Fix: Cannot Use Split Screen on iPad After iPadOS 26

After updating to iPadOS 26, many users have found that the familiar Split Screen (Split View) and Slide Over multitasking features no longer work as expected. Instead of easily placing two apps side‑by‑side, users find that tapping on one app can unexpectedly close another, making it difficult to work with multiple windows simultaneously. This frustrating change in behavior, detailed by users in this Apple Community discussion, isn’t a bug but rather a result of a major change in how the iPad handles multitasking.

Why Split Screen Has Changed on iPadOS 26

The core reason for the change is the introduction of a new multitasking interface called Stage Manager. When enabled, Stage Manager replaces the traditional Split View and Slide Over system with a desktop‑like experience where apps open in resizable, overlapping windows. This new system is powerful but fundamentally different from the simple side‑by‑side layout users are accustomed to.

Because Stage Manager is the new default multitasking mode on supported iPads, the classic Split View behavior is disabled. The good news is that the old system is not gone—you simply need to switch back to it in your settings to restore the functionality you’re used to.

How to Fix Split Screen and Multitasking

Follow these steps to restore the classic Split View and Slide Over features on your iPad.

1. Disable Stage Manager to Restore Classic Split View

This is the most important step and the direct solution for most users. Disabling Stage Manager will immediately bring back the familiar Split View and Slide Over interface.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on Multitasking & Gestures in the sidebar.
3. Under the “Multitasking” section, select Split View & Slide Over. This will automatically disable Stage Manager.

2. Use the Multitasking Menu (Three Dots)

Once Split View is re‑enabled, you can use the three‑dot menu at the top of an app window to manage multitasking.

1. Open the first app you want to use.
2. Tap the three dots (…) at the top‑center of the screen.
3. Tap the Split View icon (the middle icon with a vertical line). The current app will move to the side, allowing you to choose a second app from your Home Screen.
4. To use Slide Over, tap the Slide Over icon (the right‑most icon).

3. Use Drag and Drop from the Dock

The classic drag‑and‑drop method is still the fastest way to initiate multitasking.

1. While in an app, gently swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the Dock.
2. Press and hold the icon of the second app you want to open.
3. Drag the icon to the far left or far right edge of the screen to enter Split View.
4. Alternatively, drag the icon over the center of the current app and release it to open it in a floating Slide Over window.

4. Check App Compatibility

Keep in mind that not all apps support multitasking. If you find that the three‑dot menu doesn’t appear or you cannot drag an app into Split View, it’s likely the app developer has not enabled support for it. Test the feature with native Apple apps like Safari, Notes, or Mail to confirm that the system is working correctly.

5. Restart Your iPad

If the multitasking controls are unresponsive or not appearing at all even after disabling Stage Manager, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches.

1. Press and hold either the top button or a volume button until the power‑off slider appears.
2. Drag the slider to turn off your iPad.
3. After it shuts down completely, press and hold the top button again until the Apple logo appears.

6. Reset All Settings

If you continue to experience issues, a corrupted setting from the update might be the cause. This step will reset all system settings to their defaults without deleting your personal data, apps, or photos. You will need to re‑enter Wi‑Fi passwords and reconfigure your settings afterward.

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad.
2. Tap Reset > Reset All Settings.

If none of these solutions work, contact Apple Support.