What is Stage Manager on iPad and how does it work?

💡 Need to know

• Stage Manager® makes multitasking a breeze. Organize open apps into thumbnails and groups you can click on to view.
• Not all iPads® have Stage Manager. Older devices lack the hardware to run the feature.
• Make sure you're running the right OS. Stage Manager requires at least iPadOS® 16 to work.

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One problem you keep running into with your iPad is app organization. When you're working with two or more, it's hard to avoid a cluttered screen. That's where using Stage Manager for iPad can transform your user experience.

If you've never heard of Stage Manager, don't worry. Asurion Experts can explain how to take advantage of this useful feature. We help you get the most from your tech, whether you want to turn your iPad into a second screen or set up a printer for it. Use these tips to activate iPad Stage Manager on your device.

Which iPads support Stage Manager?

With Stage Manager, you can easily multitask on your iPad. It's available on devices running an M2, M3, M4, A16, or A17 Pro chip. Other supported iPads include:

• iPad 8th generation and newer
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch, 3rd generation and newer
• iPad Pro 11-inch, 1st generation and newer
• iPad Air, 3rd generation and newer
• iPad mini, 5th generation and newer

If your iPad is running iPadOS 26, you can transfer open apps and windows to an external display. That option works with these devices:

• iPad Air 11-inch and 13-inch with an M3 chip
• iPad Pro 11-inch and 13-inch with an M4 chip
• iPad Air 11-inch and 13-inch with an M2 chip
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch, 5th generation or later
• iPad Pro 11-inch, 3rd generation or later
• iPad Air, 5th generation

How to turn on Stage Manager on iPad

To enable Stage Manager, take these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Multitasking & Gestures.
3. Select Stage Managerto turn it on.

When you're done with Stage Manager, repeat steps one and two. Tap Full Screen Apps or Windowed Apps to turn it off.

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How to use Stage Manager on iPad

Stage Manager lets you decide how apps and windows display on your screen. You can resize, group, and project apps onto a different screen (if your iPad supports it). Here's how to use those features.

Resize and arrange app windows

Stage Manager transforms unused, open apps into small thumbnails on the left side of your screen. To sift through them, take any of these actions:

• Use four or five fingers to swipe left or right.
• Swipe up from the bottom of your screen.
• Use one finger to swipe left or right at the bottom of your screen.

You can access the app you want to use by tapping on it.

Create and switch between app groups

You can separate apps into groups, which is helpful if you're working on different tasks. Here's how to do it:

1. Enable Stage Manager and open your first app.
2. Use the Dock or left sidebar to locate an app you want to group, then drag it to your active workspace.
3. Repeat these steps to group up to four apps together. You can start a new group by opening another app in Stage Manager and adding apps to it.

Use Stage Manager with an external display

If you have a supported iPad model, you can drag open apps to an external screen. Take any of the following actions:

• Drag the top of the app window to another device using the cursor.
• Tap the app's icon to open it in the display you want to use. It will appear in your Dock or App Library.
• Tap and hold the Stoplight menu. Tap Move to Display or Move to iPad.

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What to do if Stage Manager isn't showing or working

If you can't find Stage Manager on your iPad, you likely have an incompatible device. Older iPads don't have the chip power to support Stage Manager. Verify that your device is in the list of compatible options.

Alternatively, your software may be outdated. Update your iPad to the latest version of iPadOS to see if that fixes the issue.

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FAQ

What is Stage Manager on iPad?

Stage Manager is a tool that lets you manage and switch between open apps on your iPad. It comes in handy when you're working with multiple apps and need a way to organize them.

Which iPads support Stage Manager?

Newer iPads that run on fast chips are compatible with Stage Manager. Older devices may not offer it.

How do I turn off Stage Manager on iPad?

Open Settings, then tap Multitasking & Gestures. Tap Full Screen Apps or Windowed Apps to disable Stage Manager.

Can I use Stage Manager with an external monitor?

Stage Manager supports external device displays when you're running iPadOS 26. It's available on most new iPads, including those that have an M2, M3, or M4 chip.