The function Picture-in-Picture (PiP) on Android allows you to view videos in a miniature window on top of other applications. This is convenient when you need to simultaneously monitor a video on YouTube and chat in instant messenger, or keep control of the broadcast of a sports match while you work with documents. But how exactly does this mode work, which applications support it, and why does it sometimes refuse to launch?

In this article we will look at all aspects of PiP on Android from basic principles to hidden settings and bypassing restrictions. You will learn how to enable the mode on different OS versions (including Android 14), which applications support the function out of the box, and which require workarounds. We will also look at typical errors (for example, PiP does not work in YouTube) and how to fix them without root access.

What is “Picture in Picture” and why do you need it

Mode Picture-in-Picture (PiP) is a technology that allows you to display video in a small floating window on top of the interface of other applications. The main advantage is multitasking without losing context: you can continue to view content while interacting with other apps.

Examples of using PiP:

  • 📺 Watching a video with YouTube or Netflix while chatting in Telegram or WhatsApp.
  • 📊 Control the broadcast of a sports match or stream while you work in Google Docs.
  • 🎮 Game streams: follow the guide on Twitch without minimizing the game.
  • 📱 Video calls in Google Meet or Zoom with the ability to simultaneously check notes.

PiP appeared in Android 8.0 Oreo as system function, but its implementation depends on two factors:

  1. Level support OS (in older versions of Android a workaround is required).
  2. Level support applications (not all services allow PiP by by default).

📊 How often do you use the PiP mode on your smartphone?
Constantly
Sometimes
I tried it before, but it didn’t stick
Never used

Which versions of Android support PiP

Functionality Picture in Picture** is officially available starting from Android 8.0 Oreo, but its implementation differs depending on the OS version. Below is a comparative table of features:

Android version PiP support Features Limitations
Android 7.0 Nougat and below ❌ No Requires root access or third-party utilities (for example, Floating Apps). Unstable operation, lags are possible.
Android 8.0–8.1 Oreo ✅ Yes First official support, but only for selected applications (YouTube Premium, Google Maps). No universal API for all applications.
Android 9.0 Pie ✅ Yes Extended API, support for gestures to control the PiP window. Some applications block PiP (for example, Netflix without a subscription).
Android 10–13 ✅ Yes Improved stability, the ability to resize the window, automatic minimization to the corner of the screen. Restrictions on the application side (for example, TikTok no supports).
Android 14 ✅ Yes New personalization settings (window transparency, screen fixation). Application updates are required for full compatibility.

⚠️ Attention: Smartphone manufacturers (for example, Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) can modify the standard PiP in their shells (One UI, MIUI, EMUI). In some cases, the function may be called differently (for example, “Mini View” in Samsung) or have additional restrictions.

How to enable PiP mode on Android

Activation method "Picture in Picture"** depends on the OS version and application. Let's consider a universal algorithm for most cases:

  1. Open a supported application (for example, YouTube, Google Chrome, VLC).
  2. Start video playback full screen.
  3. Minimize the application button Home (or gesture if you have navigation without buttons).
  4. The video will automatically switch to PiP mode (if the application supports the function).

If PiP does not start automatically, check the settings:

  • 🔧 Go to Settings → Applications → Special rights → Picture in Picture.
  • 📱 Make sure that access to PiP is allowed for the desired application.
  • 🔄 Reboot your smartphone if the function does not work after updating the OS.

Update Android to the latest version

Check PiP support in the application settings

Disable power saving mode (may block background activity)

Make sure the video is played in the official application (not in the browser)-->

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example YouTube without subscription Premium) artificially block PiP. In this case, a workaround will help - see the section “How to enable PiP in YouTube without Premium.”

Which applications support PiP on Android

Not all apps can work in Picture in Picture**mode. Below is a list of popular applications indicating the level of support:

Application PiP support Conditions
YouTube ✅ Yes Only with subscription YouTube Premium or through workarounds.
Google Chrome ✅ Yes Works for videos on websites (for example, Twitch, Vimeo).
Netflix ✅ Yes An active subscription is required. Blocked on some devices.
VLC ✅ Yes Supports PiP for local and network files without restrictions.
Google Maps ✅ Yes Only for navigation (shows the route in a mini-window).
Twitch ✅ Yes Works in the official application and through the browser.
TikTok ❌ No Blocks PiP at the application level.

💡 Helpful tip: If your application does not support PiP, try playing the video via Google Chrome in “For Computer” mode (⋮ → Desktop versionThis often works even for services that block the function in their mobile versions.

How to enable PiP in YouTube without Premium

Officially YouTube allows mode Picture in Picture** only users with subscription Premium. However, there are several working workarounds:

  1. Through the Chrome browser:
    1. Open YouTube in Google Chrome.
    2. Launch the video and switch to Desktop version (in the browser menu).
    3. Return to the mobile view, then minimize Chrome - the video will remain in PiP.
  2. Using the application Vance (unofficial client):
    • 📥 Download Vance from official website (APK installation required).
    • 🔧 In settings enable the option Enable PiP mode.
    • 🎬 Now PiP will work without Premium.
  3. Via ADB command (for advanced users): 
    adb shell settings put global pip_auto_enter_enabled true

    This command forces PiP to be enabled for all supported applications, but requires USB debugging.

Risks of using unofficial methods

Unofficial clients (for example, Vance) may violate YouTube rules and lead to account blocking. They also don't pass Google Play's security checks, which increases the risk of malware being installed. Use them at your own risk.

⚠️ Attention: Workarounds may stop working after updates YouTube or Android. For example, Android 14 Google has tightened control over background processes, which can block PiP in the browser.

Typical problems with PiP and their solutions

Even if your smartphone and application support "Picture in Picture"**, failures may occur. Let's look at the most common errors and ways to eliminate them:

Problem Possible cause Solution
PiP does not start when minimizing the video The application does not support the function or blocks it Check the special rights settings in Android or use the workaround (see above)
The PiP window disappears after a few seconds Energy saving mode or optimization battery Disable optimization for the application in Settings → Battery
No sound in PiP mode Application limitation or system bug Restart the video or check the settings sound in the PiP window (tap on the window → speaker icon)
PiP works only in horizontal orientation Manufacturer limitation (for example, Samsung) Rotate the device or use third-party software (for example, Floating Apps)
PiP window does not changes in size Outdated version of Android or application Update the OS and application to the latest version

🔧 Additional tips:

  • 🔄 If PiP stopped working after updating, clear the application cache (Settings → Applications → Storage → Clear cache).
  • 📱 On devices Xiaomi you may need to disable the function MIUI Optimization in the developer settings.
  • 🛠️ For Samsung with a shell One UI check the settings in Additional functions → Laboratory.

💡

If PiP does not work in a particular application, first check its settings. Often the problem is solved by enabling the option. “Allow picture in picture” in the application menu.

PiP alternatives: what to do if the function is not available

If your device or application does not support "Picture in picture"**, you can use alternative solutions:

  1. Third-party applications with support for floating windows:
    • 🪟 Floating Apps — creates floating windows for any applications (requires root or ADB command).
    • 📺 PiP Tool — simplifies enabling PiP for incompatible apps.
  • Split screen Screen):
    1. Open the video in the application.
    2. Hold the button Recent applications (or swipe up and pause).
    3. Select a second application for multitasking.
    4. Browsers that support background playback:
      • 🌐 Kiwi Browser or Firefox with extension Picture-in-Picture Everywhere.

    • ⚠️ Attention: Applications for creating floating windows (for example, Floating Apps) may conflict with some shells (for example, MIUI or ColorOS).Before installation, check reviews from users of your smartphone model.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about PiP mode on Android

    🔍 Why PiP does not work on my smartphone if the version is Android 10?

    There may be several reasons:

    1. The manufacturer has disabled the function in its shell (for example, Huawei or Xiaomi sometimes they block PiP to save resources).
    2. The application does not support PiP (check the list of compatible apps above).
    3. App permission is disabled in Android settings (Settings → Applications → Accessibility → Picture in Picture).

    Try updating the firmware or using alternative methods (see the section "Alternatives" PiP").

    📱 Is it possible to enable PiP on Android 7.0 without root?

    Officially, no, since the function appeared only in Android 8.0However, there are workarounds:

    • Use a browser Chrome in desktop mode (sometimes it works for videos from websites).
    • Install third-party software like Floating Apps (but it may require ADB commands for full operation).

    Full-fledged PiP without root on Android 7.0 impossible.

    🎵 Why is there no sound in PiP mode?

    This is a typical problem related to with:

    • Application settings (check if the sound is muted in the PiP window itself).
    • Battery optimization (Android can mute background sounds to save battery).
    • A bug in a specific version of the OS or application (try updating them).
    Solution: Tap on the PiP window and make sure the speaker icon is not crossed out. If there is still no sound, restart the video.

    🔒 How to disable PiP if it is interfering?

    To close the window "Picture in Picture"**, do the following:

    1. Tap on the PiP window - the control panel will appear.
    2. Click on the cross (✕) or swipe the window down (on some devices).
    3. If the window does not close, minimize it to the corner of the screen - after a few seconds it will disappear automatically.

    To completely disable the PiP feature for a specific application, go to Settings → Applications → [Application name] → Special rights → Picture in Picture and deny access.

    📺 Can I use PiP for game streams on Twitch?

    Yes, but with reservations:

    • In the official Twitch application PiP only works for some devices (depending on the OS version and smartphone model).
    • In Chrome browser you can enable the desktop version of the site and minimize it - the stream will remain in PiP.
    • On Android 14 may require additional configuration in Settings → System → Gestures → Picture in Picture.

    If the stream in PiP is slow, try lowering the video quality in the player settings.