Modern smartphones have long ceased to be just a means for making calls and have become full-fledged multimedia centers. Users are often faced with the need to simultaneously perform several tasks: for example, watch a video with a recipe and simultaneously chat in the messenger, or read instructions from the browser without closing the main workflow. The standard Android interface allows you to switch between tabs, but this is not always convenient, since it requires constantly leaving one application for another.
Fortunately, the operating system provides a built-in feature known as free window mode or picture in picture (Picture-in-Picture). This technology allows you to collapse the active application into a compact floating widget that can be moved around the screen on top of any other apps. Activating this option significantly increases productivity work with the device, turning the smartphone into a real tool for multitasking. However, depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer's shell, the methods for calling this mode may differ.
In this article we will look in detail at how to turn any application into a small movable window. We will look at standard system tools, hidden developer menus for older versions of the OS, as well as specific gestures used in popular shells like Samsung or Xiaomi. You will learn not only to enable this mode, but also to customize its behavior to suit your needs. One UI from Samsung or MIUI from Xiaomi. You will learn not only how to enable this mode, but also how to customize its behavior to suit your needs.
Normal "Picture in Picture" mode on pure Android
Starting with version Android 8.0 Oreo, the function Picture-in-Picture (PiP) has become an integral part of the operating system kernel. In pure Android, which is used on Google Pixel smartphones and many other devices, this mode is activated by an intuitive gesture. When you're inside a supported app, such as YouTube or Google Maps, you don't need to look for special buttons in the menu.
You can simply press the Home button on the navigation bar or swipe up from the bottom of the screen (depending on the navigation type) to minimize the app. Instead of closing, the app will shrink to a small rectangle that will remain hanging on top of the desktop or other open apps. This widget can drag to any corner of the display so that it does not overlap important interface elements.
When you click on a minimized window, it will expand back to the full screen, resuming full work. If you drag the window down to the bottom of the screen, a trash can icon or cross will appear, allowing you to completely close the application. It is important to understand that not all apps support this feature out of the box. Developers must specifically implement PiP support in their software code.
To quickly open the window management menu, click on the minimized widget once - the resize and close buttons will appear.
It is worth noting that in some regions or on certain accounts, PiP support in applications such as YouTubemay be limited and only available premium subscribers. This limitation is related to the monetization policy of the service, and not to the technical capabilities of your smartphone.
Activating a free window through the recent applications menu
Many Android smartphone manufacturers modify the standard behavior of the system, adding their own features to multitasking. In shells such as MIUI, ColorOS or One UI, the free window mode is often invoked not by minimizing the application, but through a special menu of recent tasks. This gives the user more control over which apps will run in the background.
To activate this mode, open the menu of running applications by pressing the corresponding navigation button or making a delayed swipe from the bottom of the screen. Find the card of the desired application and look closely at its top part or icon. In most cases, there will be a small icon in the form of two rectangles or a drop-down menu when you long press the application icon.
After selecting the item "Free window" or «Pop-up view», the application will instantly change its format. Now this is not just a small picture, but a full-fledged interactive window that can be stretched beyond the edges. You can change its size, making it larger or smaller, depending on how much space the main application takes up on the screen.
- 📱 On Samsung: Click on the application icon in the recent tasks menu and select "Open in pop-up window mode."
- 📱 On Xiaomi/Redmi: Make a horizontal swipe on the application card in the recent tasks menu or click on the three dots in the corner.
- 📱 On Huawei/Honor: Pinch the two diagonal corners of the screen with two fingers to collapse the current application into a ball, and then release.
This approach allows you to run in floating mode even those applications that do not officially support standard PiP. For example, you can open a calculator or notes in a small window on top of the browser. This is especially useful when working with documents or calculations, when you need to constantly check data.
Setting developer mode for a forced window
Sometimes a situation arises when a particular application stubbornly refuses to minimize to a small window, despite all your efforts. In such cases, the hidden capabilities of the system, available through developer menu, come to the rescue. This section is intended for software debugging, but contains a number of settings that are also useful for ordinary users who want to expand multitasking functionality.
First, you need to activate the developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and find the item “Build number”. Click on it quickly 7 times in a row until a message appears indicating that you have become a developer. After this, a new section will appear in the main settings menu System → For developers.
Inside this menu, scroll down the list to the “Applications” or “Multitasking” section. Find the option called "Forced resizing for multi-window mode" (Force activities to be resizable). Activating this switch will force the system to try to launch any application in split-screen or free window mode, even if the developer did not provide for this.
⚠️ Attention: Forcing multitasking for incompatible applications can lead to incorrect display of the interface, app crashes, or system freezes. Use this feature with caution.
After enabling this option, you must completely restart the device for the changes to take effect. Now, when you try to open an application in split screen or free window mode, the system will ignore compatibility flags. However, it is worth remembering that some apps, especially games with unique controls, can become completely uncontrollable in a small window.
What to do if the application is minimized but turns black?
If after forcefully minimizing you see a black screen, try changing the orientation of the device or closing and reopening the application. This is often due to the fact that the app's graphics engine cannot redraw at a lower resolution.
Split screen and manage multiple windows
The split screen function (Split Screen) is a close relative of the free window mode and is often used in conjunction with it. In this mode, the display is divided into two equal or proportional parts, each of which runs its own application. This is a great way to organize your workspace when you need to see the content of two apps at the same time without one overlapping the other.
Activating split screen is usually done through the same recent applications menu. Select the first application, tap its icon and select Split Screen. The system will then prompt you to select a second application from the list or desktop. The border between windows can be dragged, changing the proportions of the occupied space.
In some advanced shells, such as Samsung DeX or tablet modes, it is possible to create up to three or more windows at the same time. This turns the smartphone into something like a desktop computer. Such windows are managed in a similar way: they can be minimized into floating widgets, closed, or expanded to fill the entire screen individually.
| Mode type | Number of active windows | Resizable | Game support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picture in Picture (PiP) | 1 floating + 1 main | Moving only | Limited |
| Split screen | 2 fixed | Changing proportions | Partial |
| Free window (Pop-up) | Multiple | Complete freedom | Depends on the game |
| Full screen mode | 1 active | No | Full |
Using several windows simultaneously creates an increased load on the device's processor. If you notice that the phone begins to heat up or applications begin to restart when switching, you should close unnecessary tabs. The Android system automatically manages resources, but it is impossible to bypass the physical limit of hardware. RAM and the device processor. If you notice that the phone begins to heat up or applications begin to restart when switching, you should close unnecessary tabs. The Android system automatically manages resources, but the physical limit of the hardware cannot be bypassed.
☑️ Check readiness for multitasking
Third-party applications for creating floating windows
If the built-in system tools seem insufficiently flexible to you or your device is running on an old version of Android, they will come to the rescue applications from Google Play Store. There is a whole class of utilities that emulate a free window by running websites or other applications inside their own container. This allows you to bypass system restrictions.
One of the most popular solutions are applications like Floating Apps or Xiaomi Floating Window (for non-Xiaomi devices). They create their own interface on top of all windows, in which you can open a browser, calculator, notes, or even a video player. Such apps often have their own settings for transparency, anchoring and size.
The main advantage of third-party solutions is their versatility. They allow you to minimize almost any content to a window, including sites that do not have mobile versions of applications. You can view the full desktop version of the site in a small window while you work elsewhere.
⚠️ Attention: Third-party applications require the “On top of other windows” permission. Be careful when granting this right to unverified apps, as they may intercept keystrokes or display ads in inappropriate places.
In addition, some launchers (desktop shells) have built-in support for floating windows. Installing an alternative launcher can radically change the way you interact with multitasking, adding new gestures and buttons for quickly launching mini-applications.
Third-party applications are a crutch for older versions of Android, but a powerful tool for customization on new devices.
Solving common problems and troubleshooting
Despite the convenience of the function, users often encounter the fact that the minimize button is inactive or the window closes spontaneously. One of the most common reasons is to save energy. The system may aggressively kill background processes to extend battery life, and the floating window is perceived as a waste of resources.
To fix this, go to the battery settings and find the problematic application. Set the operating mode “No restrictions” or disable the power consumption optimization option for it. This will allow the system to keep the application active in the background for as long as necessary to display it in a small window.
Another problem is permission conflicts. If an application requires specific permissions that cannot be granted in the background, it may fail to crash. Check the access rights in the section Applications → Permissions. Sometimes simply resetting the settings of a specific application through its properties menu helps.
- 🔋 Check if the “Energy Saving” mode is enabled, which blocks background activity.
- 🔄 Update the application itself to the latest version through the store - developers often fix bugs with PiP.
- 📐 Make sure that specific scaling modes that interfere with the rendering of windows are not enabled in the screen settings.
It is also worth considering that on some devices with a cutout for the camera (notch) or a dynamic island, the floating window may be overlapped by interface elements. In such cases, try moving the window to another part of the screen or temporarily hiding system elements.
⚠️ Attention: The interfaces of manufacturers' shells (Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme) are regularly updated. Menu item locations and function names may vary. If you do not find the described setting, use the search inside the phone settings menu using the keywords “window” or “multitasking”.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is the “Picture in Picture” button inactive in YouTube?
This is a limitation on the part of the Google service. In most regions, the PiP feature in the official YouTube app is only available to Premium subscribers. However, in a browser (such as Chrome or Firefox), this feature often works for free if you request the full version of the site.
Is it possible to resize the Picture-in-Picture window?
In standard PiP mode, the window size is usually fixed or has a limited resizing range (small/medium/large) with a double tap. Full resizing is only available in the “Free Window” (Pop-up) mode, which is supported by manufacturers’ shells.
How to remove a floating window if it is in the way?
The fastest way is to drag the window to the very bottom of the screen, where the close icon (cross or trash can) will appear. You can also press the Home button twice or use the recent applications menu to close it there.
Does this feature work in games?
Most full-fledged 3D games do not support minimizing to a window, as they require the capture of all GPU resources. However, some simple games or emulators can run in free window mode if you enable the forced option in the developer menu.
Does a small window affect battery consumption?
Yes, it does. As the app continues to run and render video or content in real time, it consumes power almost as much as in full screen mode. The difference is only in the smaller pixel backlight area, which gives minor savings on AMOLED screens.