How to Use Split Screen on iPad

Before diving into the steps, it is important to distinguish between the three primary multitasking modes available on iPadOS in 2026. Split View is the most common method, placing two apps side-by-side in resizable windows. This is ideal for tasks that require constant interaction with both apps. Slide Over, on the other hand, allows you to pull a smaller window over an existing full-screen app. This is perfect for checking Messages or Spotify without fully leaving your primary workspace.

The third and most advanced mode is Stage Manager. Introduced for iPads with M-series and high-end A-series chips, Stage Manager provides a windowed experience more akin to a desktop computer, allowing you to overlap multiple windows and resize them freely. When you use Settings > Multitasking & Gestures, you can decide which of these modes feels most natural for your workflow. Most users find that Split View is the best starting point for general productivity.

To initiate a split screen session, start by opening any app. At the top of the screen, you will see a small icon consisting of three horizontal dots. Tap these dots to reveal the Multitasking menu. You will see three options: Full Screen, Split View, and Slide Over. Tap the middle icon for Split View. Once selected, the current app will slide to the side, revealing your Home Screen and Dock.

From here, simply tap the second app you wish to use. The iPad will automatically snap both apps into a 50/50 split. If the second app does not support Split View, it will open in full screen instead, and your first app will be minimized. A common mistake is trying to split screen with apps that are not optimized for it, such as certain legacy games or the Instagram app, which may still behave inconsistently. If the three dots do not appear at the top, the app likely does not support multitasking features.

Once you have two apps open, you are not stuck with a perfectly equal division of the screen. In the center of the black divider bar between the two apps, there is a small vertical gray handle. You can touch and drag this handle to the left or right to change the proportions. Most apps support a 50/50 split or a 70/30 split. This is particularly useful if you need a large area for a Word document but only a small sliver for a reference image or a calculator.

If you want to swap the positions of the apps, you do not need to close them. Simply grab the three dots at the top of either app and drag it to the opposite side of the screen. To replace one of the apps currently in split screen, swipe down from the three dots of the app you want to remove. The iPad will push that app off-screen and let you pick a new one from your Home Screen or Dock. This fluidity is what makes iPadOS 19 and 20 so efficient for power users.

Slide Over is a distinct multitasking feature that works alongside or independently of Split View. To use it, tap the three dots at the top of an app and select Slide Over (the third icon). The app will shrink into a floating window that sits on top of your main app. You can move this window to either the left or right side of the screen by dragging the top handle. This is the best way to keep a task list or a chat window handy without sacrificing screen real estate.

One of the most powerful aspects of Slide Over is the ability to have multiple apps ready. You can swipe up from the bottom of the Slide Over window to see all the apps you have placed in that stack, similar to the App Switcher. To hide the Slide Over window temporarily, simply swipe it off the edge of the screen using the top handle. When you need it again, swipe inward from the edge of the screen. This allows for a clean workspace while keeping essential tools just a swipe away.

If you own an iPad with an M1, M2, M4, or newer chip, Stage Manager offers a significantly different multitasking experience. To enable it, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center and tap the Stage Manager icon (a square with three small dots on the side). Once active, your apps will appear as windows that you can resize by dragging the bottom corner. Stage Manager allows you to group up to four apps on the iPad screen at once.

To create a group in Stage Manager, open an app and then drag another app from the Recent Apps list on the left side into the center workspace. You can overlap windows to focus on what matters most. If you find the Recent Apps list or the Dock distracting, you can long-press the Stage Manager icon in Control Center to hide them, giving you more room. This mode is especially useful when your iPad is connected to an external monitor, as it allows for a true multi-monitor desktop experience.

If you find that Split View or Slide Over is not working, the first step is to verify the settings. Go to Settings > Multitasking & Gestures and ensure that Split View & Slide Over or Stage Manager is selected. If the option is set to "Off," all multitasking gestures will be disabled. Additionally, ensure that your iPad is not in Low Power Mode, as this can sometimes cause lag or stuttering when managing multiple high-resource windows simultaneously.

Another common issue is app compatibility. While most modern apps support multitasking, some developers explicitly disable it. If you cannot drag an app into a split view, try with a native Apple app like Safari or Notes to confirm the feature is working. If gestures seem unresponsive, a quick restart of the iPad often clears the system cache and restores functionality. Ensure you are running the latest version of iPadOS in 2026, as software updates frequently refine these multitasking interactions and fix bugs related to window snapping.

Using a physical keyboard with your iPad, such as the Magic Keyboard, unlocks a new level of speed. Instead of reaching for the screen, you can use the Globe key (or Caps Lock if remapped) to trigger multitasking layouts. These shortcuts are invaluable for professionals who need to manage complex projects without taking their hands off the keys. Experimenting with these combinations will significantly reduce the time spent fiddling with touch gestures.