The modern rhythm of life requires us to constantly switch between tasks. A situation often arises when you need to view information on a page or leave a video on a streaming service while simultaneously reading messages in the messenger. On desktop computers, this problem can be solved by simply making the browser window smaller, but on mobile devices with their vertical orientation and full-screen mode, this is more difficult.
Fortunately, the Android operating system has powerful multitasking tools that allow you to display content in a floating mode. This feature, often called picture-in-picture or pop-up, turns your smartphone into a real work tool. In this article, we will look in detail at how to activate the mode when the browser is on top of all other applications, without completely blocking the desktop.
The implementation of this feature depends on the version of the operating system and the specific browser. Some solutions are built into the shell itself, while others will require third-party utilities. We will look at both standard methods for popular browsers and specific settings for devices from different manufacturers.
Built-in Picture-in-Picture function in Android
Starting with version Android 8.0 (Oreo), the system natively supports the mode Picture-in-Picture (PiP). It was originally intended for video players, but modern web browsers have learned to use this API to display web pages or video content in a small floating window. This is the most stable and energy-efficient method, since it does not require the installation of additional software.
To activate this mode, you must first make sure that the function is allowed in the system settings. Go to Settings → Applications → Special access → Picture in Picture. Here you will see a list of installed browsers. Make sure that the switch opposite Google Chrome or Samsung Internet is in the active position. Without this permission, the system will forcefully minimize the application when switching to another.
Activation of the mode usually occurs automatically when playing a video or going to the main page. However, behavior may differ depending on the context. If you simply minimize an application with an article open, it will go into the background rather than remain hanging on top of other windows. The PiP mode most often works specifically for media content.
⚠️ Attention: On some custom shells, such as older versions of MIUI or EMUI, the PiP function may not work correctly or be completely disabled by the developer to save RAM.
If the video does not collapse into a small window, try expanding it first to the entire screen inside the browser, and only after that press the "Home" button.
It is important to understand the limitations of this method. A floating window often prevents complex site controls, such as entering text into forms or using complex scripts, from being accessible. The window is intended primarily for passive consumption of content - watching videos, reading long articles without scrolling, or monitoring order status.
Setting up multitasking in Google Chrome
Google Chrome is the most popular browser on the platform, and its functionality is constantly expanding. To implement the "browser on top of all windows" task, there are several use cases. The first and easiest is to use the "Recently Closed" function or bookmarks in split-screen mode, but we are interested in the floating window.
In the latest versions of Chrome for Android, it is now possible to open links in a separate pop-up window through the "Share" menu. When you are on the desired page, click on the three dots in the corner of the screen and select Share. In the menu that opens, find the icon Picture in Picture or select the Chrome application itself from the list if the system prompts you to open the link in floating mode.
It is also worth paying attention to the experimental flags. In the address bar, type chrome://flags and find the setting associated with Picture in Picture or Overlay. Enabling these features can unlock additional features for web pages that do not support pop-up mode by default.
Don't forget that browser performance in floating mode is directly dependent on the amount of free RAM. If you have many heavy applications open, the system can automatically close the background browser process to free up resources for the active window.
Using Samsung Internet for advanced management
Device users Samsung are in a better position thanks to the browser Samsung Internet. This application has one of the most advanced windows engines on Android. It implements the "Video Assistant" function and the ability to open pages in pop-up windows that can be moved and resized.
To activate the mode, you need to go to the browser menu (three bars at the bottom) and select Settings. Find the section Smart features and make sure that the "Video Assistant" option is enabled. This will allow videos from any site to automatically open in a floating window when you minimize the browser.
Moreover, Samsung Internet allows you to open regular web pages in pop-up mode. To do this, you need to go to multitasking mode (swipe up from bottom and hold or the square button) and click on the application icon at the top of the preview window. Select option Open in pop-up view. Now the browser will hang on top of all windows, and you can work with other applications.
| Browser | Window type | Resizing | Support video |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | PiP (auto) | Fixed | High |
| Samsung Internet | Pop-up / PiP | Free | High |
| Firefox | PiP (video) | Fixed | Medium |
| Opera | Built-in player | Depends on version | High |
⚠️ Attention: Interface and names of menu items in Samsung Internet may vary depending on the One UI firmware version and the regional version of the device.
Samsung Internet Secret Feature
You can pin the pop-up window so that it does not close even if you clear all recent applications. To do this, click on the three dots in the title of the pop-up window and select the "Pin" icon.
Third-party applications for creating floating windows
If the standard capabilities of your smartphone are limited or the browser does not support the desired mode, specialized utilities come to the rescue. There are many applications in the Google Play Market that create a layer on top of other apps, emulating the work of a full-fledged browser in a small window.
One of the popular solutions is an application Floating Apps or its analogues, such as X-plore with a web browser module. These apps ask for permission to Display on top of other applications and create a virtual desktop right on top of your current activity. You can open several tabs there, drag the window around the screen and even change its transparency.
The advantage of such solutions is their versatility. They work on almost any version of Android, even quite old models that do not support native PiP. In addition, they often allow you to run multiple instances of the browser at the same time, which is convenient for comparing information from different sources.
☑️ Checking permissions for floating applications
However, it is worth considering the disadvantages. Third-party “window browsers” often have reduced functionality compared to full-fledged versions. Complex sites may not display correctly, and JavaScript execution may be slower. In addition, such applications consume additional system resources.
Split screen mode as an alternative
Sometimes the "browser on top of all windows" task is solved not by a floating window, but by Split Screen (split screen) mode. This is a native Android feature that divides the display into two equal or proportional parts. The browser works in the upper half, and any other application works in the lower half.
To activate, open the recent applications menu. Click on the icon of the desired browser and select Split screen (or drag the application to the top or bottom of the screen, depending on the model). Then select the second application from the list. Now you have constant access to both apps without switching.
This method is ideal for working with text, when you need to copy information from one article to another or fill out forms based on data from another site. Unlike a floating window, here the browser takes up a significant portion of the screen, which provides better readability.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with a small screen (less than 5.5 inches), the split screen mode may not be available or work with limitations due to insufficient space to display the interface.
Many users do not know that the size of split windows can be changed. Pull the separating bar between applications to increase the browser area or, conversely, to give more space to a second application. This gives flexibility that a standard floating window lacks.
Problem solving and common errors
Despite the convenience of the function, users often encounter the fact that the browser does not minimize or the window closes immediately. The most common reason is aggressive energy conservation. The Android system tends to close any background processes to extend battery life.
To fix this, go to Settings → Applications → [Your Browser] → Battery. Select mode Unlimited or Unlimited. This will prevent the system from "killing" the browser process when it is running in the background as a floating window.
Also check for updates for the browser itself and the system component Android System WebView. This component is responsible for displaying web content in many applications and floating windows. Its outdated version can cause conflicts and crashes when trying to display a window on top of others.
The stable operation of the floating browser is 90% dependent on the correct energy saving settings and the current version of the WebView system components.
If the problem persists, try clearing the browser cache. Accumulated temporary files may cause rendering errors in non-standard display modes. Go to the application settings and click Clear cachewithout deleting user data.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to make a floating window for any site, not just video?
With standard Android tools, this is only possible for content that supports the Picture-in-Picture API (mainly video). General sites require the use of third-party applications like Floating Apps or specific browser features like Samsung Internet Pop-up.
Why does the floating window close when I open the camera or game?
Apps that use the camera or run in full-screen game mode often take precedence over the system and forcefully hide all overlay interfaces to ensure performance and privacy. This is standard security behavior.
Does the "on top of all windows" mode affect the charging speed?
Yes, running the browser in an active background mode continues to consume processor and screen resources, which increases battery consumption. The charging speed when the screen is on and the application is active will be noticeably lower than when it is off.
How to change the window size if it is too small?
In Picture-in-Picture mode, the size is often fixed by the system. However, in browsers that support Pop-up (for example, Samsung Internet), you can drag the edge of the window to resize it. In third-party applications, this feature is usually available through the settings of the widget itself.
Is it safe to enter passwords in a floating browser window?
Entering sensitive data in floating windows is less secure, as some malware can intercept keystrokes or take screenshots of an area on top of other windows. It is recommended to enter passwords only in a full browser window.