If you want to split screen on iPad Safari, you can view two Safari webpages side by side without constantly switching between tabs. This is especially useful when you’re researching, comparing products, following a tutorial, taking notes, or copying information from one webpage to another.
The good news? Setting up Safari Split View is fairly simple once you know where to look.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to open two Safari windows side by side, move tabs between them, resize the windows, close Split View, and troubleshoot common problems.
What Is Safari Split View on iPad?
Safari Split View lets you display two Safari windows side by side on a compatible iPad.
For example, imagine you’re writing an article while researching information online. Instead of repeatedly switching between tabs, you can keep your research page on the left and another webpage on the right.
It’s similar to having two books open on the same desk.
Safari Split View is useful for:
- Comparing two websites
- Researching information
- Following online tutorials
- Shopping and comparing products
- Reading an article while viewing another source
- Copying information between webpages
- Studying
- Watching content while browsing
- Working with web-based applications
Can You Split Screen Safari on an iPad?
Yes. Modern iPadOS versions support multitasking features that allow Safari to display two windows side by side.
However, the exact interface can vary depending on:
- Your iPad model
- Your iPadOS version
- Safari’s current interface
- Your multitasking settings
If you don’t see exactly the same buttons described below, don’t worry. Apple occasionally changes the location or appearance of multitasking controls.
How to Split Screen on iPad Safari
The easiest method is to open Safari and create a second Safari window using the multitasking controls.
Step 1: Open Safari
Start by opening Safari on your iPad.
Navigate to the webpage you want to keep open.
For example, you might have a news article open.
Step 2: Open the Multitasking Menu
At the top of the Safari window, tap the multitasking button near the top of the screen.
Depending on your iPadOS version, this may appear as a button containing three dots.
Step 3: Select Split View
Choose the option for Split View.
Safari will move to one side of the display, leaving space for another window.
Step 4: Open Safari Again
Select Safari from the Home Screen or Dock.
A second Safari window should appear alongside the first one.
Step 5: Open Your Second Website
Type the address of the second webpage into the Safari address bar.
You now have two Safari windows displayed simultaneously.
How to Open Two Safari Pages Side by Side
There’s another convenient method if you already have the webpage you want open in a Safari tab.
Follow these steps:
- Open Safari.
- Open your first webpage.
- Touch and hold the Safari tab you want to move.
- Drag the tab toward one side of the screen.
- Wait for the split-screen area to appear.
- Release the tab.
- Safari opens the tab in another Safari window.
This can be particularly useful when you’re already browsing and don’t want to start from scratch.
How Do I Drag a Safari Tab Into Split View?
This is one of the quickest techniques to learn.
Suppose you have these two tabs:
- Wikipedia
You want Google on the left and Wikipedia on the right.
Here’s what to do:
- Open Safari.
- Display the tab bar.
- Touch and hold the Wikipedia tab.
- Start dragging it.
- Move it toward the left or right edge of the Safari window.
- Wait for the split-screen preview.
- Release the tab.
Safari should create a second window.
The important part is dragging the tab rather than simply tapping it.
How to Resize Safari Split Screen
Once you have two Safari windows open, you don’t have to give each window exactly 50% of the screen.
You can adjust the divider between them.
Step-by-step:
- Locate the vertical divider between the two Safari windows.
- Touch and hold the divider.
- Drag it toward the left or right.
- Release it when the windows are the size you want.
This lets you prioritize one webpage.
For example, if you’re reading a long article while taking notes, you could make the article wider and the second window narrower.
Can You Have Two Different Safari Websites Open at Once?
Yes.
That’s one of the main reasons to use Safari Split View.
For example:
Left side: Google Docs
Right side: Safari research page
Or:
Left side: Amazon
Right side: Product comparison website
Or:
Left side: YouTube
Right side: Safari webpage
Your exact experience can depend on the websites and iPadOS version you’re using.
How to Move a Safari Tab Between Split-Screen Windows
Already using Split View but want to move a tab from one side to the other?
You can usually move tabs between Safari windows using drag and drop.
Try this:
- Open Safari’s tab overview.
- Locate the tab you want to move.
- Touch and hold the tab.
- Drag it toward the other Safari window.
- Drop it into the destination window.
This is useful when your tabs become disorganized.
Instead of closing everything and starting over, simply reorganize the tabs.
How to Open a Link in the Other Safari Window
You can also use links to create or manage another Safari window.
Touch and hold a link on a webpage.
A contextual menu may appear with options such as opening the link in another window, depending on your iPadOS version and Safari configuration.
This can be useful when researching because you can keep your original page visible while opening another source.
How to Close Safari Split Screen on iPad
Finished using Split View?
Closing it is easy.
Method 1: Use the Multitasking Button
- Tap the three-dot multitasking button at the top of one Safari window.
- Choose the option to close or exit Split View.
- Safari returns to a single-window layout.
Method 2: Drag the Divider
You can also drag the divider completely toward one side of the screen.
This causes one window to take over the display.
The exact behavior can vary with the iPadOS version.
How Do I Get Safari Back to Full Screen?
If Safari is currently occupying only part of your iPad screen, you can return it to full screen through the multitasking controls.
Try this:
- Tap the three-dot button at the top of the Safari window.
- Select the full-screen option.
- Safari expands across the display.
If you’re using an older iPadOS version, the controls may look different.
Why Can’t I Split Screen Safari on My iPad?
If Split View isn’t working, there could be several reasons.
The most common possibilities include:
- Your iPad model doesn’t support the required multitasking features.
- Your iPadOS version is outdated.
- Multitasking behavior has changed in your version of iPadOS.
- You’re attempting to use Split View from an unsupported interface.
- Safari needs to be restarted.
- A temporary software issue is interfering with multitasking.
Don’t assume your iPad is broken.
First, check the basics.
How to Check Your iPadOS Version
Knowing your iPadOS version makes troubleshooting much easier.
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Find iPadOS Version.
You can also check:
Settings → General → Software Update
If an update is available and your iPad supports it, installing the latest compatible version may improve multitasking behavior.
How to Fix Safari Split Screen Not Working
If you can’t create a split-screen Safari window, work through these fixes.
1. Restart Safari
Close Safari completely and reopen it.
Then try creating Split View again.
2. Restart Your iPad
A restart can clear temporary system problems.
Turn the iPad off, wait briefly, and turn it back on.
3. Update iPadOS
Go to:
Settings → General → Software Update
Install a compatible update if one is available.
4. Try a Different Website
If you’re trying to open a particular web application, test Split View with a normal webpage.
Some web applications behave differently in multitasking environments.
5. Check Your iPad Model
Older iPads may not support every modern multitasking feature.
Safari Split View vs. Safari Tabs
These features sound similar, but they’re not the same.
| Feature | Safari Tabs | Safari Split View |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple webpages | Yes | Yes |
| View two pages simultaneously | No | Yes |
| Switch between pages | Yes | Less necessary |
| Uses two Safari windows | No | Yes |
| Best for research | Good | Excellent |
| Side-by-side comparison | No | Yes |
Think of tabs as folders stacked on top of one another.
Split View is like opening two folders on your desk at the same time.
Safari Split Screen vs. iPad Multitasking
Safari Split View is part of the broader multitasking experience on iPad.
You can use iPad multitasking to work with Safari alongside other apps in supported configurations.
For example, depending on your iPadOS version, you might use Safari alongside:
- Notes
- Messages
- Files
- Calendar
- Pages
- Microsoft Word
- Google Docs
This can turn your iPad into something closer to a lightweight laptop.
How to Use Safari and Notes Side by Side
One particularly useful setup is Safari plus Notes.
Imagine you’re researching a topic and want to record important information.
Try this:
- Open Safari.
- Open the webpage you’re researching.
- Open the iPad Dock.
- Touch and hold Notes.
- Drag Notes onto the side of the screen.
- Release it when the multitasking layout appears.
Now you can read Safari while taking notes.
This is one of the best iPad workflows for students, writers, and researchers.
How to Use Safari Split Screen for Research
Here’s a practical example.
Suppose you’re researching a new laptop.
You could set up:
Left: Manufacturer’s product page
Right: Review website
Now you can compare:
- Processor
- RAM
- Storage
- Display
- Battery
- Price
- Features
There’s no need to keep switching between tabs.
A simple research workflow
- Open the primary source in Safari.
- Create a second Safari window.
- Open the comparison source.
- Resize the windows.
- Read both pages.
- Copy important information into Notes.
It’s a small feature, but it can save a surprising amount of time.
How to Use Safari Split Screen for Online Shopping
Safari Split View can also make shopping easier.
For example:
Window 1: Product listing
Window 2: Review or specification page
You can compare products without losing your place.
Things you can compare
- Price
- Storage
- Processor
- Display size
- Customer reviews
- Warranty information
- Shipping details
- Technical specifications
This is particularly helpful when you’re researching expensive electronics.
How to Use Safari Split Screen for Studying
Students can use the same technique.
Imagine you’re studying history.
You could keep:
Left: Online textbook
Right: Research source
Or:
Left: Educational video
Right: Notes
Instead of constantly switching applications, everything remains visible.
That’s where an iPad’s large display becomes especially useful.
How to Make Safari Split Screen More Comfortable
Split View works best when you organize your workspace intentionally.
Use a larger window for the page you’re reading
If one website contains most of the information, give it more screen space.
Keep the secondary window narrower
Use the smaller window for:
- Notes
- Search
- Reference information
- A calculator
- A short webpage
Avoid too many tabs
Split View already gives you two workspaces. Adding dozens of tabs can make everything confusing.
A clean browser is a productive browser.
Common Safari Split-Screen Problems
Here’s a quick troubleshooting table.
| Problem | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| Split View doesn’t appear | Check iPadOS and model compatibility |
| Second Safari window won’t open | Restart Safari |
| Tab won’t move | Touch and hold the tab before dragging |
| Windows are too narrow | Adjust the center divider |
| Can’t exit Split View | Use the multitasking button |
| Safari freezes | Force close and reopen Safari |
| Multitasking behaves strangely | Restart/update iPadOS |
| Website doesn’t work correctly | Try another webpage |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have two Safari windows open on my iPad?
Yes. Supported iPadOS versions allow Safari to use multiple windows, including side-by-side Split View.
How do I split Safari into two screens?
Open Safari, use the multitasking controls to select Split View, and then open or move another Safari window into the second half of the display.
Can I put two Safari tabs side by side?
Yes. You can move a Safari tab into another Safari window and display the two windows side by side.
How do I exit Safari Split View?
Use the multitasking button at the top of the Safari window and choose the option to return to a single-window view. You can also move the divider completely to one side in supported versions.
Why doesn’t Safari Split View work on my iPad?
Your iPad model or iPadOS version may not support the required multitasking functionality, or Safari may be experiencing a temporary software issue. Check your iPadOS version, restart the device, and install available updates.
Conclusion
Learning how to split screen on iPad Safari can make your iPad much more useful for everyday work.
Instead of jumping back and forth between Safari tabs, you can keep two webpages visible simultaneously. Whether you’re comparing products, researching an article, studying for an exam, following a tutorial, or taking notes, Split View creates a much more efficient workflow.
The basic process is simple:
- Open Safari.
- Use the multitasking controls or drag a Safari tab.
- Create a second Safari window.
- Place the windows side by side.
- Adjust the divider to give each page the space it needs.
- Close Split View when you’re finished.
If the feature doesn’t work, check your iPad model and iPadOS version, restart Safari, restart the iPad, and install any available software updates.
Once you get comfortable with Safari Split View, you’ll probably wonder how you ever researched on an iPad without it.
Key Takeaways
- Safari can display multiple windows side by side on supported iPads.
- You can create Split View through the multitasking controls.
- Dragging a Safari tab can also help create a second Safari window.
- Resize the divider to control how much space each webpage receives.
- Safari Split View is excellent for research, studying, shopping, and multitasking.
- Safari can also be used alongside other compatible iPad apps.
- If Split View doesn’t work, check iPadOS compatibility and restart or update your device.