YouTube's Picture-in-Picture Mode Not Responding? Seven Alternative Solutions to Explore
In today's multitasking world, Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode has become a valuable feature for many video streaming platforms, including YouTube. This article provides a straightforward guide on how to enable PiP mode on iOS and Android devices.
On iPhone and iPad (iOS 17/18 and iOS 26)
If you're using the YouTube app on your iPhone or iPad with a Premium subscription, playing a video and swiping up or going to the Home screen will activate PiP mode. The video will continue playing in a floating window that you can resize and move around[3][5].
For those without a Premium subscription, you can access PiP mode via Safari. Open YouTube in Safari, start playing a video in full screen, then tap the PiP icon (two overlapping rectangles with an arrow) or swipe up to Home. The video will float above other apps[3].
In iOS 26, PiP mode includes a liquid glass effect overlay on the PiP window and improved interface controls[1].
On Android devices
To enable PiP mode on an Android device, open the YouTube app and start playing a video. Tap the Home button while the video is playing; if PiP is supported on your device and app version, the video will minimize to a floating window.
If it doesn't activate automatically, enable PiP specifically for YouTube in Android Settings under Apps & Notifications → Special app access → Picture-in-picture → YouTube → Allow[4]. Note: PiP on YouTube Android app may require YouTube Premium in some regions.
Additional Notes
- YouTube PiP on iOS typically requires a YouTube Premium subscription to function through the app, but can be accessed via Safari without Premium.
- Android PiP mode is OS-dependent (usually Android 8.0+).
- The Picture-in-Picture API allows websites like YouTube to support floating video windows, enhancing multitasking across both platforms[2].
In summary, for iOS devices, swipe up from YouTube Premium’s video or use Safari with PiP mode; on Android, enable PiP in settings and use Home button during video playback. New iOS 26 features enrich the PiP interface visually for iPhones[1][3][4][5].
If consistently having problems with the Picture-in-Picture feature, send feedback to YouTube within the YouTube app. To clear the YouTube app cache and data on an iPhone or iPad, press and hold the YouTube app, tap Delete twice, redownload the app from the App Store, restart the device.
If PiP isn't working on the mobile app, consider using the desktop website. The YouTube app can be updated through the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). The article has been viewed 53,951 times.
This article was reviewed by Stan Kats, a Professional Technologist, and Rain Kengly, a staff writer for the website. Stan Kats holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. If Picture-in-Picture isn't working on your device, ensure that you have the latest software updates for your device and the YouTube app.
In addition to mobile devices, using Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode on smartphones can also enhance your home entertainment, particularly while using gadgets like smart TVs or home theater systems.
For individuals striving to balance their career and health commitments, technology such as PiP mode and other multitasking features can be a valuable asset, allowing them to stay updated on news or catch up on personal interests without disrupting their workflow.
Moreover, advancements in technology, such as PiP mode, are continually expanding to encompass various domains, including home automation and smart appliances, enabling users to monitor their homes more efficiently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
