How to exit split screen on iPad mini?

My iPad mini (5th generation) OS Version 18.6.2 has, on its own, switched to split screen and I do not know how to restore the single screen version. This split screen is a nuisance when reading email with two screens not of equal size are independently displaying the email messages. How can I get rid of the split screen (and how did I get there)? Thanks for any help.

iPad mini 5, iPadOS 18

Posted on Jan 2, 2026 9:43 AM

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3 replies

Jan 2, 2026 11:46 AM in response to valpoMac37

Key to controlling iPad multitasking is the traffic-light icon at top-left of App Windows. Simply tap the icon to expand the basic controls - these being three buttons:

  • Red - close the window
  • Yellow - minimise the window
  • Green - switch between window and full screen, or vice versa


A long touch (i.e. touch and hold) of the traffic-light button will expose additional windowing options:




The iPad User Guide is a rich and often overlooked source of information about your iPad and iPadOS. Here is a direct link to the relevant section of the Guide:

Work with multiple windows at once on iPad - Apple Support


This Support Page provides additional information about controlling multitasking:

Multitask on iPad with iPadOS 26 - Apple Support

How to exit split screen on iPad mini?

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