Everyday control
Turn the TV screen off while audio keeps playing
Some Samsung TVs and Roku TVs can turn off the picture while current audio keeps playing. On Samsung, use the Accessibility shortcut and choose Picture Off; on a Roku TV, open the playback Options menu and choose Picture off. The Roku feature is for Roku TVs, not separate Roku players. Starting new audio from standby is a separate Roku Fast TV Start feature.
Published by TV Remotely · Source checked 2026-10-29. Model and firmware behavior can differ; device tests are named only where performed.
Samsung TV: use Picture Off from Accessibility shortcuts
Samsung lists Picture Off as an accessibility feature that deactivates the screen while retaining audio. On a Samsung Smart Remote, hold Mute to open Accessibility Shortcuts; if the remote has no Mute button, Samsung says to hold Volume. Select Picture Off. Availability varies by model and software version.
Start the program or audio you want to continue hearing.
Picture Off keeps the current audio session playing while the display is off.
If that does not help: If Picture Off is not listed, check the model manual; the feature may not be available on that model.
Open Accessibility Shortcuts by holding Mute, or Volume on a remote without Mute, and choose Picture Off.
The TV display turns off while audio continues.
If that does not help: Use the remote’s model-specific manual rather than guessing an alternate key combination.
For the Picture Off models covered by Samsung’s guide, press a remote button other than Volume or Power to restore the display. These instructions apply when Picture Off is listed; if your TV presents a differently named automatic feature, use its model e-Manual because its timer and wake behavior may differ.
Roku TV: choose Picture off during playback
Roku documents a Picture off option for Roku TVs. While content is playing, press Star, open Options and choose Picture off (some software versions say Turn off display). Press OK to bring the screen back. This feature does not work on a Roku Streaming Stick, Express or Ultra connected to another TV.
Start playback, then press Star on the Roku remote and select Options > Picture off.
The picture turns off and the active audio continues.
If that does not help: If an app does not open Options with Star, use a supported voice command or check the Roku TV model help.
Press OK on the Roku remote to turn the screen back on.
Playback continues with the display restored.
If that does not help: If audio also stops, check the selected output or whether the device entered standby instead.
Current playback versus starting audio from standby
Picture Off applies after playback is underway. Roku separately requires Fast TV Start to start voice-requested audio while a Roku TV is already off; that setting uses more power in standby. Do not assume that Roku standby setting exists on Samsung or on a separate Roku player.
What to do next
Use Samsung Picture Off or Roku TV Picture off only on supported sets; both retain current audio while the screen is dark.
Sources and verification
- How to keep audio playing while your Roku TV screen is turned off — checked 2026-10-29
- Accessibility settings on your Samsung TV — checked 2026-10-29
- Samsung: Picture Off and restoring the screen — checked 2026-10-29
Frequently asked questions
- Can a Roku Streaming Stick turn off my TV screen and keep audio playing?
- Roku documents Picture off for Roku TVs, not separate Roku players. A connected TV may have its own display-off feature.
- Does Samsung Picture Off stop audio?
- Samsung describes Picture Off as deactivating the screen while retaining the audio output.
- Is Picture Off the same as standby?
- No. Picture Off keeps current playback audio running. Starting fresh audio while a Roku TV is in standby requires the separate Fast TV Start setting.