What is Picture-in-Picture Mode on Android

If you’ve ever wanted to watch a video while replying to a WhatsApp message without losing sight of what’s on screen, Picture-in-Picture mode on Android is exactly what you need. I’ve been using it since it came to Android and honestly it has completely changed how I use my phone for multitasking.

Table of contents

What is Picture-in-Picture mode and how does it work

Picture-in-Picture mode on Android (abbreviated as PiP) is a feature that lets you shrink an app into a small floating window while you use another app in full screen. Think of it like having a small TV in the corner of your screen while you work at your desk.

When you activate PiP in a compatible app, it minimizes to a compact box you can move anywhere on the screen. The app keeps running in the background with audio and video, but takes up very little visual space. This way you can browse the web, type messages, or use any other app without losing sight of the floating app’s content.

When was this feature introduced

Google introduced Picture-in-Picture in Android 8 Oreo, but in earlier versions it was quite limited. Starting from Android 10 the feature became much more versatile, allowing you to resize the window, move it to more convenient positions, and interact with it more naturally.

Pro-tip: Don’t confuse PiP with split screen. In PiP one app takes up almost the full screen and the other is a small floating window. In split screen both apps share the screen half and half.

Apps compatible with Picture-in-Picture on Android

Not all apps support Picture-in-Picture on Android, but the list keeps growing. These are the main app categories where you can use this feature.

Video and streaming apps

Video apps are the ones that best take advantage of PiP. YouTube (with Premium), Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, VLC, MX Player, and practically any video player support this feature. When you’re watching a video and press the home button, the video automatically shrinks to the floating window.

Navigation apps

Google Maps and Waze have supported PiP for a while. This is extremely useful when you need to check your route while using another app. The map shrinks to a small window showing your current position and turn-by-turn directions.

Video calling apps

Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and WhatsApp video calls support PiP. You can keep a video call active while checking documents, notes, or any other app. It’s very practical for meetings where you need information at hand.

Music and podcast apps

Some audio players and podcasts also use PiP, although in this case the window shows playback controls instead of video.

How to enable Picture-in-Picture on Android

Enabling Picture-in-Picture mode on Android is very simple, both globally and for specific apps.

Enable PiP globally

1. Open Settings on your Android
2. Go to Apps > Special app access > Picture-in-picture
3. Toggle the general switch on or enable specific apps you want
4. On some phones the path is Settings > Apps > Special access > Picture-in-picture

Enable PiP in a specific app

Many apps have PiP options within their own settings. For example, in YouTube go to Settings > General > Picture-in-picture. In Google Maps go to app settings and look for PiP navigation.

Use PiP in the moment

For most apps, simply press the home button while the app is playing content. The content will automatically shrink to the floating window. In some apps like YouTube you need to be playing the video and then exit the app.

Pro-tip: If PiP doesn’t work in an app that should support it, check that you have the latest app version and that you’ve granted the necessary permissions. Sometimes just updating the app does the trick.

How to use and manage the floating window

Once the PiP window is on screen, there are several gestures and options to manage it comfortably.

Move the window

Simply drag the window with your finger to any position on the screen. Most apps place the window in corners, but you can leave it anywhere. When you release, it usually snaps to the nearest corner.

Resize

On Android 11 and above you can resize the PiP window. Place your finger on a corner of the window and drag to make it larger or smaller. This is useful when you need more detail or want it to take up less space.

Close the window

To close the PiP window, drag it to the bottom of the screen until a close icon appears, or simply tap it to expand it and then close the app normally. Some apps have an X in the corner of the window.

Interact with the window

A short tap on the PiP window usually shows basic controls depending on the app. In a video player you’ll see play/pause. In a video call you’ll see microphone and camera controls. A long tap or double tap expands the app to full screen.

Benefits of using Picture-in-Picture for multitasking

Picture-in-Picture mode on Android isn’t just a tech curiosity, it’s a real productivity tool when you know how to use it.

Real productivity

I’ve discovered that PiP makes me much more productive during long meetings. I can keep the video call visible while taking notes, checking documents, or replying to emails. Before, I had to constantly switch between apps, which was frustrating and made me miss information.

Uninterrupted entertainment

If you’re watching a long video or a show while doing something else, PiP is perfect. You can follow the content while replying to messages, browsing social media, or searching for information. You no longer have to pause every time you get a notification.

Practical navigation

Using PiP with Google Maps while sending messages or searching for information is much safer than manually alternating between apps. You have the route always visible without losing focus on what you’re doing.

Troubleshooting common PiP issues

Sometimes Picture-in-Picture mode on Android doesn’t work as expected. These are the most common problems and their solutions.

PiP doesn’t appear in a compatible app

Check that you have the latest app version, that PiP is enabled in system settings for that app, and that the app has screen overlay permission. Sometimes restarting the app or phone does the trick.

The PiP window disappears when switching apps

This can happen if the app loses audio or video focus. For example, if you have YouTube PiP and open another app that plays audio, YouTube might pause and close its PiP window.

The PiP window interferes with navigation

If the window bothers you in certain positions, just move it by dragging. You can also make it smaller if the interface allows it.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Does Picture-in-Picture drain battery much?

PiP uses a bit more than having the app closed, but less than having it in full screen. The battery impact is moderate and depends on the app. Video PiP uses more than navigation PiP.

Does PiP work on all Android versions?

PiP has been available since Android 8 Oreo, but newer versions (Android 10 and above) offer more management options like resizing the window. If you have Android 8 or 9, the feature exists but is more basic.

Can I have multiple PiP windows at once?

No, Android normally only allows one active PiP window. If you activate PiP in a second app, the first one will close. This is to keep the experience clean and device performance good.

Does PiP work with screen off?

No, the PiP window is only visible when the screen is on. If you turn off the screen, the app goes to background but the floating window disappears.

Conclusion

Picture-in-Picture mode on Android is one of those features that seems minor but significantly changes how you use your phone. Whether it’s keeping a video call while working, watching a video while browsing, or having your route visible while texting, PiP multiplies your ability to do several things at once. If you haven’t tried it yet, I recommend enabling it today in your favorite apps and discovering how it improves your daily workflow.