How to make picture-in-picture on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone

Multitasking has long ceased to be the privilege of tablets or desktops, having become a standard for modern mobile devices. The Picture-in-Picture (PiP) function allows you to watch videos, follow navigation or participate in video calls while simultaneously using other applications on the screen. Device owners often face the need to fine-tune this option, since the interface has its own unique window management features. Activating a floating window not only increases productivity, but also radically changes the experience of interacting with multimedia content. Samsung often face the need to fine-tune this option, since the interface One UI has its own unique window management features. Enabling a floating window not only improves productivity, but also radically changes the experience of interacting with multimedia content.

In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithms for activating the mode, methods for changing the size and position of the thumbnail, as well as methods for solving common problems when the video stops minimizing. Understanding the principles of operation pop-up window will help you make the most of the resources of your Galaxy smartphone, be it a budget series model A or a flagship S.

Principles of operation of PiP technology in the One environment UI

The technology Picture in Picture has been integrated directly into the operating system kernel Androidstarting with the eighth version, however, manufacturers often add their own add-ons on top of the standard functionality. In the shell One UI ot Samsung this mechanism works in close conjunction with the recent applications manager and the gesture system. When you minimize a supported application, the system creates a separate display layer that “floats” on top of all other active processes, without blocking data input to background apps.

A key feature of the implementation on devices Samsung is the adaptability of the window size to the content and the current screen orientation. The system automatically selects the optimal resolution for the preview so as not to overlap critical elements of the main application interface. However, the user always retains the possibility of manual intervention via zoom gestures. It is important to understand that not all applications are eligible to use this mode: the developer must explicitly indicate support for PiP in the manifest of their software.

⚠️ Warning: Some applications, especially banking clients and secure instant messengers, may forcefully block the creation of floating windows for security reasons. This limitation works at the system level and cannot be disabled by standard settings.

The operation of the function directly depends on the available system resources, such as the amount of RAM and processor load. If the device is under high load, the system can automatically reduce the frame rate in the floating window or temporarily pause its rendering to maintain the overall stability of the smartphone smartphone.

Activate the function in system settings

The first step towards full multitasking is to check the global system permissions. By default, on most modern models Samsung this option is enabled, but after resetting the settings or updating the firmware it can be deactivated. You need to go to section Settings → Applications → Special access → Picture in Picture. This menu displays a complete list of installed apps that have the potential to work in the background with a video stream.

Here you can selectively allow or deny access for specific services. For example, you can leave access open to YouTube and Google Maps, but close it to social networks if you don’t want them to distract you while you work. The switch next to the application name should be in the active state, usually indicated in blue. Without this system permission, the minimize button simply will not appear in the video player interface.

• 📱 Make sure that the "Allow picture in picture" switch is active for the desired apps.
• ⚙️ Check the Android version in the section About the phone, since the function may not be available on versions below 8.0.
• 🔄 After changing the settings, it is recommended to completely reboot the device to apply the changes.

It is worth noting that in some regions or on specific firmware versions, the path to the settings may differ slightly. If you don't find the item you need in the special access section, try using the settings search by entering the query "picture" or "PiP". The system itself will redirect you to the required configuration page.

Launch the mode in popular video services

The most common usage scenario is viewing video content in parallel with correspondence or surfing in the browser. In the application YouTube launch mechanics may vary depending on the status of your account. For users with a subscription YouTube Premium the function is available by default: just minimize the application with the Home button or a swipe gesture, and the video will continue to play in the corner of the screen.

For free accounts the situation is a little more complicated, since the platform policy limits background playback. However, there is a working method of activation through the browser. Open the site youtube.com in Chrome or Samsung Internet, request the PC version of the site in the browser menu and start the video. Once playback starts, minimize the browser and the player will automatically transform into a floating window. This workaround uses standard browser capabilities rather than limitations of the application itself.

On streaming services such as Netflix, IVII or Kinopoisksupport for the mode depends on the license agreements and version of the application. It's usually enough to press the minimize button or go to the home screen while watching a movie. If the video stops, check the settings of a specific application inside its own menu, as some services have an internal "Floating window" switch.

Application	Support type	Launch features	Requirements
YouTube	Partial / Full	Swipe home or through the browser	Premium for native mode
Google Maps	Full	Automatically when minimized	Active navigation
Telegram	Full	Click on the video thumbnail	Application version 7.0+
VLC Player	Full	PiP button in player	Local file or stream

⚠️ Attention: Application interfaces are updated regularly. If the described method does not work, check for updates in the store Galaxy Store or Google Play, since developers often change the logic of the control buttons.

Managing the size and position of the window

After activating the mode, the user has full control over the geometry of the displayed block. Resizing is accomplished with a simple pinch-to-zest gesture: pinch two fingers on the screen over the window to make it smaller, or spread them apart to make it larger. The minimum size is limited by the system to keep the content visible, and the maximum is usually about half the screen so as not to completely block the main application.

Moving the window is done using the Drag-and-Drop method. Just pinch the video player area with your finger (without pressing the control buttons inside it) and drag it to a convenient corner. The system will automatically “magnetize” the window to the edges of the screen so that it does not interfere with pressing the system navigation buttons. On devices with a camera or speaker cutout, the window may automatically slide below the cutout area to prevent graphic elements from overlapping.

To quickly hide a window without completely stopping playback, you can drag it to a special area at the bottom of the screen, often indicated by an arrow or dotted line. In this state, the video continues to play in the background, and only a small bar or icon remains on the screen, which can be expanded back at any time. This is convenient when you need to temporarily focus on text or a document.

Users can also adjust the transparency of the window borders in the advanced system settings, if such an option is provided by a specific version. One UI. This helps to visually separate floating content from the main background, improving the perception of information.

Use in navigation and video calls

Function Picture in Picture is indispensable for drivers and pedestrians using navigation. B Google Maps or Yandex.Navigator mode allows you to see your traffic pattern while you search for information in the browser or respond to messages. Activation occurs automatically when you minimize the navigation application if the route has already been built. This provides continuous visual control without the need to constantly switch between windows.

In the field of communications, the technology has found wide application in instant messengers and video conferencing applications, such as Zoom, Skype or WhatsApp. During a group call, you can minimize the app to open notes, a presentation, or search for a contact in the phone book, while still seeing the callers in the corner of the screen. This is critical for business meetings and remote work, where quick access to third-party data is required.

The quality of the video stream in PiP mode during video calls can be adapted by the system to save traffic and energy. The front-facing camera continues to work, transmitting your image to your interlocutors, even if the main application is minimized. However, it is worth considering that active video transmission in the background consumes the battery faster than normal standby mode.

Solving problems and common errors

Despite the well-functioning system, users sometimes encounter a situation where the video does not minimize or the window closes immediately. The most common reason is the lack of permission in the settings, which was mentioned earlier. The second common problem is related to energy saving: if an application is put into "deep sleep" or limited in background activity, the system forcibly closes its processes when minimized.

To correct the situation, go to Settings → Applications → [Application name] → Battery and select the "Unlimited" or "Optimized" mode, avoiding the "Restricted" mode. It is also worth clearing the application cache, since accumulated temporary files can cause conflicts in the operation of the window renderer. This can be done through the storage menu of a specific application.

If the problem occurs only in one specific application, try reinstalling it or rolling back to a previous version if the update was released recently and contains errors. In rare cases, resetting accessibility settings may help, but should be done with caution as this will affect all system permissions.

⚠️ Attention: If none of the methods help, check for system firmware updates. Errors in PiP operation are often corrected by security patches and Android version updates that come OTA (over the air).

Alternative methods of multitasking on Samsung

In addition to the classic mode Picture in Picture, the ecosystem Samsung offers more advanced split-screen tools available on tablets and fold-devices, as well as on regular smartphones through the multitasking panel. The Split Screen feature allows you to place two full-fledged applications next to each other, occupying 50% of the space each, which is convenient for comparing data or copying information.

Owners of devices with support S Pen or the latest versions One UI can use the function Pop-up View (Pop-up window). It allows you to run any application in a floating window of any size, similar to windows on a computer. To do this, you need to hold the application in the recent tasks menu and select the corresponding icon. This provides even more flexibility than standard PiP, as it supports interactivity not only for video, but also for full app interfaces.

Using these tools in combination allows you to create a real workstation in your pocket. You can simultaneously watch videos in PiP, take notes in the pop-up window and chat in the messenger on the main screen. This configuration takes some getting used to, but it significantly speeds up complex tasks.

Why doesn’t the “Picture in Picture” button appear on YouTube?

Most often this is due to the lack of a YouTube Premium subscription in your region or on your account. For free users, the native function is disabled by the developer. Use the workaround through the Chrome browser with the PC version enabled to activate the mode through the standard browser capabilities.

Is it possible to change the window shape to round or square?

No, the window shape is hard-coded by the system and is usually a rectangle with rounded corners that matches the design. One UI. Changing the shape to a non-standard one (circle, triangle) is impossible without obtaining root access and modifying system files, which is not recommended for ordinary users due to the risk of losing the warranty.

Does more battery consumption occur in Picture-in-Picture mode?

Yes, power consumption increases compared to a locked screen, since the processor and screen continue to work in active mode to draw two layers of the interface. However, consumption is less than when the video is expanded to the full screen, since the backlight area and the number of processed pixels are smaller.

Does the mode support working with external monitors via DeX?

In the mode Samsung DeX the logic of the windows changes. Applications can open in separate windows on the desktop, and the PiP function transforms into a regular desktop-style floating window. Control is carried out with a mouse or touchpad, and restrictions on the number of simultaneous windows are removed.

How to disable the function if it accidentally interferes?

To completely disable the ability to minimize, go to Settings → Applications → Special access → Picture in Picture and uncheck all applications. You can also disable the function globally in the notification settings or through third-party launchers that block system overlays.