Are you tired of constantly switching between apps on your Apple TV? Do you wish you could watch your favorite sports game while browsing the web or checking your email? Look no further! In this article, we’ll show you how to do split screen on Apple TV, also known as Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode. This feature allows you to use multiple apps simultaneously, making your viewing experience more enjoyable and convenient.
What is Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode?
Picture-in-Picture mode is a feature that allows you to use multiple apps at the same time on your Apple TV. It enables you to watch a video or TV show in a smaller window while using another app in the main window. This feature is perfect for multitaskers who want to stay entertained while performing other tasks.
Requirements for Using PiP Mode
To use Picture-in-Picture mode on your Apple TV, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD (4th generation) or later
- tvOS 12 or later
- Compatible apps that support PiP mode
How to Enable PiP Mode on Apple TV
Enabling PiP mode on your Apple TV is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
Method 1: Using the Apple TV Remote
- Open the app you want to use in PiP mode, such as Apple TV or Netflix.
- Start playing a video or TV show.
- Press the TV button on your Apple TV remote to open the Control Center.
- Swipe up on the touchpad to open the PiP mode menu.
- Select the “Picture in Picture” option.
- The video will shrink to a smaller window, and you can now use another app in the main window.
Method 2: Using Siri
- Open the app you want to use in PiP mode, such as Apple TV or Netflix.
- Start playing a video or TV show.
- Activate Siri by pressing and holding the Siri button on your Apple TV remote.
- Say “Hey Siri, Picture in Picture.”
- The video will shrink to a smaller window, and you can now use another app in the main window.
How to Use Multiple Apps in PiP Mode
Once you’ve enabled PiP mode, you can use multiple apps simultaneously. Here’s how to do it:
Switching Between Apps
- Open the app you want to use in the main window, such as Safari or Mail.
- Press the Home button on your Apple TV remote to open the Home screen.
- Select the app you want to use in the main window.
- The PiP window will remain open, and you can switch between apps in the main window.
Resizing the PiP Window
- Press the TV button on your Apple TV remote to open the Control Center.
- Swipe up on the touchpad to open the PiP mode menu.
- Select the “Resize” option.
- Use the touchpad to resize the PiP window to your desired size.
Tips and Tricks for Using PiP Mode
Here are some tips and tricks for using PiP mode on your Apple TV:
Compatible Apps
Not all apps support PiP mode. Here are some popular apps that do:
- Apple TV
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Amazon Prime Video
- ESPN
- Fox Sports
Limitations of PiP Mode
While PiP mode is a convenient feature, it has some limitations. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- PiP mode only works with video content. You can’t use it with music or podcasts.
- Some apps may not support PiP mode or may have limited functionality in PiP mode.
- You can only use one PiP window at a time.
Conclusion
Picture-in-Picture mode is a powerful feature that can enhance your Apple TV viewing experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enable PiP mode and start using multiple apps simultaneously. Whether you’re a sports fan, a movie buff, or a multitasker, PiP mode is a feature you’ll love. So why not give it a try today?
| Apple TV Model | tvOS Version | PiP Mode Support |
|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K | tvOS 12 or later | Yes |
| Apple TV HD (4th generation) | tvOS 12 or later | Yes |
| Apple TV (3rd generation) | tvOS 11 or earlier | No |
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enable PiP mode and start using multiple apps simultaneously on your Apple TV.
What is Split Screen on Apple TV?
Split Screen on Apple TV is a feature that allows users to display multiple apps or windows simultaneously on their screen. This feature is also known as Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode. It enables users to multitask, such as watching a video while browsing the internet or checking sports scores.
The Split Screen feature is available on Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD (4th generation) devices. To use this feature, users need to ensure that their Apple TV is running on tvOS 12 or later. Additionally, not all apps support Split Screen mode, so users may need to check the app’s compatibility before using this feature.
How to Enable Split Screen on Apple TV?
To enable Split Screen on Apple TV, users need to open the app they want to use in Split Screen mode. Then, they need to swipe up on the Siri Remote to open the App Switcher. From there, they can select the second app they want to open. If the app supports Split Screen mode, it will automatically resize to fit the screen.
Alternatively, users can also use Siri to enable Split Screen mode. They can say “Hey Siri, open [app name] in Picture-in-Picture mode” to open the app in Split Screen mode. Users can also adjust the size and position of the Split Screen window by using the Siri Remote.
Which Apps Support Split Screen on Apple TV?
Several apps support Split Screen mode on Apple TV, including Apple’s built-in apps such as TV, Apple TV+, and Apple Music. Some third-party apps, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, also support Split Screen mode. However, not all apps are compatible with this feature, so users may need to check the app’s compatibility before using it.
Users can check the app’s compatibility by opening the app and looking for the Split Screen icon (two overlapping rectangles) in the top-right corner of the screen. If the icon is present, it means the app supports Split Screen mode.
How to Use Split Screen with Multiple Apple Devices?
Users can use Split Screen on Apple TV with multiple Apple devices, such as iPhones and iPads. To do this, they need to ensure that all devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and are signed in with the same Apple ID. Then, they can use AirPlay to stream content from their iPhone or iPad to their Apple TV.
Once the content is streaming on the Apple TV, users can open another app on their Apple TV to use Split Screen mode. For example, they can watch a video on their iPhone and stream it to their Apple TV, while also browsing the internet on their Apple TV.
Can I Use Split Screen with Gaming on Apple TV?
Yes, users can use Split Screen with gaming on Apple TV. Some games support Split Screen mode, allowing users to play games while also watching videos or browsing the internet. However, not all games are compatible with this feature, so users may need to check the game’s compatibility before using it.
To use Split Screen with gaming on Apple TV, users need to open the game and then swipe up on the Siri Remote to open the App Switcher. From there, they can select the second app they want to open, such as a video streaming app. The game will automatically resize to fit the screen.
How to Disable Split Screen on Apple TV?
To disable Split Screen on Apple TV, users can simply close the second app they opened. To do this, they need to swipe up on the Siri Remote to open the App Switcher, and then select the app they want to close. Alternatively, they can also use Siri to close the app by saying “Hey Siri, close [app name]”.
Users can also disable Split Screen mode by going to the Apple TV Settings app. From there, they can select “Apps” and then toggle off the “Picture-in-Picture” switch. This will disable Split Screen mode for all apps on the Apple TV.
Are There Any Limitations to Using Split Screen on Apple TV?
Yes, there are some limitations to using Split Screen on Apple TV. For example, not all apps support Split Screen mode, and some apps may not work properly in Split Screen mode. Additionally, Split Screen mode may not work well with apps that require a lot of processing power, such as graphics-intensive games.
Another limitation is that Split Screen mode may not work well with apps that have a lot of video content, such as video streaming apps. In some cases, the video may not play smoothly or may be delayed. Users may need to adjust the video quality or close other apps to improve performance.