What Split Screen Does and How to Turn It On
Split screen on a Samsung TV lets you watch two programs or apps at the same time, side by side on the same display. One app or channel takes up the left half of the screen, the other takes the right half. You control each one separately — pause one while the other keeps playing, or switch channels on one side without affecting the other.
To turn on split screen, press the Menu button on your Samsung remote. Navigate to Picture, then select Picture Size or Pip (Picture in Picture) depending on your TV model. Some newer Samsung TVs have a dedicated Split Screen option in the main menu instead. Once you select it, your TV will divide the display in half and prompt you to choose what appears on each side.
Not all Samsung TV models support split screen, and the exact menu path varies by year and series. If you cannot find the option in Picture settings, check your TV's manual or search the menu for "PIP" or "Picture in Picture" — these are alternate names for the same feature on older models.
Key Takeaways
- Split screen divides your Samsung TV display in half so you can watch two channels or apps at once, each with independent controls.
- Access split screen through the Menu button, then Picture or Picture Size settings, though the exact path depends on your TV model year.
- You can control volume, channel, and pause separately on each half of the screen using your remote.
- Older Samsung TVs may use the term "Picture in Picture" or "PIP" instead of split screen, but the feature works the same way.
- Some Samsung TV models do not support split screen at all, particularly budget models and very old sets.
Finding Split Screen in Your TV Menu
The path to split screen depends on when your Samsung TV was made. On 2018 and newer models, press Menu on your remote, go to Picture, then look for Picture Size or Pip Settings. Select the option and your TV will ask you to choose which input or app goes on the left and which goes on the right.
On 2015 to 2017 models, the menu structure is slightly different. Press Menu, select Picture, then find Picture in Picture or PIP. Turn it on, and the TV will split the screen automatically. You then use the remote to select the source for each half.
If you have a Samsung Smart TV from 2019 or later, split screen may appear as its own tile on the home screen or as a quick-access button. Look for an icon that looks like two rectangles side by side. If you do not see it in the main menu, it may be hidden under Settings > Picture > Advanced Settings.
Choosing What Appears on Each Side
Once split screen is turned on, your TV will ask you to select the source for the left side and the right side. A source is where the picture comes from — a cable box, streaming app, antenna input, or HDMI port. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to highlight your choice, then press Enter.
You can mix and match any two sources. For example, you could watch cable TV on the left and Netflix on the right, or have your cable box on one side and a game console on the other. The only limit is that both sources must be connected to your TV and working.
If you want to change what is on one side after split screen is active, use your remote to select that half of the screen first (your remote will highlight which side is active), then use the channel or app buttons as normal. The other side stays on whatever it was showing.
Controlling Volume and Sound When Split Screen Is On
When split screen is active, your TV has one master volume control, not separate volume for each side. Adjusting the volume with your remote affects both halves equally. If one program is much louder than the other, you cannot balance them — you have to live with the difference or turn split screen off.
Some Samsung TVs let you mute one side while keeping the other audible. To do this, press the Mute button on your remote while that half of the screen is selected (highlighted). Press Mute again to unmute it. Not all models support this, so check your TV's manual if you are unsure.
If you want to hear only one side clearly, your best option is to use the remote to select that half, then use the arrow buttons to expand it to full screen temporarily. When you are done, press Menu and turn split screen back on to return to the two-sided view.
Switching Channels and Apps on Each Side
Each half of the split screen works like a separate TV. To change the channel or app on one side, use your remote to select that half first — you will see a border or highlight appear around it. Then use the channel up/down buttons, number pad, or app navigation as you normally would.
The other side will not change. If you are watching cable on the left and streaming on the right, you can flip through cable channels on the left while a show keeps playing on the right. Pause one side without pausing the other, or rewind one while the other plays live.
To switch which side is active, press the left or right arrow button on your remote. You will see the highlight move to the other half. Some Samsung remotes also have a dedicated button to swap the two sides when ready — check your remote's buttons or manual to see if yours has this feature.
Turning Split Screen Off
To exit split screen and return to a full-screen view, press Menu, go to Picture, then select Picture Size or Pip Settings again. Choose Off or Disable. Your TV will return to showing only one input or app, and the last one you were watching will fill the entire screen.
Alternatively, on some Samsung models you can press a dedicated split-screen button on your remote to toggle it on and off. Check your remote's button labels or your TV manual to see if yours has this shortcut.
Troubleshooting Split Screen Problems
If split screen is grayed out or not available in your menu, your TV model may not support it. Budget Samsung TVs and models older than 2015 often do not have this feature. Check your TV's model number (usually on the back or in Settings > About TV) and search the Samsung support website to confirm whether your specific model includes split screen.
If split screen turns on but one side shows a black screen or "no signal," the source you selected is not connected or not working. Check that the cable box, streaming device, or HDMI cable is plugged in and powered on. Try selecting a different source for that half of the screen.
If the picture on one side is frozen or lagging, restart that input by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. If both sides are slow or choppy, your TV may be overheating — turn it off for 15 minutes and let it cool down. If the problem continues, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use split screen with any two apps or channels?
You can use split screen with any two sources connected to your TV — cable, satellite, antenna, streaming apps, game consoles, or HDMI devices. However, some streaming apps do not work well in split screen mode and may freeze or display incorrectly. If an app does not work, try a different source on that side.
Does split screen work with 4K or HDR content?
Split screen reduces the resolution and picture quality compared to full-screen viewing. If you are watching 4K or HDR content, split screen will downscale it to fit the smaller window. For the best picture quality, watch in full screen instead.
Can I record one side of the split screen while watching the other?
That depends on your TV model and what you are trying to record. If you have a cable box with a built-in DVR, you can record one channel while watching another on split screen, but the recording happens on the cable box, not the TV itself. Check your cable box manual for recording instructions.
Why does my remote not control one side of the split screen?
Make sure that side is selected — you should see a highlight or border around it. Press the left or right arrow button on your remote to switch which side is active. If the highlight does not move, try pressing the Menu button and exiting split screen, then turning it back on.
Does split screen use more power than watching one channel?
Yes, split screen uses slightly more power because your TV is processing and displaying two video streams at once. The difference is small — usually a few watts — but if you are trying to save energy, watching in full screen uses less power.