In today's fast-paced mobile world, multitasking is a major demand for smartphone users. Android has responded with features designed to make life easier, and among them, Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode has become one of the most versatile ways to save time, keeping videos, maps, or video calls visible while still using other apps.
Over the past few years, this feature has evolved not only in compatibility and customization but also in the variety of situations where it can be used. Learning to get the most out of it can change your daily phone experience, allowing you, for example, to watch a YouTube video while replying to messages , or check Google Maps while reviewing your calendar . Here we'll tell you, in detail and with all the tricks, how to use Picture-in-Picture mode on Android , what the requirements are, which apps are compatible, and how to customize it for your everyday use.
What exactly is PiP (Picture in Picture) mode on Android?
Picture-in-Picture mode , popularly known as PiP, is a feature included in Android versions starting with Android 8.0 Oreo. It allows you to minimize an application (usually a video or navigation app) to a small floating window that overlays other apps. This way, you can continue viewing important content while browsing other parts of your phone, without having to pause, close, or lose sight of what you're really interested in.
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) is specifically designed to improve multitasking . Imagine viewing Google Maps directions while still answering emails? Or following a video call while noting an appointment? PiP mode makes it easy to "do two things at once," without forcing a split screen or relying on complex tricks.
Requirements for using PiP mode on Android
Before diving headfirst into trying this feature, it's a good idea to know what you need to use PiP on your Android device :
- Supported Android version: PiP mode is available from Android 8.0 Oreo onwards. If your phone has a lower version, you won't be able to use it unless your manufacturer has included a similar feature independently.
- Compatible applications: Not all apps support PiP. It's primarily designed for video, browsing, and video calling apps, although the list grows every year. Below, we'll detail the most popular ones and how you can view them on your phone.
- PiP permission enabled: Each app requires specific permission to run in Picture-in-Picture mode. On some models, this option is always enabled by default, but on others, you need to grant permission manually (explained in later sections).
- Device hardware: On very old phones or those with little RAM, the feature may be limited or disabled by the system itself.
How do I know which apps can use Picture-in-Picture mode?
One of the most frequently asked questions is how to identify which apps can use Picture-in-Picture (PiP) on your Android phone . While the list may vary, there's a universal way to check:
- Open the Settings from your phone.
- Access the section Applications o Apps and notifications, depending on your model.
- Look for the option Special application access (may be within an additional menu).
- Choose Picture in PictureA list will appear with all the Apps that are allowed to use PiPFrom here, you can enable or disable this access for each one.
Another quick way is to use the settings search engine by typing "PiP" or "Picture in Picture." This will take you directly to the permissions screen and give you a quick look at the compatible apps on your device.
How to enable and disable PiP permission per app
One of the most useful and least known features is that Picture-in-Picture (PiP) control isn't system-wide; you can decide on a case-by-case basis whether to allow the floating window. This is especially useful for avoiding annoying notifications or unwanted pop-ups.
- From the Settings > Apps > Special App Access > Picture in Picture panel, you'll see a list of apps that allow this.
- Simply turn the on or off slider next to the app name to grant or restrict permission.
- When you disable the feature for an app, you'll no longer be able to minimize that content into a floating window.
Extra tip : If you install an app and want to know if it supports Picture-in-Picture (PiP), try starting a video or browsing, then press the Home button. If the app supports PiP and has permission, the content will remain in a floating window; otherwise, playback will pause or the app will close in the background.
Most popular apps that support PiP
Picture-in-Picture mode has gradually spread to many commonly used Android apps. Here are some of the most popular ones and how you can use PiP in them:
- Google Maps: Perfect for following a navigation route while checking other apps. When you minimize the app with a route active, the PiP window will automatically appear, showing directions.
- Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Google Play Movies & TV: They allow you to watch videos on a floating screen. For YouTube, please note that you need a YouTube Premium subscription to use PiP (in some countries it is allowed on free accounts except for music videos, but in most regions the requirement is Premium).
- VLC MediaPlayer: In addition to the system PiP, VLC allows its own floating window with more options from the menu.
- WhatsApp and Telegram: Whether you're playing videos or making video calls, you can activate PiP so you can continue other tasks while staying connected.
- Chrome: If you play media in full screen and press Home, the PiP window is automatically activated.
The list changes over time, as some apps remove or improve support based on updates. If a specific app you use a lot doesn't appear, check for new versions or check your device's settings.
Step-by-step guide to using PiP in major apps
The process for using PiP may vary slightly between applications . Here are the most common methods:
- Google Maps: Start browsing and then minimize the app using the Home button. You'll see a pop-up window with the instructions.
- Chrome: Open a video in full screen, and when you press Home, the video will automatically appear in PiP (not all websites allow this feature, but it works on most compatible players).
- VLC: Start playing a video, open the menu (three-dot icon), and select the 'Pop-up player' option. This way, the video remains visible on top of other apps, regardless of the Android PiP.
- WhatsApp: In video calls, press Home to keep the call in a small window. This also works for videos shared in chat.
- YouTube: With YouTube Premium active, play a video and press Home; the video will remain in the floating window. If you don't have Premium, this feature may be disabled except in certain regions or for non-music videos.
- Facebook: Play a video, tap the PiP icon (two squares, one inside the other) and exit the app to keep it visible.
How to interact with the PiP window on Android
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode not only lets you view content while using other apps, but also allows you to interact with the floating window in various ways. Android has been evolving this behavior in recent versions to offer more possibilities:
- Move window: Tap and hold the PiP window, then drag it anywhere you want on the screen. The system will automatically snap it to the nearest corner if you release it between two positions.
- Resize (Android 12+): Use the pinch gesture to zoom and adjust the size of the PiP window. This is useful for adapting the display if you need to make it larger or smaller.
- Show controls: Tap once on the PIP window to reveal control icons, such as play/pause, fast forward, rewind, or the full-screen return button. Options may vary by app.
- Hide controls: Click the window again to make the icons disappear and avoid distractions.
- Close the window: Press and hold the PiP window and drag it to the bottom or side of the screen. If it doesn't close, quickly swipe the window to the side.
- Maximize the app: Use the middle button on the window (when available) to return the application to full screen.