multiple apps at once: split screen and slide over. Split screen divides your iPad into two equal or adjustable sections, with both apps visible and usable at the same time. Slide over places a smaller floating window of one app on top of another app, and you can move or resize that window.
If you see a smaller app window floating on top of your main app, you are using slide over, not split screen. To close slide over, swipe the floating window up and off the top of the screen, or swipe from the left edge of the screen to dismiss it. The method for closing slide over is different from closing split screen.
Troubleshoot if the divider will not move
If you swipe the divider and nothing happens, make sure you are swiping all the way to the edge of the screen, not just partway. The app will not close until the divider reaches the edge. Swipe in one smooth motion rather than tapping or dragging slowly.
If the divider still will not move, try closing split screen using the app switcher method instead. Swipe up from the bottom to see your app cards and swipe up on the one you want to close. If neither method works, try restarting your iPad by holding down the power button and sliding to power off, then turning it back on.
Prevent split screen from opening accidentally
Split screen activates when you drag an app from the dock or app switcher onto the side of an open app. If you find split screen opening when you do not want it, be careful when dragging apps. Make sure you are not accidentally dragging an app toward the edge of the screen.
You can also turn off split screen entirely in Settings if you prefer to use only single-app view. Go to Settings, tap General, then look for an option related to multitasking or split view (the exact name varies by iPadOS version). Disabling this setting will prevent split screen from activating, though you can always turn it back on later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does closing split screen delete my apps?
No. Closing split screen simply returns you to single-app view. Both apps remain on your iPad and can be opened again at any time. The only thing that changes is how many apps are visible on your screen.
Why can I not see the divider between my apps?
The divider is a thin line that can be hard to spot, especially on newer iPad models. Tap near the center of the screen to make the divider handle appear. If you still cannot find it, use the app switcher method instead: swipe up from the bottom and swipe up on the app card you want to close.
Can I close split screen on older iPad models?
Yes, the swiping method works on any iPad running iPadOS 9 or later. Older iPad models may have slightly different gestures, but swiping the divider to the edge is the standard way to close split screen across all compatible devices.
What if I want to adjust the split instead of closing it?
You can resize the split by dragging the divider left or right to give more screen space to one app or the other. Drag the divider partway across the screen rather than all the way to the edge. Release it when the apps are sized the way you want.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to close split screen?
There is no keyboard shortcut to close split screen on iPad. You must use the swiping method or the app switcher. If you use an external keyboard, you can still only close split screen through the touchscreen gestures described above.