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If “you don’t know what a computer is”, then iPad is your life. And with the urge (and necessity) to do more things at a time, iPad has become adept at multitasking and multitasking gestures are a part of it. They allow you to quickly switch between apps, and give you an experience that is somewhat similar to the real thing. You can also get back to the Home Screen and open the Task Manager using multitasking gestures without touching the Home Button. Multitasking gestures aren’t to be confused with Split Screen and Slide-Over multitasking introduced in iOS 9. These gestures are shortcuts to switch between full-screen apps.

Turn Multitasking Gestures On or Off in Settings

Multi-touch gestures are, basically, using multiple fingers on the iPad screen at the same time to gain access to certain functionalities. They are turned on by default and if not, ensure that you turn it on by going to your iPad settings.

Once in settings, scroll down the left-side menu and choose General. Tap multitasking and then multitasking options. Toggle the slider next to 'Gestures' to turn them on or off.

What Are Multitasking Gestures? How Do You Use Them?

The iPad's Task Manager gives you a visual view of your open apps. Multitasking gestures are multi-touch, meaning that four fingers are required to activate them. Once turned on, these gestures make multitasking functions easier and more fluid.

Switching Between Apps

You can now switch between apps by using four fingers and swiping left or right on the screen. Seamlessly switch between Pages and Numbers! If you have at least two or more than 2 apps open, multitasking gestures are a boon.

Getting Back to the Home Screen

Reach the home screen without pressing the home button. You can use four fingers to pinch in on the screen similar to using two or three fingers to pinch in when trying to zoom out of a website or picture. It comes in handy when you use the iPad in landscape mode as the home button is placed on top rather than the bottom when iPad is turned around, making it inconvenient to click on it. Use this gesture instead.

Bringing up the Task Manager

It is our first resort when the iPad’s running slow. Task Manager helps you switch between apps, force stop apps and give you other insights on the iPad’s working. Instead of double-clicking the Home Button, swiping up towards the top of the screen with four fingers can also bring up the task manager.

With the ease of manipulating the iPad using these gestures, it's easy to see a version of the iPad that does away with the Home Button completely, as has been rumored in the past.

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