Getting a hold of the TV remote is easier said than done.
Especially if you want to watch a movie.
Yet your family is trying to catch the live soccer game.
But don’t worry. There’s a solution to this dilemma.
Let me introduce you to Samsung TV’s split-screen function.
Continue reading to find out:
- What are the limitations of using this split screen setup.
- 5 quick steps to use the Multi-View function on your Samsung TV.
- 5 easy solutions you can try if your Samsung TV’s split-screen won’t work.
- And this is just the beginning…
How to use split screen on Samsung TV? 5 steps
#1: Connect your external streaming device to the TV
You can split your Samsung TV’s display using 2 built-in apps.
But it’s also possible to use streaming devices for this setup, such as:
- An antenna.
- Gaming consoles.
- A Roku streaming stick.
So, if you want to use any of these…
Connect your external device to your TV before you proceed to the next step.
Note: You can only use 1 HDMI source when using Samsung’s split screen.
You might also be interested: Samsung TV Not Recognizing HDMI Input: 11 Fixes
#2: Go to the first app you want to use
You must select at least 2 media sources to use the split screen feature.
So now, launch the first application you want to use, then…
#3: Press the Home button on your remote
You’ll see this in the middle of the controller.
And it’s right under the navigational pad.
#4: Select the Multi-View option
This has an icon that looks like 3 rectangles stacked together with a + symbol at the center.
And you’ll find this at the bottom-left corner of your Samsung TV.
After clicking this option, a horizontal panel will appear on your screen. So, from here…
#5: Choose the 2nd source you want
Select the app/device you want to use as your 2nd display under the new panel’s “Add View” or “Add contents” headings.
And start enjoying your split screen setup.
Now, if you’re wondering…
“Can I replace the apps playing on my screen?
Yes, you certainly can. Just follow these steps to…
Change 1 of the sources of your split screen
- Using your remote’s navigational pad, hover over the app you want to change.
- Click the OK button on your controller.
- Tap the Change App/Source icon, which looks like a Play symbol.
- Select the app/device you wish to use.
“Can I play using more than 2 sources simultaneously?”
Yes, and it’s very easy to do so.
Simply click the Multi-View icon on your Samsung remote. Or the button composed of multiple rectangles stacked together.
Then, under the Add view heading on the panel that appears…
Select another app/device you wish to add to your screen.
If you want more information about the fun things you can do with this muti-view function…
I recommend watching this video:
How to turn off split screen on Samsung TV?
To turn off the split screen on Samsung TV, follow these steps:
- Hover over the media source you wish to continue watching on full screen.
- Select it by clicking the OK button on your Samsung remote.
- Wait for the menu bar to show up.
- Click the Exit icon, which is the last symbol on the right.
Samsung TV split screen not working: causes & fixes
#1: Your TV’s Multi-View function isn’t ON
Sometimes, this problem occurs simply because your TV’s split screen option is OFF.
So to fix this issue, turn on your Samsung device and just follow these steps:
- Press the Home key on your TV’s remote.
- Head to your TV’s Settings by selecting the gear icon at the bottom-left corner.
- Click General or the option with the wrench symbol.
- Tap Smart Features.
- Select the Autorun Multi-View Casting option.
After following these steps, try using the split screen on your Samsung TV again.
#2: Your TV is glitching
This issue also happens when your device is too overwhelmed with its tasks.
Or if its system is glitching.
So, for this fix, you should cold boot your TV. Because this is the fastest and most efficient way to remove glitches from your device.
Don’t worry. This might sound fancy, but it’s not too different from doing a restart.
With that said, just follow the steps below to…
Cold boot your Samsung TV:
Method 1:
- Turn ON your device.
- Press and hold your remote’s Power button.
- Wait for the TV to turn OFF.
- Let go of the power button when your device turns ON again.
Method 2:
- Turn your TV ON.
- Unplug it from its power source.
- Wait for 30 seconds.
- Plug the TV into the outlet again.
- Turn your Samsung device ON.
After this, try using the split screen on your TV once more.
#3: You can’t use 2 external sources simultaneously
Using Samsung TV’s Multi-View function with 2 streaming devices isn’t possible.
And unfortunately, there’s no way to work around this problem.
So, if you want to continue using your TV’s split screen feature…
You need to limit your HMDI source to 1. And use the built-in apps on your device instead.
#4: This function is only limited to several applications
I tried to watch Netflix and Youtube TV using my Samsung TV’s split screen once.
But the results were disappointing.
As it turns out, Samsung’s Multi-View function only works for these built-in apps:
- Youtube.
- Youtube TV.
- Samsung TV Plus.
So, for this setup, you can’t use other applications like:
- Hulu.
- HBO.
- Netflix.
But don’t worry. I have 1 clever hack to work around this problem. Here’s how you can…
Launch any streaming applications on your Samsung TV’s split screen
Step 1: Prepare a mobile device that you can mirror to your TV
The brand of your phone/tablet doesn’t matter.
Tip: If you have a Samsung device, I recommend using it. Because gadgets from the same brand work best together.
Step 2: Install the app you want to use on your phone/tablet
Decide on the streaming platform you wish to use for this split-screen setup.
Then, download it to your mobile device.
Step 3: Launch the first media source you wish to play
Simply open an app/HDMI source on your Samsung TV, then…
Step 4: Mirror your mobile device and set it as your TV’s 2nd display
Different mobile devices require various steps to activate the mirroring feature.
But to give you an example, here’s how you can…
Mirror a Samsung phone to your TV:
- Turn ON your mobile device.
- Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the Quick panel.
- Click the Smart View option.
- Tap Start Now.
Step 5: Play the show/movie you wish to watch on your phone/tablet
At this point, you’ll see your mobile device’s screen on your Samsung TV.
So to start enjoying your favorite movie/show on the bigger screen…
Simply launch the app you downloaded on your mobile device earlier. And play any title you want.
You might also want to know: 3 Ways To Cast To Samsung TV Without Chromecast
#5: Update your Samsung TV
It’s not rare for glitches and bugs to occur on technological devices.
But fortunately…
Samsung is always quick to release updates to fix the recent issues with their TVs.
That said, if you’re still having trouble using the Multi-View function on your device, you should…
Update your Samsung TV:
- Tap the Home button on your remote.
- Head to your TV’s Settings by clicking the gear icon on your screen.
- Select Support, the last option at the bottom.
- Tap Software Update.
- Click Update now.
Follow further instructions if there’s an update available.
Then, try using your TV’s split screen function again.
And if it’s still not working, it’s time to…
Bonus: Contact Samsung
At this point, you should contact the brand’s support team to help you.
Because your TV is likely experiencing some software issues only professionals can fix.
Luckily, Samsung prioritizes its customer’s satisfaction.
So, feel free to contact the brand by:
- Calling 1-800-726-7864.
- Texting “Support” to the same number.
- Talking with Samsung representatives in their official offline stores.
And let them know about the issues you’re experiencing.