Mode "picture in picture" (Picture-in-Picture, PiP) on Android allows you to continue watching videos from YouTube on top of other applications - be it instant messengers, a browser or even games. The function has become an integral part of multitasking, but its operation depends on the version, the smartphone model, and even the policy of the smartphone itself. In 2026, the service began to actively limit PiP for users without Android, smartphone model and even politics itself YouTube. In 2026, the service began to actively limit PiP for users without YouTube Premium, which caused a wave of workarounds.
Many are faced with a problem: the button to go to PiP appears and disappears, and on some devices it is not there at all. The reason lies in three key factors:
1. Version Android (starting from 8.0 Oreo the function is supported at the OS level).
2. Settings of the application itself YouTube (including experimental features).
3. Account status (subscription Premium gives priority access).
In this article we will look at all current methods PiP enablers - from standard to alternative, including bypassing restrictions for free accounts. We’ll also tell you why on some smartphones (Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei) the function works differently than on “pure” Android.
1. Official method: PiP for YouTube Premium users
The most reliable and legal method is to subscribe YouTube Premium. In this case, the switch to mode button "picture in picture" appears automatically when the application is minimized. The algorithm is simple:
- Open the video in the application YouTube.
- Press the "Home" button** (or swipe up for multitasking).
- Video automatically will go to the mini-player in the lower right corner of the screen.
Benefits of premium access:
- 🎬 Works on all devices s Android 8.0+ (including Samsung One UI, MIUI, ColorOS).
- 🔄 There are no restrictions on video duration or content type (even streams and premieres).
- 📱 Control gestures are supported: you can expand the player to full screen with a double tap.
However, there is a nuance: from 2026 YouTube started testing PiP for free accounts in some regions, but the function may disappear after app updatesIf there is no button, check the settings:
- Go to
YouTube Settings → General → Experimental Features. - Find option "Picture in Picture mode"** and activate it.
- Restart the application.
⚠️ Attention: On smartphones Huawei s EMUI i HarmonyOS PiP may not even work c Premium due to manufacturer restrictions. In this case, only an alternative method will help (see section 3).
2. PiP without Premium: bypassing restrictions through Android settings
If subscribing to YouTube Premium is not an option, you can try enable PiP through system settings. This method works on most devices with Android 8.0–13, but requires manual configuration.
Instructions for “pure” Android (Pixel, Motorola, Nokia):
- Open
Settings → Applications → YouTube → Additionally. - Find the item "Picture in Picture Mode"** and enable it.
- Go back to YouTube, start the video and swipe up for multitasking.
For smartphones with custom shells, the path may differ:
| Manufacturer | Path to PiP settings | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung (One UI) | Settings → Accessibility → Picture-in-picture mode |
You need to enable permission for YouTube separately |
| Xiaomi (MIUI) | Settings → Applications → Manage applications → YouTube → Advanced → PiP |
On some models (Redmi Note 10 i older) works only for Premium |
| Realme/Oppo (ColorOS) | Settings → Accessibility → System navigation → PiP |
You may need to disable “Battery optimization” for YouTube |
If PiP does not work after these manipulations, check:
- 📱 Android version (on Android 7.0 and below the function is not supported).
- 🔄 YouTube updates (sometimes new versions break workarounds).
- 🛠️ Multitasking settings (on some smartphones you need to disable “Navigation Gestures”).
Update YouTube to the latest version|Check Android version (minimum 8.0)|Allow PiP in the application settings|Disable battery optimization for YouTube|Reboot your smartphone-->
Alternative methods: browser and third-party applications
When standard methods do not work, workarounds come to the rescue. One of the most reliable ways is to use the mobile version of YouTube in the browser. (Chrome, Firefox, Kiwi Browser).
Step-by-step guide:
- Open the website in the browser
m.youtube.com(important - exactly the mobile version!). - Launch the video and expand it to full screen.
- Press the button "Home"** - the video should automatically go to PiP.
Advantages of the method:
- 🌐 Works on any devices with Android 8.0+, even without Premium.
- 🔓 There are no restrictions on region or content type.
- 📲 You can use gestures to control the player (pause, rewind).
Disadvantages:
- ⚠️ B Chrome PiP may be blocked after updates (the solution is to use Kiwi Browser or Firefox).
- 📵 It is impossible to view videos in the background (only on top of other applications).
For those who like to experiment, there is another option - third-party shell applications, for example, NewPipe or SkyTubeThey not only support PiP, but also allow you to download videos, block ads and view content. in the background. However, they have disadvantages:
- 🚫 Violate the rules YouTube (risk of account blocking during active use).
- 🔄 Require regular updates due to changes in the API YouTube.
- 🛡️ There is no official support - bugs and data leaks are possible.
How to install NewPipe without Google Play?
1. Download APK from the official website [newpipe.net](https://newpipe.net) (check the hash file!).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources in the Android settings.
3. When you first start, select “Without an account” for anonymous browsing.
4. In the settings, enable the “External player” option for stable PiP.
4. Android (7.0 and below)
If your smartphone is running on Android 7.0 Nougat or an earlier version, there will be no official PiP. But there are two working workarounds:
Method 1: Using the "Multitasking in a Window"** feature (for Samsung and LG):
- Open the video in YouTube.
- Press the button "Recent applications"** (square or swipe up).
- Hold the icon YouTube and select "Open in window" (on Samsung) or "Multitasking" (on LG).
Method 2: Application “Floating Apps”** (universal method):
- 📥 Install Floating Apps Free from Google Play.
- 🎯 Add YouTube to the list of "floating" applications.
- 🖥️ Launch video, then minimize it to a floating window through the notification panel.
Limitations:
- 📵 On Android 6.0 and below, floating windows may be slow.
- 🔊 Audio will only play in the active window.
- 🎬 Video quality may be reduced due to performance limitations.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 5.0 Lollipop and below, none of the methods guarantee stable operation of PiP. In this case, the only way out is to update the firmware or use a second smartphone/tablet for parallel viewing.
5. Problem solving: why PiP doesn’t work?
Even after all the settings, the mode "picture in picture" may refuse to start. Let's look at top 5 reasons and ways to eliminate them:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The PiP button does not appear | Limitation YouTube for free accounts | Use a browser or NewPipe |
| The video stops when minimize | Battery optimization for YouTube | Disable in Settings → Battery → Optimization |
| PiP works, but no sound | Conflict with other media applications | Close background players (for example, Spotify) |
| The PiP window disappears after 5 seconds | Bug in the latest version YouTube | Roll back to version 17.30.34 (APKMirror) |
| PiP is only available for some videos | Content creator restrictions | Try other videos or use a VPN |
If the problem persists, try:
- Clear cache YouTube in the application settings.
- Disable VPN (some servers block PiP).
- Check if the power saving mode is enabled (it can limit background processes).
On smartphones Xiaomi s MIUI 13+ PiP may conflict with the “Second Space” function. Before setting it up, disable it in Settings → Accessibility → Second Space.
6. Comparison of methods: which method to choose?
To determine the best option, we will evaluate each method according to key criteria:
| Method | Complexity | Stability | Limitations | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Premium | ⭐ (simple) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Only for paid accounts | Paid subscription |
| Android settings | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Does not work for everyone devices | May break after update |
| Browser (Chrome/Firefox) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | No background playback | Blocks after updates |
| NewPipe/SkyTube | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Violation of YouTube rules | Risk of account blocking |
| Floating Apps | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Slows down on weak devices | No official support |
Recommendations for choosing:
- 💰 If you are ready to pay - YouTube Premium (the most reliable option).
- 📱 For modern smartphones - settings Android + browser.
- 🛠️ For older devices - Floating Apps or NewPipe.
- 🔍 If you need anonymity - NewPipe without an account.
On devices with Android 12+ YouTube it can block PiP for free accounts even with the correct settings. In this case, the only legal way out is subscription Premium or use. browser.
7. Additional features: how to manage the PiP window
Few people know, but the mode "picture in picture" supports hidden gestures and settings that make viewing more convenient:
- 🔄 Rewind: Double tap on the PiP window will rewind the video 10 seconds forward/backward (depending on the side of the screen).
- 📱 Resize: Drag the corners of the window to stretch or narrow it. On some smartphones (Samsung), you can dock the window. edges of the screen.
- 🔇 Mute the sound: Click on the speaker icon in the PiP window or use the volume buttons on the smartphone.
- 🗑️ Closing: Swipe the window down or press “×” in the top corner.
On Android 11+ a function appeared "Automatic". PiP"that turns on the mini-player when you switch to another application. To activate it:
- Go to
Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation. - Enable the option "Automatically go to PiP"** (the name may differ).
For owners Samsung Galaxy a unique feature is available - "Floating player" in Samsung Internet Browser:
- Open the video on YouTube via browser Samsung Internet.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Open in a floating window"**.
- The player will be fixed on top of other applications with the ability to change transparency.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 14, ColorOS 13) gestures in PiP may conflict with system ones. If rewinding does not work, disable “Skill Gestures” in the screen settings.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about PiP in YouTube
🔍 Why PiP only works for some video?
This depends on two factors:
- Author restrictions: Some content creators disable the ability to view in the background or PiP for their videos.
- Content type: Premieres, streams and videos with age restrictions are often blocked for PiP even u Premium-users.
Solution: Try playing the video through a browser or use a VPN (some restrictions are region-specific).
📵 Is it possible to enable PiP in the background (with the screen)?
No, the mode "picture in picture" implies display of video on the screen. For background viewing (with sound and the display turned off), other methods are needed:
- 🎧 YouTube Premium (official background function playback).
- 🌐 Browser Firefox with extension UBlock Origin (blocks restrictions).
- 📱 Applications like NewPipe or Vanced (unofficial clients).
Please note: background playback violates the rules YouTube and can lead to account blocking if actively used.
🔄 How to roll back YouTube to a version with working PiP?
If after updating the PiP application, it stopped working, you can return the old version:
- Uninstall the current version YouTube.
- Download the APK version 17.30.34 (the latest stable version with PiP for free accounts) from the site APKMirror.
- Install the file, having previously allowed installation from unknown sources.
- Disable automatic updates YouTube v Google Play.
⚠️ Risks: Outdated versions may contain security vulnerabilities and stop working after changes on the side YouTube.
📱 Why is there no PiP option on my Xiaomi/Redmi settings?
On smartphones Xiaomi with firmware MIUI the PiP function is often hidden or works differently. Check:
- 📌 Is the option “Floating windows”** enabled? in
Settings → Accessibility → Floating windows. - 🔧 Are floating windows allowed for YouTube in
Settings → Applications → Manage applications → YouTube → Additionally. - 📱 Is the firmware updated to the latest version (in MIUI 14 PiP works more stable).
If there is no option, try using a browser or third-party applications (see section 3).
🔒 Can YouTube block an account for using PiP without Premium?
Officially YouTube does not block accounts just for using the mode "picture in picture" through workarounds (browser, Android settings However:
- ⚠️ Risk). yes when using modified clients (Vanced, NewPipe), especially if you are authorized in your account.
- 🛡️ YouTube can send warnings or limit functionality (for example, disable comments).
- 🔄 More often they block not for PiP, but for automatically downloading videos or blocking advertising.
Tip: If you are afraid of blocking, use PiP without authorization or through a second (backup) account.