In iOS 9, Apple first introduced multitasking capabilities called Split View and Slide Over. These multitasking functions are strong when used correctly, but they might be perplexing. If you like the original iPad single-tasking experience, you may disable multitasking.
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Update, 9/21/22: Disabling multitasking is no longer possible with iPadOS 15 and later. Split View may still be exited manually. To conceal a Slide Over app, press and hold the multitasking button (three dots) at the top of the window, then slide the app to the left or right.
To begin, open the “Settings” app. Its icon is a set of gears, and it is by default positioned on the first page of your homescreen.
When you’re in Settings, look for “Home Screen & Dock” in the left column and press it.
Locate “Multitasking” on the right side of the screen and select it.
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You’ll see a list of multitasking choices, each with a switch next to them. They do the following:
Allow Multiple Apps: Enables or disables Split View and Slide Over, which allow two apps to be displayed on the screen at the same time.
Picture in Picture: This option allows you to activate or disable the ability to play a movie in the corner of the screen while using other apps.
Gestures: Enables or disables multitasking gestures including opening the app switcher with a single-finger swipe upward from the bottom of the screen, switching applications with four-finger swipes, and returning to the home screen from an app by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.
Some users keep the Gestures toggle on (which makes moving between programs easier) while disabling the other two settings. It all boils down to personal choice.
And now you’re set. No more accidentally launching multitasking on your iPad!
How to Disable Multitasking on Earlier Versions of iOS
You may deactivate multitasking in iOS 9 through iOS 12 by following these instructions. The settings that regulate multitasking are not in the same area as indicated in the preceding example.
To begin, open the “Settings” app. Navigate to General > Multitasking (on iOS 11 and 12, this is named “Multitasking & Dock”). Tap the Allow Multiple Apps, Persistent Video Overlay, and Gestures options to disable the functions.
The iPad operating system does not provide Split View or Slide Over capabilities prior to iOS 9.
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