iPad (Mini/Air/Pro) Split Screen Not Working: 6 Ways to Fix

When you encounter the Split Screen not working on iPad issue, just keep on reading to get solutions. This detailed guide will help you check your device and fix the issue efficiently.

By @Kathy Last Updated July 8, 2024

With the Split View feature, you can accomplish tasks like taking notes while reading, checking your email while referencing a document, and much more.

But sometimes, you may find that the split-screen view on your iPad is not working correctly. When this issue occurs, you need to first check your iPad and then fix this split-screen malfunction.

Check the device when iPad Split Screen not working

At the 2014 WWDC, Apple introduced the split-screen Multitasking feature in iOS 8. However, the split-screen malfunction still occurs, even in the latest iOS 18/17. Now you can check the device to determine the cause.

#1. Check if the iPad supports Multitasking

The Split Screen is included in the Multitasking feature, and the Multitasking only supports with the iPad mini 4, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad 5th generation, and their later models. Besides, the iPadOS system must be higher than 13.

Note: If you don’t know how to find out which iPad model you have, you can go to this page to find solutions: Identify your iPad model

#2. Check if the apps allow Split Screen

When you prepare to use the feature, if the app is compatible with Split Screen, it will appear in a separate window next to the first app. If it doesn't work, you may see an error or notification that the app doesn't support Split Screen.

How to fix Split Screen not working on iPad

After confirming that your iPad supports multitasking and apps are compatible with the feature, if the issue persists, you can look for the most suitable solution among the methods below.

Method 1. Enable Allow Multiple Apps

If the Multitasking feature is turned off on your iPad. You can open the Settings app on your iPad > Select Home Screen & Dock > Choose Home Screen > Select Multitasking and tap on the switch next to Allow Multiple Apps to toggle it on.

For some newer iPadOS systems, you need to go to Settings > Tap on Multitasking & Gestures > Under the Multitasking section, check Split View & Slide Over to turn it on.

Method 2. Update the apps

If certain apps weren't originally designed to support Split View, updating these apps might enable more seamless use of the feature on your iPad. You can open the App Store on your iPad, then find and update the apps to make it.

Method 3. Force restart your iPad

An easy and straightforward step to troubleshoot the Split Screen on iPad (Air/Mini/Pro) not working issues is to force restart your device.

Restart iPad with Face ID: Quickly press and then release the Volume Up button > Quickly press and release the Volume Down button > Hold down the Power button until the Apple logo becomes visible.

Restart iPad with the Home button: Simultaneously press and hold the Power and Home buttons > Release both buttons when the Apple logo shows on your iPad screen.

Method 4. Reset all settings on iPad

Resetting all settings may be available to solve the problems caused by changes within your device settings. Just Open the Settings app > Select General > Tap Reset > Choose Reset All Settings.

Note: This action will reset all settings on your iPad like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and notifications to their default status and won't erase your data.

Method 5. Update the software

An outdated iPadOS system can cause the iPad Split Screen not working iOS 18/17 issue. Then you can go to Settings > General > Click Software Update and choose Update Now to finish the process. Before the process, you’d better back up your iPad data to avoid sudden data loss.

Note: If you can’t update your iPad automatically, please find solutions in this page: [8 Ways] Fix iPad/Mini/Air/Pro Won't Update iOS 18/17

Method 6. Reset your iPad to factory settings

If you've tried all the methods above and still can’t address the problem, then you can use FoneTool to factory reset your iPad.

★What can you get from this rich-feature app?: Selective or Full Backup: Before the erasing, you can choose to selectively back up your photos, videos, music, contacts and messages or fully back up all iPad data like iTunes/iCloud. Universal Restore: You can simply restore all your iPad backup to another iOS device even if they are using different Apple IDs. Erase Private Data: Except for factory resetting iPhone, you can choose to delete messages, photos, videos, contacts and more on your iPhone. Deep Erase Technology: With this feature, you can delete iPad data permanently. And it can’t be recovered anymore.

Now you can follow the instructions below to fully back up and factory reset your iPad.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP

Secure Download

Fully back up iPad

Step 1. Connect your iPad to the PC with a USB cable > Launch FoneTool and choose Phone Backup > Full Backup > Click Get Started to continue.

Step 2. Check Enable Backup Encryption to protect your private data if necessary > Click Backup Storage Path to choose a storage folder on PC > Tap on Start Backup to begin.

Factory reset iPad

Step 3. Click Toolbox > Data Eraser.

Step 4. Choose Erase all data and tap Get Started.

Step 5. View the instructions on the screen and tap the Erase Data button to reset your iPad.

Once the process is completed, the Split Screen issue may be fixed. Then you can go to My Backups and click Restore dot to restore.

Conclusion

Now you can know how to fix the iPad Split Screen not working issue, you can check your device first and then try to find the most suitable way to troubleshoot it. If you need to perform a factory reset on your iPad, FoneTool can help you finish the process efficiently.