Split View can be helpful—but it can also be frustrating when you just want one app open.
To close Split View on your iPad, drag the app divider all the way to the edge of the screen to close one of the apps and return to full screen.
If you're struggling with accidental multitasking layouts on your iPad, don’t worry—Apple made it easy to return to normal. Let me show you how.
How do I exit split view on my iPad?
You’re in the middle of something important, but now there are two apps open and you can't focus.
You can exit Split View by dragging the gray divider bar between the two apps all the way left or right, closing the unwanted app.
Sometimes, I accidentally trigger Split View by swiping or tapping without realizing it. When that happens, here’s what I do:
Steps to Exit Split View
- Look for the gray handle (divider) in the center between the two app windows.
- Press and hold that divider.
- Drag the divider all the way across the screen—left or right.
- One app will disappear, and the remaining app goes full screen.
This works in both landscape and portrait mode.
When This Doesn’t Work
If the screen doesn’t respond:
- Try swiping slower.
- Make sure you’re holding the center handle, not the edge of the app.
How do I restore my iPad from split screen to full screen?
Split View makes multitasking easier—but sometimes, I just want focus back.
To restore your iPad screen from Split View to full screen, close one of the apps by sliding the divider to the edge of the screen.
Let’s break it down even further:
What Full Screen Looks Like
When you return to full screen:
- Only one app is visible.
- There are no divider bars or secondary app windows.
- The Dock is hidden until swiped up from the bottom.
Step-by-step Fix
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the vertical or horizontal divider bar |
| 2 | Touch and hold the bar |
| 3 | Swipe all the way across (left or right) |
| 4 | The second app closes |
Quick Tip
If you see a smaller floating window instead of a side-by-side layout, that’s Slide Over, not Split View. You can swipe it off-screen by dragging the top of the small window to the side.
How do I get my iPad back to full screen?
The iPad’s multitasking gestures are powerful—but they can be confusing too.
To get your iPad back to full screen, simply drag the middle divider to dismiss one of the split windows.
Sometimes I tap on a link and suddenly the screen splits. Here’s what works every time to fix it:
Two Main Ways to Return to Full Screen
1. Using Gestures
- Touch the divider and swipe it off the screen.
- You’ll go back to a single app layout.
2. Using the App Switcher
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause to open the App Switcher.
- Locate the split app layout.
- Swipe up on the app pair to close it.
- Tap the app you want to reopen full screen.
This works well when the drag method doesn’t respond.
Difference Between Split View and Slide Over
| Feature | Split View | Slide Over |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Two apps side-by-side | One small floating app |
| Close Method | Drag divider | Drag app off screen |
| Common Trigger | Dragging from Dock | Swiping app from side |
Knowing the difference helps solve the problem faster.
How do I get back to the main screen on my iPad?
Once you close Split View, you might want to go back to the Home screen.
To return to the iPad's main screen, swipe up from the bottom of the screen or press the Home button (if your iPad has one).
When you’re done using an app, or if you want to start over fresh, go to the Home screen:
Two Ways to Return Home
1. Gesture (For Newer iPads)
- Place your finger at the very bottom edge of the screen.
- Swipe upward quickly.
- You’ll return to the main Home screen.
2. Home Button (For Older iPads)
- Just press the circular Home button once.
App Switcher Bonus
You can also access the App Switcher by swiping up and holding.
- From there, swipe up on any open app to close it.
- Tap on any other app to launch it full screen.
Why It Matters
Going back to the Home screen gives you a clean slate. From there, you can re-open any app the way you want—without multitasking clutter.
Conclusion
Closing Split View on iPad is simple once you know how—just drag the divider to the edge, and you’re back in control.
