How to Close Sidebar on iPad

Did you accidentally open the sidebar on your iPad and now find yourself in need of closing it? Don't worry, it's a common issue, and the fix is just a few taps away. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you master this essential iPad skill.

Before we dive into the solutions, let's first understand why your iPad's sidebar might be open. Sometimes, it happens when you're using an app that has a sidebar feature for easy navigation. Other times, it could be due to an intentional tap or a rogue swipe. Whatever the cause, we're here to help you close it quickly.

Using the Home Button to Close the Sidebar

This method is simple and effective, especially if you're having trouble with other options. It's best suited for those using iPad models with a Home button.

First, ensure your iPad is awake. Then, double-tap the Home button. You should see all your open apps' icons on the screen. Now, navigate to the app with the open sidebar and tap on it. The sidebar should now be closed.

Using Gestures on iPad Without Home Button

If you're using an iPad Pro, iPad Air (4th generation and later), or iPad mini (6th generation), you don't have a Home button. But don't worry, you can still close the sidebar using gestures.

Here's how: Tap on the down-facing arrow at the top of the screen. This should minimize the sidebar, leaving you with a clear, uncluttered view of your app.

Closing the Sidebar in a Specific App

Some apps, like Safari or Mail, have a dedicated button to close the sidebar. Here's how you can use it:

In Safari, tap on the 'Back' button (the one with the left-facing arrow) located at the top-left corner of your screen. In the Mail app, tap on the 'Mailboxes' button (it looks like a folder) located at the top-left corner.

Preventing the Sidebar from Opening Unexpectedly

While closing the sidebar, you might want to prevent it from opening unexpectedly in the future. Here's how you can turn off the sidebar in some popular apps:

In Safari, go to 'Settings' > 'Safari' > 'Show Full Website' to ensure the sidebar doesn't open when you swipe down. In Mail, go to 'Settings' > 'Mail' > 'Show' and uncheck 'Sidebar' to hide it.

Using Guided Access to Lock the Sidebar

If you want to lock the sidebar and prevent it from opening, you can use the Guided Access feature. Here's how:

First, enable Guided Access in 'Settings' > 'Accessibility' > 'Guided Access'. Then, when you're in the app with the open sidebar, triple-click the Home button (or tap the sidebar and drag upwards if your iPad has no Home button). Enter your passcode and select 'Options'. Here, you can choose to disable 'Touch' for the sidebar area. Tap 'Done', and the sidebar should be locked.

And there you have it! You're now a pro at closing and controlling the sidebar on your iPad. Happy browsing!