You want to use Copilot in Outlook Mobile on your iPad while another app is open in Split View. The Outlook Mobile app supports Copilot, but the Split View setup requires specific steps to keep Copilot active on one side. This article explains how to enable Split View on iPad, launch Outlook Mobile, and activate Copilot so both apps stay visible. You will learn the exact gestures and settings needed to avoid losing Copilot access during multitasking.
Key Takeaways: Enabling Copilot in Outlook Mobile with Split View on iPad
- Drag Outlook icon to the side of the screen: Starts Split View by placing Outlook on the left or right half of the iPad display.
- Tap the Copilot icon in Outlook message composition: Opens the Copilot pane for drafting, rewriting, or summarizing email content.
- Resize the divider to keep Copilot visible: Adjusts the Split View ratio so Copilot does not collapse when the other app is active.
How Split View Works with Outlook Mobile on iPad
iPad Split View lets you run two apps side by side. Outlook Mobile supports this feature when you drag the app icon from the Dock to the left or right edge of the screen. After Split View is active, you can open a second app on the other side. Copilot in Outlook Mobile appears as a pane inside the email composition window. The pane stays visible as long as Outlook remains in focus on its half of the screen. You need an active Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription to use Copilot in Outlook Mobile. The feature is available in Outlook version 4.2435.0 or later for iPad.
Prerequisites for Using Copilot in Outlook Mobile on iPad
Before you enable Split View with Copilot, confirm these requirements:
- Copilot license: A Copilot Pro or Copilot for Microsoft 365 subscription assigned to your work or school account.
- Outlook Mobile version: Version 4.2435.0 or later installed from the App Store.
- iPadOS version: iPadOS 16 or later for native Split View support.
- Microsoft 365 account: Signed in with the same account that has the Copilot license.
Steps to Enable Copilot in Outlook Mobile with Split View
Follow these steps to set up Split View and use Copilot in Outlook Mobile on your iPad.
- Open Outlook Mobile and start a new message
Tap the Outlook icon to launch the app. Tap the compose button at the bottom right to create a new email. The Copilot icon appears in the toolbar above the keyboard. - Drag Outlook into Split View
Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Dock. Touch and hold the Outlook icon, then drag it to the left or right edge of the screen until a dark vertical bar appears. Release your finger to place Outlook in Split View. The app now occupies half of the screen. - Open the second app
From the Dock, tap the icon for the second app you want to use. The second app opens on the opposite side. Both apps are now active in Split View. - Tap the Copilot icon in the compose window
Back in Outlook, tap the Copilot icon in the message composition toolbar. The Copilot pane opens on the right side of the email window. You can now type prompts to draft, rewrite, or summarize email content. - Adjust the Split View divider
Drag the vertical divider between the two apps to resize their widths. Make Outlook wide enough so the Copilot pane does not collapse. A width of 50 percent or more keeps Copilot fully visible.
Common Issues When Using Copilot in Split View
Copilot pane disappears after tapping the second app
If you tap the second app, Outlook may lose focus. The Copilot pane closes when Outlook is no longer the active app. To restore it, tap the Outlook side of the screen. The Copilot pane reappears if you did not close it manually.
Copilot icon is grayed out or missing
The Copilot icon appears only when composing a new message or replying to an existing one. If the icon is gray, your account may not have a Copilot license. Check your subscription in the Microsoft 365 admin center. Also verify that Outlook Mobile is updated to the latest version from the App Store.
Split View does not activate when dragging the Outlook icon
Split View requires iPadOS 16 or later. Go to Settings > General > About to see your iPadOS version. If Split View still fails, restart your iPad and try again. Some older iPad models do not support Split View for all apps. Check Apple’s compatibility list for your model.
Copilot pane is too narrow to read prompts
The Copilot pane width depends on the Outlook window width. Drag the Split View divider toward the second app to give Outlook more space. A 60/40 split in favor of Outlook usually provides enough room for the Copilot pane.
Copilot Pro vs Copilot for Microsoft 365: Key Differences for Outlook Mobile
| Item | Copilot Pro | Copilot for Microsoft 365 |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription type | Personal monthly plan | Business or enterprise plan |
| Required Microsoft 365 plan | Microsoft 365 Personal or Family | Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Standard, or Premium |
| Outlook Mobile support | Yes, with Copilot Pro | Yes, with Copilot for Microsoft 365 |
| Split View compatibility | Same on iPadOS 16+ | Same on iPadOS 16+ |
| Data grounded in Microsoft Graph | No | Yes, for tenant-specific email and calendar data |
| Admin controls | None | Available in Microsoft 365 admin center |
If Copilot Still Has Issues After the Main Fix
If Copilot in Outlook Mobile does not respond after enabling Split View, sign out of your Microsoft 365 account in Outlook and sign back in. Open Outlook, tap your profile picture, tap your account name, and select Sign Out. Restart the app and sign in again. If the problem persists, uninstall and reinstall Outlook Mobile from the App Store. This clears any cached data that may interfere with Copilot activation.
You can now use Copilot in Outlook Mobile on your iPad while another app is open in Split View. The key is to keep Outlook in focus and adjust the divider width so Copilot remains visible. For heavy multitasking, try a 60/40 split to give Copilot enough room to display prompts and responses. This setup works with both Copilot Pro and Copilot for Microsoft 365 subscriptions.