How to See All Open Windows for Any IPad App
When you use an app like Safari on iPad, one window is rarely enough. While it’s easier than ever to create new windows and pairs of windows on iPad, finding windows is a different matter entirely. But that’s all well and good – iPadOS 15 has a new feature that makes things easier for you. This is called a shelf.
How to find all open windows of an iPad app using the shelf
You can think of a shelf as a docking station version, but only for a specific application. When multiple windows are open for an application, the shelf is automatically displayed at the bottom of the screen. It lingers there for a couple of seconds and then disappears, but you can bring it back: hit the new multitasking menu button (three dots) at the top of the screen. (This only works if you are currently viewing a full screen window.)
However, a more reliable way to see all open windows is to use the Dock. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the dock, and tap an app that’s already open on the screen. Alternatively, you can press and hold an application icon and select the Show All Windows option.
When the shelf is open, you can click on any window to switch to it. Swipe up on the preview window to close it.
How to find all open windows for an app using the app switcher
While the shelf feature is great, it’s not intuitive – and you can only see small previews of the windows for a couple of seconds. A more reliable way to find all open windows for an application is to use the old reliable application switcher. On iPad, swipe up from the bottom Home bar and hold for a second to open the App Switcher.
Here you will see a list of all open applications and windows. If the application has multiple windows open, you will see a small Windows icon next to it (it looks like two cascading squares).
When you click on it, you will now only see all windows for the given application. This will include split view pairs, slide windows, and full screen windows.
You can click on a window to switch to it. And if you want to close the window, just swipe up.