How to Split Screen on iPhone

Ever wondered how to multitask on your iPhone like a pro? Say goodbye to switching between apps and hello to split screen mode! In this article, you’ll discover a simple and efficient way to split the screen on your iPhone, enabling you to effortlessly use two apps side by side. Whether you’re juggling work and personal tasks or simply want to boost your productivity, this easy-to-follow guide will have you splitting your screen in no time. So, grab your iPhone and get ready to master the art of multitasking!

How to Split Screen on iPhone

What is Split Screen on iPhone

Split Screen is a feature on iPhone that allows you to view and use two apps simultaneously, side by side. This feature is incredibly useful for multitasking, as it allows you to easily switch between apps without needing to constantly exit and re-enter them. Whether you want to respond to messages while watching a video, or browse the web while taking notes, Split Screen can greatly enhance your productivity on the iPhone.

Which iPhones are compatible with Split Screen

Split Screen is available on certain models of the iPhone, starting from the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus up to the latest iPhone models. If you have an iPhone 6s or a newer model, you can take advantage of the Split Screen feature. However, it’s worth noting that Split Screen may not be available on all apps, as it depends on the app’s compatibility with this feature.

How to Enable Split Screen

Enabling Split Screen on your iPhone is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the first app you want to use in Split Screen.
2. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen or down from the top-right corner (depending on your iPhone model) to open the App Switcher.
3. From the App Switcher, locate and tap on the second app you want to use in Split Screen.
4. Once the second app opens, tap and hold the app’s title bar at the top of the screen.
5. Drag the app to the left or right side of the screen until it splits with the first app.
6. Release your finger to dock the second app in Split Screen mode.

Congratulations! You have successfully enabled Split Screen on your iPhone.

Using Split Screen with Safari and Other Apps

Once Split Screen is enabled, you can start using it with various apps, including Safari. For example, you can browse the web in Safari while simultaneously composing an email or taking notes. Here’s how you can use Split Screen with Safari and other apps:

1. Open Safari as the primary app in Split Screen, using the steps mentioned earlier.
2. To open a secondary app, open the App Switcher again and choose the desired app.
3. The primary app will take up one side of the screen, while the secondary app will occupy the other.
4. You can interact with both apps independently, scrolling and navigating through them as you would normally.
5. To adjust the size of the Split Screen apps, see the next section.

How to Adjust the Split Screen Size

If you find that the default size of the Split Screen apps is not ideal for your needs, you can easily adjust it. Follow these steps to resize the Split Screen apps:

1. Locate and tap and hold the vertical line that separates the two apps in Split Screen mode.
2. Drag the line to the left or right, depending on how you want to resize the apps.
3. Release your finger when you’re satisfied with the new Split Screen size.
4. The apps will automatically adjust to occupy the new sizes you’ve set.

Feel free to experiment and find the perfect Split Screen size that suits your preferences and tasks at hand.

Switching Between Split Screen Apps

Switching between apps in Split Screen mode is effortless. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Swipe horizontally on the screen from the edge closest to the center.
2. This gesture will allow you to switch between the two apps in Split Screen mode.
3. Release your finger when you’re on the app you wish to switch to.
4. The newly selected app will now occupy the full screen, while the previous app will dock at the side.

This seamless Switching between apps enables you to stay focused and efficiently manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Closing Split Screen Apps

If you want to exit Split Screen mode and close one of the apps, follow these simple steps:

1. Locate the vertical line that separates the two apps in Split Screen mode.
2. Drag the line all the way to the side of the app you wish to close.
3. Once the line reaches either edge, the app will exit Split Screen mode and close.

Remember that closing one app in Split Screen mode will still keep the other app open and accessible as a standalone app.

Troubleshooting Split Screen Issues

In rare cases, you may encounter issues with Split Screen on your iPhone. If Split Screen mode is not functioning correctly, try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Force close the apps involved in Split Screen mode by double-pressing the Home button (on iPhone models with a Home button) or swiping up from the bottom and pausing in the middle of the screen (on iPhone models without a Home button). Then swipe up on the app thumbnails to force close them.
2. Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS, as Apple regularly releases updates that can potentially address Split Screen issues.
3. Ensure that the apps you’re using in Split Screen mode are compatible with this feature. If not, try using alternative apps that support Split Screen.
4. Restart your iPhone by powering it off, then turning it back on after a few seconds. This simple step can often resolve various software-related issues.

If you have tried the above troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing issues, consider reaching out to Apple Support for further assistance.

Using Split Screen with a Third-Party App

While Split Screen mode works seamlessly with many native Apple apps, some third-party apps may not fully support this feature or may have limitations. However, many popular apps have implemented Split Screen compatibility, allowing you to use them side by side with other apps. To check if a third-party app supports Split Screen, follow these steps:

1. Enable Split Screen mode as instructed earlier, with a native Apple app as the primary app.
2. Open the App Switcher and locate the desired third-party app you want to use in Split Screen mode.
3. If the third-party app supports Split Screen, it will appear as a separate tile in the App Switcher.
4. Tap on the third-party app’s tile to open it in Split Screen mode.

Remember that not all third-party apps may have Split Screen compatibility, so you may need to explore alternative apps or contact the app developers for more information.

Disabling Split Screen on iPhone

If you decide that Split Screen is not the feature for you or you simply want to revert back to using one app at a time, disabling Split Screen is easy. Follow these steps to disable Split Screen on your iPhone:

1. Open any app in Split Screen mode.
2. Locate the vertical line that separates the two apps in Split Screen mode.
3. Drag the line all the way to the edge of the screen, merging the two apps into one.

Now you can enjoy using your iPhone in the traditional single-app view.

Using Split Screen on your iPhone can significantly enhance your productivity and multitasking capabilities. Whether you’re responding to messages, browsing the web, or taking notes, this feature allows you to seamlessly switch between apps and accomplish more in less time. Give it a try and discover a whole new level of efficiency with your iPhone.