To enable picture-in-picture on a Samsung Smart TV, press the Multi View button on your remote or press Home and select the Multi View icon. On modern Samsung TVs (2020 and later), this feature is called Multi View, which lets you watch two or more sources simultaneously, like live TV, apps, HDMI devices, or your mirrored phone screen.
What is Multi View (Picture-in-Picture) on Samsung TVs?
Multi View is the modern evolution of Picture-in-Picture (PiP) on Samsung Smart TVs. Instead of the traditional small corner window, Multi View allows you to display multiple content sources side by side or in customizable layouts. You can combine live TV channels, streaming apps like Samsung TV Plus, connected HDMI devices (gaming consoles, cable boxes), and even screen mirroring from your smartphone via Smart View or AirPlay.
On older Samsung TV models (pre-2020), this same functionality was called PiP and was limited to a small sub-window overlaying the main screen. While the name changed, the core idea remains the same: watch two things at once without switching inputs.
How to check if your Samsung TV supports Multi View
Most Samsung Smart TVs manufactured from 2020 onwards support Multi View. To quickly check if your TV has it:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Look at the bottom launch bar for the Multi View icon (a rectangle split into two or more panels).
- If you see it, your TV supports the feature. If not, your model may be older or have limited functionality.
You can also check your TV's user manual or visit Samsung's support website and search for your specific model number to confirm Multi View compatibility.
How to enable Multi View using your remote
The fastest way to start Multi View is with the dedicated button on your remote. Many Samsung remotes include a Multi View button (often labeled with a split-screen icon). Press it once, and the Multi View menu will open immediately.
If your remote doesn't have a dedicated button, use this alternative:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Navigate to the Multi View icon on the launch bar.
- Press the Select (center) button to open the Multi View menu.
Once the menu opens, you'll see preset layout cards and an option to add your own content sources.
How to add and combine content sources
After opening the Multi View menu, you have two ways to set up your split screen:
Use a recommended Preset card
The menu displays several preset cards (e.g., "TV + Phone," "TV + HDMI," or "App + App"). Select one, and the TV will automatically assign the two sources. You can then adjust which app or input appears in each panel.
Use the Add View option
- Select Add View from the Multi View menu.
- Choose a source for the first screen: Samsung TV Plus, a connected HDMI device, an installed app, or your phone via screen mirroring.
- Repeat the process for the second screen.
Multi View supports a wide range of sources, including:
- Samsung TV Plus (free live channels)
- Streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, etc.)
- HDMI-connected devices (gaming consoles, cable boxes, Blu-ray players)
- Antenna or cable input
- USB devices
- Mirrored phones (Android via Smart View, iPhone via AirPlay)
- USB cameras or IoT devices (on select models)
Most Multi View-capable Samsung TVs support two simultaneous sources. However, some premium 2022 and later models allow up to four or even five views, depending on the model.
How to adjust the Multi View layout and sound
Once your sources are combined, you can customize how they appear:
- Press the Select button on your remote while a screen is focused. This opens the Contextual Menu.
- From the Contextual Menu, you can:
- Change screen size: Choose between equal split, one large and one small, or side-by-side.
- Set PiP position: If you prefer the classic picture-in-picture look, move the smaller window to any corner.
- Swap sources: Switch which content appears on the left vs. right (or main vs. sub-screen).
- Adjust sound: Select which screen's audio you want to hear. You can also mute one source entirely.
To exit Multi View, press the Multi View button again or press Back on your remote. Your TV will return to the last single-screen source.
Enabling the legacy PiP feature on older Samsung TVs
If you own a Samsung TV from before 2020, you may still have the traditional PiP feature. Here's how to enable it:
- Press the Menu button on your remote.
- Navigate to System (or Picture on some models).
- Select PIP.
- Toggle it to On.
Once enabled, you can adjust the sub-screen's input source (Air/Cable), size, and position (choose one of four corners). You can also select which screen provides the audio.
Important limitations on older models: Single-tuner Samsung TVs only allow one TV channel plus one external video source (e.g., VCR, DVD, HDMI, or PC input). You cannot watch two over-the-air channels simultaneously. If the PiP option is grayed out or shows "Not available in current mode," the current input isn't compatible, switch to a supported source like HDMI or component.
Troubleshooting common Multi View and PiP issues
If you're having trouble getting Multi View or PiP to work, try these solutions:
Multi View icon is missing
If you don't see the Multi View icon on your Home screen, your TV model may not support it. Check your user manual or Samsung's website for your specific model. Alternatively, update your TV's firmware, Samsung occasionally adds Multi View support via software updates.
PiP is grayed out on older sets
This usually means the current input doesn't support PiP. Switch your main source to an HDMI, component, or PC input, and try again. Remember: older PiP doesn't allow two TV channels at once.
Unsupported apps in Multi View
Not all streaming apps are Multi View-compatible. If an app doesn't display in a split-screen, try using Samsung TV Plus instead, which is fully optimized for Multi View. You can also mirror your phone's screen to display content from any app on your mobile device.
Poor picture quality in the secondary window
If the smaller screen looks degraded, it's likely due to the source resolution or the TV's processing. Try adjusting the screen size ratio or switching the source to a higher-quality input (e.g., 4K HDMI instead of antenna).
For persistent issues, contact Samsung support with your TV model number and firmware version. Always refer to your user manual for model-specific instructions.
