Top 9 iPad Split View Not Working Fixes

Split View definitely makes life easier on the iPad. The ability to use two apps side by side changes the game. So obviously, it's pretty frustrating when the shared view isn't working properly on the iPad.

Whether you've been using Split View for some time or are relatively new to using the feature, there are various reasons – and examples – where multitasking on the iPad is crumbling.

If this is the case on your side, run the fixes below and you should have resolved the problems with Split View in no time.

1. Not all applications support split view

Let's delete this first – not all apps support Split View. The functionality has been around for a while. Some apps (mostly from third-party developers) have not yet made the leap to multitasking alongside other apps.

So, if an application does not work in split view, dragging one such application onto another will cause the application to appear on the whole screen and, on the other hand, drag an application which supports split view on an app which will only cause it to slide.

2. Force applications to quit

Sometimes applications may get stuck after starting Split View. If this happens, the quickest way to resolve the problem is to force quit the applications in question.

To do this, open the app picker (swipe up from the bottom of the screen). Then drag the card containing the two Split View apps to force them out of memory.

You should then be able to launch both applications in Split View without problem.

3. Restart the iPad

If the forced termination of problematic apps did not help resolve the issue, or if you experience other strange visual anomalies when launching Split View, restarting your iPad should probably help you .

To restart your iPad, press and hold the power button (or the power button and volume buttons on iPads with Face ID), then perform the Slide to movement Power Off as requested.

Once your iPad is powered off, press and hold the power button to restart it.

4. Update iPadOS

Your iPad only supports Split View if it is running iOS 9 or later. Although it is very likely that you are running a newer version (such as iPadOS aka iOS 13 at the time of writing), it is always a great idea to update your iPad to the latest version.

Newer iPadOS updates often contain a ton of bug fixes that can help fix basic functionality. If you continue to experience persistent issues with Split View not working (freezes, crashes, slowdowns, etc.), updating your iPad is vital.

Open the Settings app, tap General, and then tap Software update. If updates are available, download and install them.

5. Update applications

Updated iPadOS aside, don't forget to also keep your app arsenal up to date. Application developers are making various optimizations to improve how apps work in Split View, so having the latest updates installed is always a good idea.

To update your apps, just long press the App Store icon and then tap Updates.

6. Use gestures correctly

Split View gestures are often difficult to define correctly. This is made worse because Apple often changes them slightly, with each major update to the iPad operating system. So if you are having trouble launching Split View, maybe after upgrading from iOS 12 to iPadOS, here is how to do it right.

Open the dock, then press and hold the icon of the app you want to display in Split View for a fraction of a second. Pull it out, then hold it momentarily on one of the edges of the screen. Release to launch Split View.

If you fail to activate Split View, the app usually launches in Slide Over mode. If this happens, lower the app using the top handle to the bottom of the screen, then release it to start the split view.

7. Activate multitasking

If apps refuse to open in Split View, however, you need to make sure multitasking is enabled on your iPad. This is generally not the case, but it is always possible that you or someone else deactivated it earlier and forgot everything.

Open the Settings app, tap Home screen and Dock, and then tap Multitasking. On the next screen that appears, make sure the switch next to Allow multiple apps is on.

8. Check the iPad model

You must use an iPad model that supports Split View. Only iPad Air 2 (2014) and newer models support shared view. If you are using an older model, such as the iPad Air (2013), Split View will not work.

Note: The applications will work in Slide mode (but not in split mode) on iPad Air (2013).

To check if your iPad model supports split view, open the Settings app, tap General, and then tap About. Finally, press Model Number to reveal a string starting with the letter "A."

If it reads more than A150xx, your iPad supports Split View. The only exception is the iPad Mini 3 with model numbers A1599 and A1600 (which does not support functionality).

9. Reset iPad settings

You should have resolved all issues with Split View by now. Otherwise, resetting your iPad settings should help as a last resort to get rid of any misconfigured settings that conflict with the functionality.

To do this, open the Settings app, tap General, tap Reset, and then tap Reset all settings.

Please keep in mind that the reset procedure will restore all iPad settings to their default values. For more details, see our guide that explains what happens when you reset your iPhone or iPad.

Multitasking like a pro

Split View is a key feature that makes the iPad the productive power it is. I hope these fixes have helped you fix things. It's time to get back to work.

Then: Is your iPad battery draining faster than it normally does? See the following article for fixes.