Learn How to Exit Split Screen on Devices

Understanding Split Screen Mode Across Different Devices

Split screen mode is a feature that allows you to view and use two applications simultaneously on a single device display. This functionality has become standard across most modern smartphones, tablets, and computers. When split screen is active, your device's screen divides into two sections, with one application running in each section. You can resize these sections, switch between them, and interact with both programs at the same time.

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Different device types handle split screen differently. On Android devices, split screen typically divides the screen horizontally or vertically depending on device orientation. On iPad and other Apple tablets, split screen can work through features called Split View and Slide Over. Windows computers and MacBooks also include multitasking features that create similar side-by-side window arrangements. Understanding which type of device you're using is the first step toward learning how to exit this mode.

Split screen mode can be useful in many situations. You might want to reference information from one app while typing in another, watch a video while browsing the web, or check a messaging app while working on a document. However, there are times when you'll want to return to viewing a single application in full screen. Some users find split screen confusing or prefer the simplicity of one app at a time. Whatever your reason for wanting to exit this mode, the process varies depending on your device type and operating system.

Practical Takeaway: Before attempting to exit split screen, identify which type of device you're using—Android phone or tablet, iPad, iPhone, Windows computer, or Mac. This will help you follow the correct steps for your specific device.

Exiting Split Screen on Android Devices

Android devices provide several ways to exit split screen mode, and the method you use may depend on which version of Android your device runs. Most Android phones and tablets that support split screen entered this mode either through the recent apps menu or through a specific gesture. To exit split screen on most Android devices, you can start by opening the recent apps menu. On newer Android devices, this usually involves swiping up from the bottom of the screen and holding. On older devices, you may need to tap a dedicated recent apps button.

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Once you see the recent apps overview, look for the app that's currently in split screen mode. You should see two apps displayed on the screen at the same time. To exit split screen, you can drag one of these apps to the top or bottom of the screen until it expands to full screen. Alternatively, you can tap and hold on the app's title bar and drag it upward to fill the entire display. Some Android devices also allow you to tap a small icon or button near the app's name that shows it's in split screen mode—this button often looks like a rectangle or two rectangles side by side, and tapping it may close split screen.

Another straightforward method involves pressing the back button or using navigation gestures. On many Android phones, pressing back multiple times while in split screen mode will close one app and return you to single-screen view. If your device uses gesture navigation, swiping from the edges of the screen inward may also close split screen. You can also simply close one of the split screen apps entirely by swiping it away or tapping a close button if visible.

Practical Takeaway: On Android, the easiest way to exit split screen is usually to open recent apps, find the split screen apps, and drag one of them to fill the full screen. If that doesn't work, try pressing the back button or swiping one app away entirely.

Exiting Split View on iPad and Apple Tablets

iPads use a feature called Split View when two apps are displayed side by side. To exit Split View on an iPad, the most common method is to locate the divider between the two apps. This divider appears as a thin vertical line running down the middle of the screen where the two applications meet. Once you've identified this divider, you can drag it to one side or the other. Dragging the divider all the way to the left edge will close the left app and expand the right app to full screen. Dragging it to the right edge will close the right app and expand the left app to full screen.

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Another method for exiting Split View involves using the app switcher. On newer iPads with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner to access the app switcher. On older iPads with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. Once in the app switcher, locate the app you want to keep in full screen and swipe up on the other app to close it. This will return your iPad to single-app view with your chosen app displayed across the entire screen.

You can also exit Split View by using multitasking gestures. Try pinching outward with four or five fingers on the iPad screen, which may exit Split View and show your home screen. From there, you can tap on a single app to open it in full screen. Additionally, some users find that simply pressing the Home button or using the home gesture will exit Split View and return to the home screen, from which you can open any single app you choose.

If you have an app running in Slide Over mode (a smaller floating window on top of another app), you can close it by swiping from the left edge of the screen to the right, or by tapping the X button if one appears in the Slide Over window's title bar.

Practical Takeaway: On iPad, drag the divider between apps all the way to one side to exit Split View, or use the app switcher to close one of the two apps entirely.

Exiting Split Screen on iPhone

iPhones handle split screen differently than iPads. Most iPhones do not support traditional split screen mode like tablets do. However, iPhones do support a feature called Picture in Picture, which allows video content to play in a small floating window while you use other apps. If you're experiencing what appears to be split screen on an iPhone, it's likely Picture in Picture mode that's active.

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To exit Picture in Picture on iPhone, look for the floating video window on your screen. This window typically displays video content and can be moved around the screen by dragging it. To close Picture in Picture, tap the video window to make sure it's active, then look for an X button or close icon. On many iPhones, you can tap the X in the corner of the Picture in Picture window to close it. Alternatively, pinch inward on the video window to shrink it, which will often cause it to close and the video to return to full screen within the app where it originated.

If you opened Picture in Picture from Safari or another web browser, closing the Picture in Picture window will return you to viewing that app in full screen. You can also swipe up from the bottom of the screen on newer iPhones to access the app switcher, locate the app with Picture in Picture active, and swipe up on that app to close it. This will remove the floating video window and return your iPhone to showing whatever other app you were using previously.

Some users may confuse Picture in Picture with split screen. Remember that iPhones typically show only one app at a time with Picture in Picture as a small overlay, whereas iPad split screen shows two full-sized apps side by side. If you're experiencing something that looks different from Picture in Picture, check your iPhone's settings or accessibility features to see if any special display modes are enabled.

Practical Takeaway: On iPhone, look for a small floating video window (Picture in Picture mode), then tap the X button to close it, or pinch inward on the window to collapse it.

Exiting Split Screen on Windows Computers

Windows computers allow you to arrange windows in split screen configuration using Snap Assist or similar features. On Windows 10 and 11, you can create a split screen effect by dragging a window to the left or right side of the screen, where it will snap into place taking up half the screen. To exit this split screen arrangement, you have several options depending on your preferences and the current state of your windows.

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The simplest method to exit split screen on Windows is to grab the title bar of one of the windows and drag it away from the edge where it's snapped. Simply drag the window toward the center of the screen, and it will release from the snapped position and float freely. You can then position it however you wish or maximize it to full screen by double-clicking its title bar. This allows you to keep both applications open while removing the split screen arrangement.

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