How to use (Multitouch) Multitasking Gestures for iPad

Multitouch or Multitasking gestures are one of the coolest features of iOS for the iPad. With these gestures, you easily and quickly switch between apps, return to the main screen (home screen), close apps, and much more. Use Multitasking to work with two apps at the same time, answer texts or emails while watching videos, or quickly switch to different apps using these gestures.

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How to enable Multitasking Gestures

First, make sure that you have allowed Multitasking Gestures. To turn this on, just tap Settings > General > Multitasking > Gestures (or Multitasking Gestures in older iOS) and toggle this ON.

Now you can use either four or five fingers to perform various multi-touch tasks as follows:

Close Apps and Pinch to the Home Screen

Use four or five fingers in a pinching gesture to get back to the home screen, instead of pressing the home button. It is quick and straightforward.

Open Multitasking Bar

Want to open your multitasking bar to force close an app or switch between apps? You may do so by clicking the home button twice. You can also do this with multitasking gestures by using four or five fingers to swipe up.

Switch Apps by Swiping Left or Right  

This is one of the most useful of the multitasking gestures. Switch between apps by using four or five fingers and swiping left or right.

Turn Multitasking features on or off

• Go to Settings > General > Multitasking
  • Allow Multiple Apps: Turn off if you don’t want to use Slide Over or Split View
  • Persistent Video Overlay: Turn off if you don’t want to use Picture in Picture
  • Gestures: Turn off if you don’t want to use Multitasking gestures to see the app switcher, return to the Home screen, and more

Use apps while you watch a video with Picture in Picture

With Picture in Picture, use FaceTime or watch a movie AND do other things like check email, text friends, or write up notes and reminder. All you need to do is tap the picture in picture button and your FaceTime or screen scales down to a corner of your display. Open Another app and your video or FaceTime conversation continues.

SK( Managing Editor )

Obsessed with tech since the early arrival of A/UX on Apple, Sudz (SK) is responsible for the editorial direction of AppleToolBox. He is based out of Los Angeles, CA.

Sudz specializes in covering all things macOS, having reviewed dozens of OS X and macOS developments over the years.

In a former life, Sudz worked helping Fortune 100 companies with their technology and business transformation aspirations.