iPadOS: Double-tap window top shrinks it

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Level 2

160 points

iPadOS: Double-tap window top shrinks it

Window management! With the new iPadOS, it feels like every time I barely brush the screen, the window I’m working on changes size or jumps out of the way or does a back-flip. The consistent problem: I used to be able to double-tap the top of the window to scroll quickly back up to the top of a page (a long article on a web page, for instance). Now, when I do that, the window becomes tiny and centered in the middle of the screen. And then, when I manage to find the place to double-tap again in order to get the page back to full-screen, there’s still this little corner-shaped line in the bottom right corner of the window. I only ever use full-screen windows. I have never, ever needed to have multiple windows open on my iPad screen. Can I go back to that?

Posted on Jan 24, 2026 12:45 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

LotusPilot

Level 10

302,732 points

Jan 24, 2026 1:18 PM in response to Dan Perreten

I fully understand where you appear to be experiencing difficulties with your double-tap. This is one aspect of iPadOS 26 which can, until explained and understood, cause frustration.

A quick double-tap at the top of the a full-screen view will switch to windowed view as you observe. A quick double tap at the top of an App window does the reverse - switching to a full-screen view.

Insofar as returning to the top of a long page, you still use two taps at the top of the full-screen or active App window - but need to slow down...

Tap, briefly pause, then tap again; the page will scroll to the top exactly as you are accustomed.

Windowed Apps can be freely resized by dragging from any of the four corners of the window; this is signified by the "handle" icon at bottom-right of a resizable window. A tap of the multitasking control button (represented by the traffic-light button at top-left of an App window will expand the control; tapping red will close the App and associated App window, yellow will minimise the window but leave the App running in the background, while green will maximise the App window to a full screen view.

iPadOS 26 multitasking has received a significant makeover from that to which you may be accustomed in iPadOS 18.x and earlier - and may take a little time to learn and adjust your workflows. You would be well advised to review the official iPadOS User Guide and the many available online tutorials (such as YouTube) to become better acquainted with the new multitasking interface and associated gestures and controls.

Work with multiple windows at once on iPad - Apple Support

OS - iPadOS 26 - Apple

Multitask on iPad with iPadOS 26 - Apple Support (begin with the excellent inset video)

If you dislike the windowed environment, you can switch to using the basic Full-Screen App mode - but this disables all multitasking capabilities and hide the traffic-light controls; you will not be able to use split screen or slide-over modes with which you are likely familiar:

Settings > Multitasking & Gestures - select Full Screen Apps

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Answer 2

Dan Perreten Author

Level 2

160 points

Jan 24, 2026 1:56 PM in response to LotusPilot

Thank you so much! You are AMAZING!

Going to “Full-Screen Apps” is the way to solve this problem for me. I have never knowingly used (or had need for) split-screen or slide-over. I would love to know what percentage of iPad users are like me: full-screen always, never use multiple windows ever. I’m guessing the vast majority.

Maybe it’s my age, but I really don’t want Apple to alter the OS in such a way as to require me to seek out tutorials to learn how to use basic functions. I’ve been an Apple customer since 1986, and other than the giant transition to OSX (very well communicated at the time), I don’t remember such intrusive changes to basic daily tasks.

Anyway, enough of the complaints. Again, thank you. You’re my hero.

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Answer 3

LotusPilot

Level 10

302,732 points

Jan 24, 2026 4:25 PM in response to Dan Perreten

You're very welcome. I'm delighted to learn that you found the information helpful in resolving your difficulties.

While respecting your viewpoint, I sincerely recommend that you review the links provided - at least the short video that you'll find within the third link - as this will help you to get the best from your iPad.

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