How to Use Split Screen on Roku TV

Watching multiple shows or apps at once on your Roku TV can enhance your viewing experience. Split screen, also known as picture-in-picture or multiview, displays two or more content sources on one screen. While Roku TVs don’t offer native split screen support, you can achieve this using external devices or specific apps. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to set up split screen on your Roku TV as of June 2025. Follow these methods to watch multiple channels or apps simultaneously.

Does Roku TV Support Split Screen Natively?

Roku TVs, which run on the Roku operating system, do not have built-in split screen or picture-in-picture features. This limitation applies to most models, including those from TCL, Hisense, and other brands. Community discussions, such as a 2019 feature request on the Roku Community, show users have long desired this functionality, but Roku has not implemented it natively. Instead, you can use workarounds like laptop mirroring, multiviewer devices, or app-specific features to achieve a similar effect.

Method 1: Using a Laptop to Mirror and Split Screen

One effective way to create a split screen on your Roku TV is by mirroring a laptop’s display. You split the screen on your laptop and mirror it to the TV, showing two apps or windows side by side. This method works for both Windows and Mac laptops.

For Windows Users

1. Connect to the Same WiFi Network:
   • On your Roku TV, press Home, go to Settings > Network > Check connection to confirm the WiFi network.
   • Ensure your laptop is on the same WiFi network.
2. Enable Screen Mirroring on Roku TV:
   • Navigate to Home > Settings > System > Screen mirroring.
   • Set Screen mirroring mode to “Always allow.”
3. Connect Your Laptop to Roku TV:
   • On your laptop, click the Action Center (bottom-right corner).
   • Select Connect, then choose your Roku TV from the list.
4. Open Your Apps or Windows:
   • Launch the apps or browsers you want to display, such as Netflix and a sports streaming site.
5. Split the Screen on Your Laptop:
   • Drag one app window to the left or right edge of the screen until it snaps into place.
   • Select another app to fill the other half of the screen.

Your laptop’s split screen will now appear on your Roku TV, showing two apps simultaneously.

For Mac Users

1. Connect to the Same WiFi Network:
   • Check the WiFi network on your Roku TV via Home > Settings > Network > Check connection.
   • Confirm your Mac is on the same network.
2. Enable AirPlay on Roku TV:
   • Go to Home > Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit > AirPlay > Turn On.
   • Select a code option for security (e.g., one-time code).
3. Connect Your Mac to Roku TV:
   • On your Mac, click the Control Center in the menu bar.
   • Select Screen Mirroring, choose your Roku TV, and enter the 4-digit AirPlay Passcode shown on the TV.
4. Open Your Apps or Windows:
   • Open the desired apps or browsers, such as a streaming service and a news site.
5. Split the Screen on Your Mac:
   • Click and hold the green full-screen button on an app window.
   • Choose “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen.”
   • Select another app to fill the other half.

The split screen from your Mac will now be mirrored to your Roku TV.

Method 2: Using a Multiviewer Device

A multiviewer device lets you connect multiple input sources, like streaming sticks or gaming consoles, and display them on your Roku TV simultaneously. These devices are designed for splitting screens and are available at various price points.

Popular Multiviewer Devices

Steps to Set Up a Multiviewer

1. Connect the Multiviewer to Your Roku TV:
   • Use an HDMI cable to connect the multiviewer’s output to an HDMI port on your Roku TV.
   • Note the HDMI port number used.
2. Change the Input on Your Roku TV:
   • Press Home, go to Settings > TV Inputs, and select the HDMI port connected to the multiviewer.
3. Connect Input Devices to the Multiviewer:
   • Plug devices like a streaming stick, gaming console, or another Roku device into the multiviewer’s HDMI input ports.
4. Configure the Multiviewer:
   • Use the multiviewer’s remote or controls to select your preferred layout, such as split screen or quad view.

Your Roku TV will now display multiple inputs at once, creating a split screen effect.

App-Specific Multiview Features

Some streaming apps offer built-in multiview or split screen features, allowing you to watch multiple channels within the app. As of 2025, Fubo TV supports this on compatible Roku devices, and other apps may follow.

Using Fubo TV Multiview

1. Install the Fubo TV App:
   • On your Roku TV, go to the Channel Store, search for Fubo TV, and add it.
2. Check Compatibility:
   • Ensure your Roku device runs Roku OS 14 or higher and Fubo app version 5.8.0 or later.
3. Access Multiview:
   • Open the Fubo TV app and navigate to the multiview option.
   • Select up to four live channels or events to watch simultaneously.
4. Customize Your View:
   • Choose your preferred layout within the app, such as side-by-side or quad view.

Other apps, like YouTube TV or Sling TV, may introduce similar features. Check the app’s settings or help section for multiview options. For example, a 2021 Roku Community post noted YouTube TV offered thumbnail previews but not full multiview, though this may change with Roku’s 2025 updates.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems setting up split screen, try these solutions:

• Laptop Not Connecting to Roku TV:
  • Verify both devices are on the same WiFi network. See Vizio TV WiFi Fixes for WiFi troubleshooting tips.
  • Restart your laptop and Roku TV.
  • Update your Roku TV firmware via Home > Settings > System > System update > Check Now.
• Multiviewer Not Displaying Correctly:
  • Check all HDMI cables are securely connected.
  • Try a different HDMI port on your Roku TV.
  • Replace faulty cables or test the multiviewer on another TV.
• App Multiview Not Working:
  • Confirm the app supports multiview on your Roku model.
  • Update the app and Roku OS to the latest versions.
  • Contact the app’s support for specific instructions.
• Split Screen Appears Unintentionally:
  • This may indicate a glitch, as seen in a 2024 Roku Community post.
  • Perform a factory reset: Home > Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset.
  • Contact Roku or your TV manufacturer if the issue persists.

Related Posts on Teckwiki

For more Roku TV tips, check out these articles:

• How to Watch Dailymotion on Roku TV
• How to Install and Watch IPTV on Roku
• How to Block YouTube on Roku Device

Conclusion

Roku TVs may not support split screen natively, but you can achieve it using a laptop to mirror a split display, a multiviewer device for multiple inputs, or apps like Fubo TV with built-in multiview features. These methods are easy to set up and let you watch multiple channels or apps at once. As Roku expands multiview support to more apps in 2025, check your favorite streaming services for updates. Try these solutions to enhance your Roku TV experience today.