Split Screen Basics on Samsung TVs

Split screen on Samsung TVs works through the Picture-by-Picture (PBP) or Picture-in-Picture (PIP) feature, found in the settings menu. The exact steps depend on your model year and input type — HDMI sources split differently than apps — but the process takes under two minutes once you know where to look.

Both features require two separate HDMI inputs. You cannot split two streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube on the same screen; the TV needs two physical devices plugged into different HDMI ports. Most Samsung models from 2016 onward support at least one of these features, though budget models sometimes omit them entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Picture-by-Picture (PBP) lets you watch two HDMI inputs side by side at equal size, available on most Samsung models from 2016 onward.
  • Picture-in-Picture (PIP) shrinks one input into a corner window while the main screen shows another source, useful for keeping an eye on a second channel.
  • You access both features through the TV menu under Picture or Picture Size settings, not through a remote button.
  • Split screen works only with HDMI inputs on most models; streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube cannot be split with each other.
  • If your TV does not show a PBP or PIP option, your model either does not support the feature or it is disabled in the input source settings.

How to Enable Picture-by-Picture on Your Samsung TV

Picture-by-Picture (PBP) divides your screen into two equal halves, each showing a different HDMI input. This is the most common split-screen setup and works on most Samsung TVs made after 2016.

Press the Menu button on your remote. Navigate to Picture, then Picture Size. Look for an option labeled Picture-by-Picture, PBP, or Dual View. Select it and choose which HDMI inputs you want to display — for example, HDMI 1 on the left and HDMI 3 on the right. The TV will split when ready.

If you do not see a PBP option in Picture Size, check the input source settings instead. Press the Input or Source button on your remote, highlight the HDMI port you want to use, and press the menu button on that selection. Some Samsung models hide PBP in the source menu rather than the main picture settings.

How to Enable Picture-in-Picture on Your Samsung TV

Picture-in-Picture (PIP) keeps one input as your main picture and shrinks a second input into a small window, usually in a corner. This is useful if you want to watch one thing primarily but monitor a second source without losing the main view.

Press Menu, go to Picture, then Picture Size. Select Picture-in-Picture or PIP. Choose your main input (the one that fills most of the screen) and your secondary input (the one that appears in the window). You can usually move the window to any corner using the arrow buttons on your remote.

The secondary window is smaller and cannot be resized on most Samsung models, so PIP works best when you are monitoring something rather than watching two things equally. If you need both sources at the same size, use Picture-by-Picture instead.

Why Split Screen May Not Work on Your TV

Not all Samsung TVs support split-screen features. Models older than 2016 rarely have PBP or PIP built in. If your TV is newer but split screen is not appearing in your menus, the feature may be disabled at the input level.

Check your HDMI input settings: press Input or Source, highlight the HDMI port, press Menu, and look for a Picture-by-Picture or PIP toggle. If it is set to Off, turn it On. Some Samsung TVs also disable split screen when the TV is in a specific picture mode — try switching from Dynamic to Standard or Custom mode and check the Picture Size menu again.

If the option still does not appear, your model does not include the feature. Budget and entry-level Samsung TVs often omit PBP and PIP to keep costs down. Check your TV's manual or model number on Samsung's website to confirm whether your specific model supports split screen.

Limitations: What You Cannot Split Screen

Split screen works only with HDMI inputs on most Samsung TVs. You cannot split Netflix on one side and YouTube on the other, or run two streaming apps simultaneously. The TV treats each HDMI port as a separate input source, so you need two separate devices — a cable box on HDMI 1 and a Blu-ray player on HDMI 2, for example.

Some newer Samsung Smart TVs with Tizen operating systems allow you to run two apps side by side through the TV's built-in app menu, but this is different from the HDMI split-screen feature and is not available on all models. Check your TV's app store or settings menu under Multi View or App Pair to see if your model supports app splitting.

How to Exit Split Screen and Troubleshoot

To return to a single full-screen image, press Menu, go to Picture, then Picture Size. Select Full Screen or Standard, depending on your TV's menu language. The TV will when ready return to showing only one input at full size. You can also press the Input or Source button and select a single HDMI port directly; this will exit split-screen mode and show only that input.

If split screen is enabled but one side shows a black screen or "No Signal," check that both HDMI cables are fully inserted into the TV and that both devices are powered on. A loose cable is the most common cause of a blank side in split-screen mode. If one input is showing but the other is not responding to its remote control, make sure you are using the correct remote for that device. In split-screen mode, you may need to switch focus between inputs — some Samsung TVs require you to press a specific button or use the arrow keys to select which side of the screen you want to control.

If the picture quality looks poor on one side, check the resolution settings on the device connected to that HDMI port. Some older devices output at lower resolutions, which may look stretched or blurry when displayed at half the screen width. Switching that device to 1080p or 4K output (if it supports it) usually improves the picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I split screen with a cable box and a streaming device at the same time?

Yes. Connect your cable box to one HDMI port and your streaming device (Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick) to another HDMI port. Enable Picture-by-Picture in your TV's Picture Size menu and select those two HDMI inputs. Both will display side by side.

Does split screen work with the TV's built-in apps like Samsung TV Plus?

Not on most models. The HDMI-based split-screen features (PBP and PIP) work only with external devices connected via HDMI. Some newer Samsung Smart TVs have a separate Multi View feature that allows two apps to run at once, but you would need to check your specific model's manual to confirm.

Will split screen reduce the picture quality on either side?

No. Each side receives the full resolution from its source device. However, because each image is displayed at half the screen width, fine details may be harder to see compared to full-screen viewing. This is a limitation of screen real estate, not picture quality.

Can I adjust the volume for each side separately in split screen?

No. The TV's volume control affects both inputs equally. If you need separate audio control, you would need to adjust the volume on each device itself — for example, using the cable box remote to lower the cable box volume while using the streaming device remote to raise its volume.

What if my Samsung TV remote does not have a Menu button?

Look for a button labeled Settings, Home, or a gear icon. These buttons open the TV menu on newer Samsung remotes. Once in the menu, navigate to Picture and then Picture Size to find the split-screen options.