How to Get the Most Out of Your Smart TV’s Multitasking Features

11 February 2026

Smart TVs have come a long way since their early days of just streaming Netflix or playing YouTube videos. Modern smart TVs are practically mini computers—fully equipped with multiple apps, voice assistants, fast processors, and yes, some pretty nifty multitasking capabilities. But here’s the thing: most people barely scratch the surface of what their smart TV can actually do.

If you’ve ever juggled multiple apps on your phone or tablet, you might be surprised to know that your smart TV can do something similar—and often on a much bigger screen. Intrigued? Awesome. Let’s dive into how you can genuinely get the most out of your smart TV’s multitasking features.

What Does Multitasking Mean on a Smart TV?

Before we go full throttle, let's clear the air—when we say “multitasking” on a smart TV, we’re not talking about browsing social media on your phone while watching something. We’re talking about doing multiple things on the TV itself. Think picture-in-picture, split-screen viewing, background app operation, voice assistant integrations, and seamless app switching.

It’s all about turning your living room screen into a productivity and entertainment juggernaut.

1. Mastering Picture-in-Picture Mode (PiP)

Let’s kick things off with Picture-in-Picture (PiP). This feature lets you watch two things at once—like tracking your football game in a small corner of the screen while following a cooking tutorial on YouTube.

How to Use It:

Different brands handle PiP differently. Some have dedicated PiP buttons on the remote; others make you dig into the settings. So, check your TV’s manual or do a quick Google search with your model number.

Here’s a common setup:
- Open your primary app (say, Netflix).
- Hit the Home button and open the second app (like Live TV).
- Activate PiP mode via your settings or a shortcut.

Pretty neat, right?

2. Use Split Screen for Side-by-Side Action

Want to truly multitask like a boss? Try split screen.

While it's not universal on all smart TVs, many premium models from Samsung, LG, and Sony allow side-by-side screen viewing. This is especially handy if you’re the type who likes watching a game while keeping an eye on stock prices, tweets, or even live news updates.

Best Use Cases:

- Watching a show while monitoring your smart home dashboard.
- Gaming in one half and streaming a walkthrough on the other.
- Video calling family while keeping up with the latest match.

It’s like driving a car with all the dashboard meters fully visible—smooth and efficient.

3. App Switching: It’s Faster Than You Think

Most people stick to one app at a time on their smart TV out of habit. But today’s TVs have become way faster and better at memory management.

If you bounce between YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify all the time, here’s a tip: use the Recent Apps button (or menu) to switch quickly without restarting an app from scratch.

Pro Tip:

Some TVs even remember where you left off in each app, so you won’t lose your place when you switch. That’s next-level convenience.

4. Use Voice Assistants for Seamless Control

Let’s be honest—for most of us, the remote gets lost in the couch cushions half the time. But with voice assistants like Google Assistant, Alexa, or Bixby built into your TV, you can start apps, lower the volume, even ask for weather updates and control smart home devices—all hands-free.

Cool Voice Commands to Try:

- “Open YouTube and play workout videos.”
- “Switch to HDMI 2 and lower volume to 20%.”
- “Open Netflix and search for ‘Stranger Things’.”
- “What’s the weather like tomorrow?”

Multitasking just got a serious upgrade, didn’t it?

5. Sync Your Smart TV With Your Smart Home

If your home is packed with smart gadgets (think smart lights, thermostats, cameras), integrating them with your smart TV can create a truly connected ecosystem.

Imagine This:

You’re watching a horror movie. The lights automatically dim, the blinds close, and the room cools down—all without lifting a finger. Or, you get a security alert while watching TV, and boom—a live camera feed pops up in the corner of your screen.

How to Set It Up:

- Use your voice assistant (Alexa, Google Assistant) to link devices.
- Use a compatible smart home app on your TV if it supports one.
- Set up automation scenes like “Movie Night” or “Game Time.”

It’s like giving your TV a sixth sense. Creepy? Maybe. Useful? Absolutely.

6. Stream from Multiple Devices Simultaneously

If you’ve got family members who want in on the action, many smart TVs allow casting from different devices (phones, tablets, etc.) at the same time. You can have a Netflix party on one side and a Spotify playlist on the other.

Multi-User Streaming Tips:

- Use MultiView (Samsung) or similar features to view different casts.
- Usually found under “Add Content” or “Start MultiView” options.
- Perfect for watching your content while the kids do their thing on the same screen.

It’s like digital cohabitation—but way less annoying.

7. Game While You Stream

Gamers, this one's for you.

Modern smart TVs now support Game Mode and streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA GeForce NOW. You can play games and, at the same time, keep a tutorial video, Twitch stream, or Discord chat open via split screen or PiP.

Gear You’ll Need:

- A compatible Bluetooth controller.
- A strong internet connection (trust me, you’ll need it).
- A TV with low input lag and game optimization features.

It’s like having your cake and eating it while playing Fortnite.

8. Use Background Audio for Juggling Tasks

Some smart TVs support background audio—meaning, if you open another app or switch away from Spotify, your music keeps playing. That’s multitasking gold.

Here’s the Play:

- Start your playlist on Spotify or YouTube Music.
- Navigate to another app or even browse settings.
- Jam out while handling other tasks — no need to pause the vibe.

Goodbye silence, hello productivity.

9. Screen Mirroring and Casting: Show Off or Get Stuff Done

Whether it’s showing off your vacation pics or doing a presentation, screen mirroring or casting from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to your smart TV is a multitasking powerhouse.

Pro Uses:

- Cast a business slideshow while watching the news.
- Mirror your phone to livestream Instagram on your big screen.
- Use your TV as a second monitor.

It’s kind of like turning your TV into a digital Swiss Army knife.

10. Create App Shortcuts and Custom Tabs

Navigating through menus to open your favorite app every time is a buzzkill. Many smart TVs let you customize your home screen — think app shortcuts, input labels, or even priority tabs.

Why It Matters:

- Save time by pinning your top 5 apps (no more remote rage).
- Label your HDMI inputs with custom names (like “PS5” or “Home Office”).
- Rearrange everything to match your morning or evening routine.

Think of it like tidying up your desk—everything’s right where you want it.

11. Use Companion Apps on Your Phone for Easier Navigation

Most major TV brands have companion apps that turn your phone into a smart remote. You can use touch input, type on a keyboard, browse apps, and even mirror content from your phone.

Handy Apps:

- Samsung SmartThings
- LG ThinQ
- Google Home
- Apple AirPlay (for iOS devices)

Bonus? You can control everything quietly while everyone else is asleep. No annoying beeps or clicks.

Final Thoughts: Multitasking Isn’t Just for Computers Anymore

Your smart TV is more than just a screen—it's a multitasking beast waiting to be unleashed. Whether you're watching, gaming, streaming, casting, or controlling your home, there's a whole level of functionality most users never tap into.

So go ahead—experiment, explore, and customize. Once you start using these multitasking tricks, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

Because let’s face it—why settle for watching one thing at a time when your TV can do five?