Floating Tab Bar iPad: How to Use It

The floating tab bar is a new way to switch between apps on iPadOS 18. It replaces the old sidebar in many apps, showing your open tabs and favorite apps in a compact, floating pill at the top of the screen. This guide explains how to use it, customize it, and fix common issues.

What You’ll Need

• An iPad running iPadOS 18 or later (check in Settings > General > Software Update)
• Apps that support the floating tab bar (Apple’s own apps like Files, Safari, Notes, and many third-party apps have adopted it)

Step-by-Step

1. Open a compatible app – Launch an app like Files, Notes, or Safari. You’ll see the floating tab bar as a thin, rounded rectangle near the top center of the screen.
2. Switch between tabs – Tap any icon on the tab bar to jump to that tab. The icon highlights to show which tab is active.
3. Add a new tab – Look for a “+” (plus) icon on the right side of the tab bar. Tap it to create a new tab in that app.
4. Rearrange tabs – Press and hold any icon on the tab bar, then drag it left or right to change its order. Release to drop it in the new spot.
5. Close a tab – Press and hold an icon, then choose “Close” from the pop-up menu. Alternatively, tap and hold, then drag the icon upward and off the bar to close it.
6. Show more tabs – If you have many tabs, the bar might show only a few icons with a “…” (more) button. Tap it to see a grid of all open tabs.
7. Use the sidebar – Some apps still have a sidebar. Tap the icon that looks like a rectangle with a line on the left (usually the first icon) to show or hide it.
8. Switch to a different app – Tap the app icon at the far left of the tab bar (often the app’s logo) to see a list of recently used apps, or just swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center and use the app switcher.
9. Customize the bar – In some apps, you can long-press the bar itself (not an icon) and choose “Customize Toolbar” to add or remove buttons.
10. Hide the tab bar – If you prefer more screen space, go to Settings > App Name (e.g., Settings > Files) and look for “Show Tab Bar” or “Appearance” options. Some apps let you hide it entirely.

Common Mistakes

• Looking for the old sidebar – The floating tab bar replaces the sidebar in many apps. If you expect a left-side panel, you might miss the new top bar.
• Tapping the “+” too many times – Each tap creates a new tab. If you end up with too many, close them by holding and dragging up.
• Dragging icons accidentally – A slight drag while tapping can move an icon. Use a firm tap and release quickly to avoid rearranging.
• Not realizing the bar is scrollable – When you have many tabs, the bar can scroll horizontally. Swipe left or right on the bar to see hidden icons.
• Confusing the tab bar with the menu bar – The floating tab bar is at the top, not the bottom. Don’t look for it near the Home indicator.

Tips

• Use keyboard shortcuts – If you have a keyboard, press Cmd+1, Cmd+2, etc., to jump to the first, second, and subsequent tabs.
• Drag and drop between tabs – In apps like Files, you can drag a file onto a tab icon to move it to that location.
• Pin frequently used tabs – In some apps, you can pin a tab by right-clicking (or long-pressing) and choosing “Pin Tab.” Pinned tabs stay at the left and don’t close accidentally.
• Use the tab overview – Tap the “…” button to see all tabs in a grid. This is faster than swiping through a long bar.
• Learn the app-specific icons – The icons on the bar change per app. For example, in Safari, you’ll see a reader mode icon; in Notes, a checklist icon.

Troubleshooting

• The tab bar is not showing – Make sure the app supports it. If it doesn’t, you’ll see the old sidebar or nothing. Update the app to the latest version.
• Icons are missing – Some apps let you customize which icons appear. Long-press the bar and check if any are hidden in the “More” section.
• Dragging doesn’t work – Try a longer press before dragging. If it still doesn’t work, restart the app.
• The bar is too small to tap – The bar is intentionally compact. Use the “…” button to see larger icons in the grid view.
• Changes don’t stick – If you rearrange tabs and they revert, check if the app has a “Lock Tab Order” setting. If not, try restarting the iPad.
• Can’t find the close button – There is no visible “X” on each tab. Use the long-press menu or drag up to close.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the floating tab bar replace the sidebar entirely?

In many apps, yes. But you can usually still access the sidebar by tapping the first icon on the left (the one that looks like a sidebar icon).

Can I move the tab bar to the bottom?

No, the floating tab bar is fixed at the top. Apple designed it to be reachable with your thumbs when holding the iPad, but it doesn’t move.

How do I close a tab without a close button?

Press and hold the tab’s icon, then choose “Close” from the menu. Or drag the icon upward and release.

Why do some apps not have the floating tab bar?

Developers need to update their apps to support it. If an app hasn’t been updated for iPadOS 18, it will use the old interface.

Can I add my favorite apps to the tab bar?

No, the tab bar only shows tabs within the current app, not other apps. To switch apps, use the app switcher or the Dock.

Is the floating tab bar available on all iPads?

Yes, any iPad that supports iPadOS 18 has it. That includes iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini models from 2018 and later.

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