how to get rid of split screen on tablet

"How to Fix Split Screen on Tablet"

By Hannah Taylor
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Imagine this: You're relaxing with your tablet, browsing through your favorite content, and suddenly you're greeted with a split screen. It's not the dual-app multitasking you've enabled, but an unwelcome, confusing display. Don't let this glimpse of chaos disrupt your digital zen. This guide will walk you through how to get rid of split screen on your tablet, no matter what caused it.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's quickly identify what might be causing your dual-screen predicament. Most commonly, it could be a result of accidentally enabling multitasking, a glitch in an app, or a system error. Don't worry, we'll troubleshoot each possibility to get your tablet back to its pristine, single-screen glory.

Disable Multitasking

If you're using an iPad, the split screen might be a result of the multitasking feature. Here's how to disable it:

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How to get rid of split screen on iPad 2023
How to get rid of split screen on iPad 2023
How to use and get rid of the split screen feature on your iPad — Business Insider
How to use and get rid of the split screen feature on your iPad — Business Insider
How to Use Split Screen on an iPad
How to Use Split Screen on an iPad

1. Start by minimizing the app you're currently using, especially if it's the one causing the split screen. Do this by tapping its header at the top of the screen and then pulling it down.

Closing Split-View Multitasking

If you're currently using two apps in Split View, you can close this feature by following these steps:

How To Get Rid Of Split Screen on iPad
How To Get Rid Of Split Screen on iPad
How to turn off split screen on iPad
How to turn off split screen on iPad
How to Get Rid of Split Screen on an iPad
How to Get Rid of Split Screen on an iPad
  1. Tap and hold the middle bar that separates the two apps.
  2. Drag the bar towards the screen edge where the app you want to close is located.

Closing Slide Over Multitasking

For Slide Over multitasking, follow these steps:

  1. Tap and hold the bar at the top of the Slide Over app.
  2. Drag it downwards and release it once you see the "Remove" message at the top of the screen.

Force Closing Problematic Apps

Sometimes, a rogue app can cause your tablet's display to go awry. Here's how to force close apps on different tablet systems:

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Force Quit on iOS

1. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen and pause slightly in the middle.

How To Get Rid Of Split Screen on iPad
How To Get Rid Of Split Screen on iPad
How to Split Screen Multitask on iPad Pro
How to Split Screen Multitask on iPad Pro
How to Get Rid of Split Screen on iPad & iPhone in 2022
How to Get Rid of Split Screen on iPad & iPhone in 2022
How to Split Screen/Multitask on iPad
How to Split Screen/Multitask on iPad
How to Split Screen on the iPad: The Complete Guide (2026 Edition)
How to Split Screen on the iPad: The Complete Guide (2026 Edition)
How to do split screen on your iPad and multitask with Split View
How to do split screen on your iPad and multitask with Split View

2. You should see app cards. Swipe up on the app that's causing issues to force quit it.

Force Stop on Android

1. Navigate to Settings and then tap on "Apps".

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2. Find and tap on the problematic app, then select "Force Stop".

a man holding up an ipad with the text ipad trick instant ipad split screen fix
a man holding up an ipad with the text ipad trick instant ipad split screen fix
an open laptop computer sitting on top of a glass table in front of a monitor
an open laptop computer sitting on top of a glass table in front of a monitor
How to use Split Screen on iPad
How to use Split Screen on iPad

Restart or Reset Your Tablet

If force closing apps didn't work, the next step is to restart your tablet. Here's how for both iOS and Android:

  • iOS: Press and hold the power button until the "slide to power off" message appears. Swipe the screen to turn off your iPad, then press the power button again to turn it back on.
  • Android: Press and hold the power button until a menu appears. Tap "Power off". Once your tablet is off, press and hold the power button again to turn it back on.

If your tablet still doesn't cooperate, it might be time for a master reset. Remember to back up your data before doing this.

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Now that your tablet is back to its single-screen self, keep it that way by being mindful of any apps that might trigger a split screen, and always keep your tablet's software updated for the smoothest possible experience. Happy browsing!

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