You usually can’t use split screen on an iPad for one of a few common reasons: your iPad or apps don’t support it, the multitasking setting is off, or the new iPadOS 26 “windowed apps” behavior is confusing how it works.

Why can’t I split screen on my iPad?

1. Your iPad model might not support Split View

Split View is not available on every iPad ever made. It only works on:

  • iPad Pro models
  • iPad (5th gen or newer)
  • iPad Air 2 or newer
  • iPad mini 4 or newer

If you’re on an older device (like original iPad Air or older minis), you’ll never see proper Split View options. To check:

  1. Open Settings → General → About.
  2. Look at Model Name and compare to the list above.

If your model is older than those, that’s the main reason you can’t split screen.

2. The apps you’re using don’t support split screen

Even if your iPad does support Split View, not every app allows itself to be used in split screen.

Typical issues:

  • Some games, video players, and older apps only run full-screen.
  • When you try to drag them into split view, they either snap full screen or refuse to move.

Quick checks:

  • Try two Apple apps that definitely support Split View (e.g., Safari + Notes).
  • If those work but your favorite app doesn’t, it’s an app limitation, not your iPad.

3. Multitasking / Split View is turned off in settings

In recent iPadOS versions, there’s a dedicated multitasking section. If this is off, split screen just won’t appear even if the hardware and apps support it.

On current iPadOS:

  1. Go to Settings → Multitasking & Gestures.
  2. Make sure options like Split View & Slide Over and the new Windowed App toggles are turned on.

On iPadOS 26-style setups, you may see:

  • Options for windowed apps , layouts, or stage/desktop-like behavior.
  • If those are misconfigured, Split View may feel like it “vanished” even though it’s just changed.

4. You’re not using the “new” way to split screen (iPadOS 16–26 style)

Apple changed how you start split screen compared with older iOS versions, which confuses a lot of people.

Common methods now:

  • Three dots at the top of the app
    • Open an app.
    • Tap the three-dot Multitasking button at the top of the window.
    • Choose the Split View icon.
    • Then pick your second app from the home screen or dock.
  • Drag from Dock / App Library
    • Open the first app.
    • Swipe up slightly to show the Dock.
    • Touch and hold another app’s icon, then drag it to the left or right edge until the screen splits.
  • Window menu / windowed apps (iPadOS 26 style)
    • Open an app.
    • Use the window/menu control (or gesture from the top of the window) to choose an arrangement.
    • Pick left/right split, then choose the second app to fill the other side.

If you’re trying older gestures (like swiping from the side blindly) they may no longer do what they used to, which can make it feel like split screen is “broken” when it’s really just changed.

5. Settings, rotation, or bugs are getting in the way

A few “gotchas” can also block Split View from working properly:

  • Portrait vs landscape : Many people only see split view options in landscape (iPad turned sideways). Some layouts or apps won’t give side‑by‑side options in portrait.
  • Rotation issues : If rotation lock is on or stuck, layout options may be limited. Make sure rotation isn’t locked in Control Center.
  • Outdated iPadOS or apps : Newer multitasking features may need newer system and app versions. Update in Settings → General → Software Update and update apps in the App Store.
  • Frozen apps / glitches : If apps are laggy or stuck, Split View can fail to activate. Force-quit the apps or restart your iPad to clear it.

6. What people are saying in forums lately

Recent forum and Reddit threads show a pattern:

  • Users on newer iPads (like iPad Air M‑series) often end up in Stage Manager / windowed mode instead of classic Split View, which feels different but is still multitasking.
  • Some complain that classic Split View “disappeared” or isn’t as easy, especially as Apple leans into windowed layouts and Stage Manager.
  • Common advice from other users:
    • Use the three dots at the top of the window.
    • Make sure your device supports Stage Manager/windowed apps if you want more flexible layouts.
    • Send feedback to Apple if you don’t like the new multitasking behavior.

This has become a recurring trending topic whenever Apple tweaks multitasking in a new iPadOS release.

7. Quick checklist: “Why can’t I split screen on my iPad?”

If you want a simple path to test:

  1. Confirm device : Is your iPad Pro, iPad (5th gen+), Air 2+, or mini 4+?
  1. Check settings :
    • Go to Settings → Multitasking & Gestures.
    • Ensure Split View / Slide Over / Windowed apps are enabled.
  1. Try known-good apps : Safari + Notes in landscape.
  2. Use the three dots at the top of an app window or drag from the dock to the side.
  1. Update & restart:
    • Update iPadOS and apps.
    • Restart the iPad if things still act weird.

If after all that you still can’t split screen, it’s either an older device that simply doesn’t support it, or a specific app that refuses to participate in multitasking.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.