Tired of juggling multiple apps on your iPhone’s tiny screen? Split screen allows you to run two apps simultaneously, maximizing productivity and staying organized. This innovative feature transforms your iPhone into a multitasking powerhouse, empowering you to effortlessly manage your workflow and enhance your mobile experience.
Split screen opens up a world of possibilities. Imagine seamless multitasking, where you can effortlessly compare notes while writing an email or simultaneously refer to a website while composing a message. By dividing your screen, you can stay on top of multiple conversations, manage spreadsheets side-by-side, or navigate through different apps without the hassle of constant switching. The possibilities are endless, and the benefits are undeniable.
Implementing split screen on your iPhone is a breeze. There are two simple methods to activate this feature. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to split screen success.
Using Control Center
1. Open Control Center:
- For iPhones without Face ID: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
- For iPhones with Face ID: Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Find the Split Screen Icon:
A horizontal line with two squares on the left and right represents the Split Screen icon. If you don’t see it, you may need to swipe left or right in Control Center to reveal it.
3. Tap and Hold the Split Screen Icon:
Hold your finger on the icon until a menu appears. There are two options available:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Split Screen | Divides the screen into two equal halves for multitasking. |
| Slide Over | Shows one app in a narrow window that slides in from the side. |
Using AssistiveTouch
AssistiveTouch is a feature that provides an on-screen menu with customizable options to access device functions. This method allows you to enable split screen without relying on physical buttons or gestures.
To use AssistiveTouch for split screen:
- Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch.
- Toggle the switch to enable AssistiveTouch.
- Customize the AssistiveTouch menu by tapping “Customize Top Level Menu” and adding the “Split Screen” option.
- Open the AssistiveTouch menu and tap the “Split Screen” button.
Once AssistiveTouch is enabled, you can access split screen anytime by tapping the floating button and selecting “Split Screen.” This method is particularly useful for devices without a Home button or for users who have difficulty with gestures.
Additional Tips:
- You can reposition the AssistiveTouch button by dragging it to a different location on the screen.
- To disable AssistiveTouch, simply toggle the switch in Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch.
Split Screen via Picture-in-Picture
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) allows you to watch a video in a floating window while still using other apps on your iPhone. To use PiP:
1. Start playing a video in a supported app (e.g., YouTube, Safari).
2. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center.
3. Tap the Picture-in-Picture icon (a rectangle with an arrow) in the video’s playback controls.
4. The video will shrink into a floating window that you can move and resize around your screen.
Advanced PiP Controls
Besides moving and resizing the PiP window, you can also control the video playback using the following options:
| Action | How to |
|---|---|
| Play/pause | Tap the video within the PiP window. |
| Skip forward/back | Double-tap the left or right side of the PiP window. |
| Change the sound volume | Drag the volume slider upwards/downwards in the PiP window. |
| Hide the PiP window | Swipe the PiP window off the screen. |
| Return to full-screen mode | Tap the “Return to Full Screen” button in the PiP window. |
Note: PiP is only available for certain video apps and may not be compatible with all videos.
Side-by-Side Split Screen
To enable side-by-side split screen on your iPhone:
1. Open the first app you want to use.
2. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Dock.
3. Drag the second app you want to use onto the first app.
Resizing the Split Screen
To resize the split screen, simply drag the black bar in the middle of the two apps to the left or right. This will adjust the size of each app accordingly.
Swapping the Split Screen
To swap the positions of the two apps in the split screen, simply drag the black bar at the top of the screen down to the bottom, and then release it.
Closing the Split Screen
To close the split screen, simply drag the black bar at the top of the screen down to the bottom. This will close the second app and return you to the first app.
| App | Drag From | Drag To |
|---|---|---|
| Safari | Dock | Safari |
| Dock | ||
| Photos | Dock | Photos |
Full-Screen App Split
Step 1: Open the First App
Start by opening an app you wish to use in Split View mode. Make sure the app supports this feature by swiping up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the Dock. If the app icon has a small black rectangle next to it, it indicates Split View compatibility.
Step 2: Swipe up from the Bottom
Once you have opened the first app, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up the Dock. This will reveal a row of recently used apps at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: Drag and Drop the Second App
Locate the second app you want to use in Split View from the Dock. Press and hold the app icon and then drag it over to the first app. You will see a black bar appear at the top of the screen. Drag the app over this bar and release it to create a Split View.
Step 4: Adjust the Split
By default, the two apps will be split evenly on the screen. However, you can adjust the split by dragging the black bar that separates the two apps. Drag the bar up or down to resize the apps.
Step 5: Using Split View
Once you have created a Split View, you can use both apps simultaneously. You can interact with each app independently, drag and drop content between them, or even use the keyboard and mouse to control both apps.
| Action | Gesture |
|---|---|
| Resize the Split View | Drag the black bar separating the apps |
| Close one of the apps | Swipe up on the app you want to close |
| Use both apps simultaneously | Interact with each app as you normally would |
Split Screen with Third-Party Apps
In addition to Apple’s limited split-screen functionality, various third-party apps offer more robust and customizable split-screen experiences. Let’s explore some popular options:
Split Screen with Slide Over
Slide Over is a feature that allows you to open a second app in a floating window that slides in from the edge of the screen. You can use Slide Over with most third-party apps, including:
– Facebook Messenger
– WhatsApp
– Twitter
– Gmail
To use Slide Over with a third-party app:
1. Open an app.
2. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen to reveal the Dock.
3. Hold down the app icon you want to open in Slide Over.
4. Drag the app to the center of the screen.
Split Screen with Multitasking Gestures
Certain third-party apps support split-screen multitasking gestures. These gestures may vary depending on the app:
| App | Gesture |
|—|—|
| Spark | Swipe left or right with three fingers |
| Fantastical | Pinch and hold with two fingers |
| Things 3 | Tap the multitasking button in the top-left corner |
Split Screen with External Monitors
With iOS 16, you can use an external monitor to extend your iPhone’s display and work with multiple apps in split-screen mode. This feature is currently only supported on certain iPad models, but it may be available on future iPhones as well.
Customizing Split Screen Layout
Once you’ve enabled split screen, you can customize the layout to your liking. Here are some tips:
Adjust the Screen Ratio
By default, the split screen will be divided equally between the two apps. However, you can adjust the ratio by dragging the divider bar between them. Drag up or down to make one app larger or smaller.
Swap the App Positions
To swap the positions of the two apps, simply drag the divider bar to the other side of the screen. The apps will switch places.
Close an App in Split Screen
To close one of the apps in split screen, simply drag the divider bar all the way to the left or right edge of the screen. The app will close and the other app will take up the entire screen.
Advanced Split Screen Features
Drag and Drop
In split screen mode, you can drag and drop content between the two apps. This is useful for copying and pasting text, images, or files. Simply tap and hold on an item in one app and drag it over to the other app.
App Pinch & Zoom
In certain apps, you can pinch and zoom to adjust the layout of the app within the split screen. This allows you to focus on specific parts of the app.
App-Specific Split Screen Options
Some apps offer additional split screen options that can be accessed by tapping on the app icon in the top-left corner of the split screen. These options may include the ability to adjust the app’s size, position, or content.
Swapping and Closing Apps in Split Screen
Swapping Apps
To switch between the two apps in Split Screen, simply tap on the app you want to bring to the front. The other app will automatically move to the background.
Closing an App in Split Screen
To close an app in Split Screen, swipe up on the app’s preview window. The app will close, and the other app will expand to fill the screen.
Multiple App Management
Up to 3 apps can be open in Split Screen simultaneously.
* **Two Equal Panels:** Slide the divider between the panels to the left or right to adjust the size of each panel.
* **One Primary and Two Secondary Panels:** Drag a third app from the Dock onto one of the existing panels to create a “slide over” panel. The secondary panels can be hidden by swiping them to the edge of the screen.
* **Closing a Secondary Panel:** Drag the secondary panel down and off the screen to close it.
* **Swapping Secondary Panels:** Tap and hold a secondary panel and then drag it on top of the other secondary panel to swap their positions.
* **Closing All Apps in Split View:** Tap the small “-” button next to the Split View indicator in the status bar to close all apps in Split View.
| Split Screen Configuration | Steps |
|---|---|
| Open 2 apps in Split Screen | Drag one app from the Dock onto the other app’s window |
| Adjust panel sizes | Slide the divider between the panels left or right |
| Open 3 apps in Split Screen (slide over) | Drag a third app from the Dock onto one of the existing panels |
| Close slide over panel | Drag the panel down and off the screen |
| Swap slide over panels | Tap and hold a panel and drag it on top of the other |
| Close all apps in Split View | Tap the “-” button next to the Split View indicator in the status bar |
Troubleshooting Split Screen on iPhone
1. Split Screen Not Working
If split screen is not working, try the following:
- Restart your iPhone.
- Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.
- Check if the apps you’re trying to use support split screen.
- Try using a different app combination.
2. Drag and Drop Not Working
If you can’t drag and drop between apps in split screen, try the following:
- Make sure both apps support drag and drop.
- Check if you have enough free space on your iPhone.
- Restart your iPhone.
3. Split Screen Missing
If the split screen option is missing from the multitasking menu, try the following:
- Restart your iPhone.
- Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.
4. Split Screen Not Resizing
If you can’t resize the split screen windows, try the following:
- Make sure both apps support split screen resizing.
- Drag the divider between the windows to resize them.
5. Split Screen Keeps Closing
If split screen keeps closing, try the following:
- Restart your iPhone.
- Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.
6. Split Screen Not Available on My Device
Split screen is not available on all iPhone models. Here’s a list of iPhone models that do not support split screen:
| iPhone Model |
|---|
| iPhone 5s |
| iPhone 6 |
| iPhone 6 Plus |
7. Split Screen Not Working with Specific Apps
Some apps do not support split screen. Here’s a list of popular apps that do not support split screen:
| App |
|---|
| Snapchat |
8. Split Screen Not Working in Landscape Mode
Split screen is not supported in landscape mode on all iPhone models. Here’s a list of iPhone models that do not support split screen in landscape mode:
| iPhone Model |
|---|
| iPhone 5s |
| iPhone 6 |
| iPhone 6 Plus |
9. Troubleshooting Advanced Split Screen Issues
If you’re having trouble with more advanced split screen features, such as drag and drop or resizing, try the following:
- Make sure both apps support the advanced split screen features you’re trying to use.
- Restart your iPhone.
- Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.
How To Do Split Screen On Iphone
Drag and Drop
Drag and drop is a great way to move content between apps in split screen. To drag and drop, simply tap and hold on an item in one app, then drag it to the other app. You can also drag and drop text, images, and files.
Use the Dock
The Dock is a convenient way to access your favorite apps in split screen. To use the Dock, simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen. Then, tap and hold on an app icon and drag it to the right or left edge of the screen.
Use Slide Over
Slide Over is a feature that allows you to use a second app in a small window that slides over the current app. To use Slide Over, simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen and then swipe left or right to reveal the Slide Over panel. Then, tap on an app to open it in Slide Over.
Use Quick Actions
Quick Actions are shortcuts that allow you to perform common tasks without having to open an app. To use Quick Actions, simply tap and hold on an app icon on the Home screen or in the Dock. Then, tap on the Quick Action that you want to perform.
Customize the Split Screen View
You can customize the split screen view to suit your needs. To do this, simply tap and hold on the divider between the two apps. Then, drag the divider up or down to adjust the size of the apps.
Use Split Screen with Multiple Windows
You can use split screen with multiple windows. To do this, simply open two or more apps in split screen. Then, tap and hold on the divider between the two apps and drag it to the left or right edge of the screen. This will create a new window for the app that was on the opposite side of the divider.
Use Split Screen with External Displays
You can use split screen with external displays. To do this, simply connect your iPhone to an external display. Then, open two or more apps in split screen. The apps will be displayed on the external display in split screen mode.
Tips and Tricks for Enhancing Split Screen
Use the Keyboard to Control Split Screen
You can use the keyboard to control split screen. To do this, simply press the Command key and then use the arrow keys to move the divider between the two apps.
Use Multiple Desktops
You can use multiple desktops to organize your apps and windows. To do this, simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen and then tap on the plus button. This will create a new desktop. You can then drag and drop apps and windows to the new desktop.
Customize the Touch Bar
You can customize the Touch Bar to add shortcuts to your favorite apps and actions. To do this, simply open the System Preferences app and then click on the Touch Bar icon. You can then drag and drop shortcuts to the Touch Bar.
Use Mission Control
You can use Mission Control to see all of your open windows and desktops. To do this, simply press the F3 key or swipe up from the bottom of the screen with three fingers.
Use Split View with Multiple Apps
You can use Split View with multiple apps. To do this, simply open two or more apps and then click on the Split View button in the menu bar. The apps will be displayed in Split View mode.
Use Split View with External Displays
You can use Split View with external displays. To do this, simply connect your Mac to an external display and then open two or more apps. The apps will be displayed on the external display in Split View mode.
Tips and Tricks for Enhancing Split Screen
Use Keyboard Shortcuts
You can use keyboard shortcuts to quickly open and close split screen windows. To open split screen, press the Command + Option + D keys. To close split screen, press the Command + Option + F keys.
Use Mission Control
You can use Mission Control to see all of your open windows and desktops. To open Mission Control, press the F3 key or swipe up from the bottom of the screen with three fingers. From Mission Control, you can drag and drop windows to different desktops or split screen windows.
Customize the Touch Bar
You can customize the Touch Bar to add shortcuts to your favorite apps and actions. To customize the Touch Bar, open the System Preferences app and click on the Touch Bar icon. You can then drag and drop shortcuts to the Touch Bar.
Use Multiple Desktops
You can use multiple desktops to organize your apps and windows. To create a new desktop, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and tap on the plus button. You can then drag and drop apps and windows to different desktops.
Use Split View with Multiple Apps
You can use Split View with multiple apps. To open Split View, click on the Split View button in the menu bar. You can then drag and drop apps to the different sides of the screen.
Use Split View with External Displays
You can use Split View with external displays. To do this, connect your Mac to an external display and then open two or more apps. The apps will be displayed on the external display in Split View mode.
How to Do Split Screen on iPhone
Split screen is a feature on iPhones that allows you to use two apps side-by-side. This can be useful for multitasking, such as when you want to watch a video while browsing the web.
To use split screen, you must have an iPhone 6s or later running iOS 9 or later.
Steps
- Open the first app that you want to use in split screen.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Dock.
- Touch and hold the icon of the second app that you want to use.
- Drag the second app icon over to the left or right edge of the screen.
- Release the app icon when you see the split screen interface.
People Also Ask
What devices support split screen?
Split screen is available on all iPhone models that are running iOS 9 or later.
How do I close split screen?
To close split screen, simply drag the divider in the middle of the screen to the left or right edge.
Can I use split screen with any two apps?
No, not all apps support split screen. To see if an app supports split screen, open the app and swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Dock. If you see a black bar at the top of the app icon, then the app supports split screen.
