This wikiHow teaches you how to use multitasking features, such as Split View, Slide Over, and Picture in Picture, on iPad. While you can't use these multitasking features on any iPhone model, you can switch back and forth between apps that are running on iPhone and iPad.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using the Multitasking Feature on iPad
Step 1. Make sure your iPad supports multitasking
Note that older iPads don't support multitasking. You can use the multitasking features if you have an iPad with the following model numbers:
- iPad Pro: A1584, A1652, A1673, A1674, or A1675.
- iPad Air 2: A1566 or A1567.
- iPad Air: A1566 or A1567.
- iPad Mini 4: A1538 or A1550.
- iPad Mini 3: A1599 or A1600.
- iPad Mini 2: A1489, A1490, or A1491.
- Most recent versions of iPad can use multitasking features, such as "Slide Over" and "Picture in Picture". However, the "Split View" feature is only available on iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, and iPad Mini 4.
Step 2. Open the Settings app on the iPad
This app icon is a gray gear and is usually located on the home screen.
Step 3. Tap General
This option is at the top of the " Settings " page.
Step 4. Move the screen down and tap Multitasking
This option is at the bottom of the " General " page.
Step 5. Tap the Allow Multiple Apps button to enable it
Tapping the button will change its color from gray to green. If the button is green, it indicates that the multitasking feature has been activated.
If the "Allow Multiple Apps" button is green, the multitasking feature can be used
Step 6. Open multiple apps at a time to test the multitasking feature
To do so, tap on the desired app and wait for it to open. After that, tap on the “Home” button and tap on another app to open it.
Step 7. Swipe the screen from the right center of the screen to the left
This will activate the "Slide Over" feature which will display other running applications in front of the currently open application. The app will take up about a third of the screen. This way, you can still see the currently open app while using another app on the right side of the screen.
- To change other apps that you want to appear on the right side of the screen, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the Dock. After that, drag the desired app from the Dock to the right of the screen.
- When "Slide Over" is used, applications that are in the "back" (applications that are open on the left side of the screen) will be paused when you use applications that are in the "front" (applications running on the right side of the screen).
- This feature is very useful for finding information about a place while looking at a map or checking social media while taking notes.
Step 8. Tap and drag the app from the Dock to the left or right edge of the screen to enable the “Split View” feature
After enabling the "Split View" feature on iPad, you can use two apps at the same time. The two apps are separated by an app splitter that appears in the middle of the screen. To resize apps on the screen, drag the app splitter left or right.
Step 9. Enable the “Picture in Picture” feature by playing the video and tapping the “Home” button
This will reduce the video screen to a small window and activate the “Picture in Picture” feature. The video will still appear in front of open apps, so you can use other apps while watching the video.
The "Picture in Picture" feature can be used for FaceTime as well
Method 2 of 2: Using Basic Multitasking Features on iPhone and iPad
Step 1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad
The app icon is a gray gear. Usually you can find it on the Home Screen.
Step 2. Tap General
It's at the top of the "Settings" page.
Step 3. Move the screen down and tap Background App Refresh
It's in the middle of the " General " page.
Step 4. Tap the Background App Refresh button to enable the “Background App Refresh” feature
This feature allows applications that are closed, rather than shut down, to continue working in the background (background). When you reopen it, you can continue using the app.
- If the button is green, " Background App Refresh " has been enabled.
- "Background App Refresh" will be activated automatically when Low Power Mode is enabled.
Step 5. Press the Home button
This will close the Settings screen.
Step 6. Open another app and close the screen
We recommend that you open another application that shows the capabilities of the "Background App Refresh" feature. Social media applications, such as Facebook or Twitter, can be used to test this feature.
Step 7. Open another app
The basic multitasking features will allow you to switch between open applications without having to start over from scratch.
Step 8. Double tap the Home button
This will display a list of currently running applications.
On iPad, you can swipe up from the bottom of the screen with four fingers to display a list of apps
Step 9. Swipe the screen up and down to see the list of apps
You can swipe the screen by placing your finger on the screen and dragging it left or right.
Step 10. Tap on the app you want to open
After tapping the desired app, you should be able to continue using the app without having to start it from scratch.
While most apps support the multitasking feature, note that some apps don't
Step 11. Double-tap the Home button to display a list of currently running apps
After that, find the app that you want to close.
Step 12. Close the app by swiping up
After that, the application will stop working. As such, you'll have to open it from scratch if you want to use the multitasking features of this app.
Tips
- Remove background running apps regularly to save battery and prevent device from slowing down.
- The larger the device memory, the more applications it can run.
- While more advanced multitasking features aren't available on older iPads, you can use basic multitasking features as long as iOS is kept up to date.
Warning
- Running multiple apps at the same time drains the battery quickly.
- iOS will close apps running in the background when the iPhone or iPad's memory has reached its maximum capacity. Therefore, make sure you save work in the app regularly.
