The modern rhythm of life requires us to constantly multitask, and this applies not only to smartphones or computers, but also to home entertainment centers. The Picture in Picture (Picture-in-Picture, PiP) feature on Android TVs allows you to view video content in a small floating window on top of other applications or the home screen. This opens up enormous possibilities: you can follow a sports match while scrolling through the news feed, or control the baby monitor without interrupting the movie.

However, the implementation of this function on large screens has its own nuances that differ from mobile devices. Not all applications support this mode out of the box, and system settings may be hidden deep in the menu. In this article, we will look in detail at how to activate and configure picture in picture on various versions of Android TV, including the clean interface from Google and popular shells from Yandex and Xiaomi.

You need to understand that the success of the operation depends on three factors: the version of the operating system, support from a specific video player and the hardware capabilities of your TV. We will look at both standard system tools and third-party solutions that will help bypass manufacturers' restrictions.

Checking compatibility and system requirements

Before trying to activate the mode, you should make sure that your device is technically ready to work with floating windows. The PiP feature was officially integrated into Android starting with version 8.0 Oreo, but it began to fully work on TVs and receive support from application developers much later. If you have an old TV model, released before 2018, the likelihood of native support is extremely low.

The second critical point is the version of the interface. Clean Android TV and new Google TV have built-in support, while custom shells such as PatchWall from Xiaomi or older versions of interfaces from Sony can block this function at the system level. It is also important to make sure that windowed modes are not disabled in the developer settings.

⚠️ Attention: On some budget TV models with a small amount of RAM (less than 1.5 GB), the system may forcefully close background processes, which will make the PiP mode impossible or extremely unstable.

To diagnose the current software version and available functions, go to menu Settings → About TV → Assembly. Here you will see the Android version number. If it is below 8.0, you will have to find workarounds through third-party launchers or accept the lack of functionality. Owners of devices based on Android 11 and higher are luckier: the system is optimized for working with several active tasks.

Activating the function in system settings

In most cases, the function is enabled by default, but can be deactivated by the user earlier or limited by energy saving policies. To check and enable permission to use the mode, you need to go to a special section of application settings. This is a universal path for most pure Android devices.

Navigation through the menu may differ depending on the manufacturer of the remote control and shell, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the specific application you plan to use in the floating window and give it the appropriate permissions. Without this permission, the mode call button will be inactive.

Follow the following steps to activate:

  • 📺 Go to the Settings section of your TV and select Applications.
  • 🔍 In the list of installed apps, find the desired video service (for example, YouTube, VLC or browser) and click on it.
  • ⚙️ Select the item Advanced settings or Advanced settings, then find the option Picture in Picture.
  • ✅ Make sure the switch is in position Enable or Enabled.

After performing these steps, the system will receive a signal that the application has the right to overlap other windows. If the “Picture in Picture” item is not in the application menu, it means that the developer of this software has not added support for this function to its TV version. In this case, the system settings are powerless, and you will need to install an alternative player.

📊 Which application do you most often use in PiP mode?
YouTube
Browser
Video player (VLC)
Camera broadcasts
Other
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If you cannot find an item in the settings of a particular application, try clearing its cache through the "Storage" menu - sometimes this updates the list of available system functions.

Even with system settings enabled, the launch mechanics may differ in different services. The most popular request is to use YouTube, but there is an important caveat here: the official YouTube client on Android TV often blocks exiting the application when minimized if the user does not have a Premium subscription. This limitation is related to the monetization of the service.

For streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, the situation is similar - they strive to keep the user’s attention within their interface. However, browsers and third-party video players work more responsively. For example, Google Chrome or Puffin TV Browser allow you to minimize a video from any site into a floating window if the site supports an HTML5 player.

The algorithm for starting the mode usually looks like this:

  1. Start playing the video in the selected application.
  2. Press the Home (Home) button on the remote control.
  3. The video should automatically shrink and move to the corner of the screen.
  4. If the video just stopped, try pressing the special PiP button on the remote (if it has one) or a key combination.

⚠️ Note: In some regions and on some versions of the YouTube app, PiP only works for music videos or requires an active subscription. The official rules of the service may change without notice.

An excellent solution for viewing files from local media or network storage is the player VLC for Android. It fully supports multitasking and allows you to control the size and position of the window. This is an ideal option for those who watch movies from their own collection in parallel with other things.

Third-party launchers and solutions for custom firmware

Owners of Xiaomi, Philips TVs and some Sony models often encounter the fact that the native interface (launcher) does not process background windows correctly. In such cases, it helps to install a third-party launcher, which takes over control of the desktop and windows. This is one of the most effective ways to “revive” old or stripped-down versions of Android TV.

A popular solution is to install a launcher Projectivy Launcher or FLauncher. Not only do these apps replace the standard ad-filled screen with a clean interface, but they often have their own settings to control windowed mode. They can force applications to launch in free window mode.

Launcher name PiP support Installation complexity Presence of advertising
Projectivy Launcher High Average No
FLauncher Average Low No
ATV Launcher Basic Low In version
Sidescreen Launcher High High No

The installation process of a third-party launcher requires permission to install applications from unknown sources. After installing a new launcher, it must be designated as the default application in the system settings, otherwise the TV will constantly return to its native interface. This action is reversible and safe for the device.

How to return the old launcher?

If you don’t like the new interface, go to Settings → Applications → Default applications → Home application and select the factory launcher (for example, Android TV Home or PatchWall).

Window control and hotkeys

When the window is already open, the question of control arises. TVs don't have a mouse, so navigation is done using the remote control. In standard mode, the window is usually fixed in one of the corners, but many players allow you to move it. This often requires a long press of the center button or using the joystick in mouse emulation mode.

The window size is also adjustable. In some applications, such as Just (Watch) or advanced browsers, you can change the window scale using the volume buttons or special combinations. This is useful if the floating window overlaps important controls in the main application.

To close the mode, just click the button again Home, if the window is active, or select the cross inside the mini-player itself. It's also worth noting that if you switch to an app that doesn't support audio focus, the audio from the floating window may be muted. This is a feature of Android audio drivers.

Useful combinations for control:

  • 🎮 OK + Down: often calls up the window control menu (move/size).
  • 🔙 Back: closes the floating window and returns focus to the main one application.
  • 🔊 Volume: adjusts the sound of the main application, but in PiP mode it can control the sound of the video.

☑️ Checking the functionality of PiP

Done: 0 / 4

Problem solving and common errors

Despite the simplicity of the concept, users often encounter the fact that when they press the “Home” button, the video is simply paused or the application is completely closed. This is the most common problem associated with Android TV's aggressive RAM release policy.

If the video minimizes but disappears after a second, try disabling power saving mode. Go to Settings → Device → Energy saving and select the “Performance” mode or disable the deep sleep option for applications. This will allow the system to keep the video playback process active in the background.

⚠️ Attention: TV interfaces and application versions are updated regularly. If the described path in the menu does not match yours, look for similar items in the “Accessibility” or “Default Applications” sections.

Another common mistake is a black screen instead of a video in a small window. This indicates a problem with the hardware video decoder when two GUIs are running simultaneously. In this case, rebooting the TV by completely unplugging it from the outlet for 10 seconds will help (resetting the residual charge of the capacitors).

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If system methods do not work, installing a third-party video player (for example, VLC or MX Player) solves the problem in 90% of cases, since they have their own display engines.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to make picture-in-picture on an old Android TV 6.0?

Natively this function is not supported on versions below Android 8.0. However, you can try installing a third-party launcher that emulates windowed mode, or use applications that have a built-in floating window feature that is independent of the system.

Why doesn't YouTube minimize to a small window?

The official YouTube app blocks this feature for free accounts on TVs. PiP requires a YouTube Premium subscription to work. An alternative is to watch the video through a browser (Chrome or Puffin), where the limitation does not apply.

Is it possible to move the window across the entire screen?

In standard mode, the window is usually fixed in the corners. Free movement across the entire screen is supported only in the Freeform mode, which is available in the developer settings or through special launchers like Projectivy.

Does PiP mode affect the picture quality?

The quality of the source video does not change, but due to the small size of the window, details may be less noticeable. The load on the processor increases slightly, since decoding is the same, only the rendering area on the screen changes.

Does sound from two applications work simultaneously? Usually no. Android TV switches the audio stream to the active application. The sound from the background window (PiP) is most often turned off so as not to create a mess of sound effects, although the video continues to play visually.