Picture in Picture on iPhone: A Complete Guide

EMILIA CRUZ

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Apple users are always looking for ways to make their devices more useful. One of the handy features available on the iPhone is Picture in Picture (PiP) mode. Picture in Picture lets you watch videos or use FaceTime while using other apps. This feature is designed to help users multitask seamlessly.

To enable Picture in Picture on an iPhone, go to the settings. Then, you can turn on “Start PiP Automatically” to use the feature easily. If you need to disable it, you can go back and switch off this setting.

Picture in Picture mode is not just for videos. It can be used while making FaceTime calls. This makes it easy to chat and use other apps at the same time. Explore how this feature can boost your productivity and simplify your multitasking.

Picture in Picture on iPhone

Picture in Picture (PiP) lets you watch videos or continue FaceTime calls in a small floating window while using other apps on your iPhone. This multitasking feature enhances productivity and convenience.


Which iPhones Support Picture in Picture?

  • iPhones running iOS 14 or later support PiP.
  • Most models from iPhone 7 Plus and newer can use PiP, but check your iOS version to be sure.

How to Enable Picture in Picture Mode

Step 1: Start Playing a Video or FaceTime Call

  • Open a supported app like Apple TV, Safari (for videos), FaceTime, or supported third-party apps (e.g., YouTube via Safari).

Step 2: Enter Picture in Picture

  • While the video or call is playing, swipe up from the bottom (or press the Home button on older iPhones) to go to the Home screen.
  • The video will automatically shrink into a floating PiP window.

How to Use the Picture in Picture Window

  • Move the PiP window: Drag it to any corner of your screen.
  • Resize the PiP window: Pinch in or out to make it smaller or larger.
  • Hide the PiP window: Swipe it off to the left or right edge to hide it temporarily (a small tab remains visible).
  • Close PiP: Tap the “X” button on the PiP window to close it and stop the video or call.

How to Enable or Disable Picture in Picture

If PiP isn’t working or you want to turn it off:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to General > Picture in Picture.
  3. Toggle Start PiP Automatically on or off.

Apps That Support Picture in Picture

  • Apple TV app
  • Safari (for most web videos)
  • FaceTime
  • Netflix (via Safari)
  • YouTube (via Safari or app with premium subscription)
  • Many third-party video apps support PiP as well.

Tips for Best Experience

  • Use PiP on larger iPhones for better visibility.
  • Combine PiP with multitasking to check emails, messages, or browse while watching.
  • Some apps may require updates to support PiP fully.

For more detailed info, you can visit Apple’s official support page:
Multitask with Picture in Picture on iPhone – Apple Support

Key Takeaways

  • PiP allows video watching or FaceTime calls while using other apps.
  • Activate it by turning on “Start PiP Automatically” in settings.
  • PiP enhances multitasking and productivity on iPhone.

Understanding Picture in Picture on iPhone 11

Picture in Picture (PiP) on the iPhone 11 allows users to watch videos or use FaceTime while using other apps. This feature, introduced with iOS 14, greatly enhances multitasking.

What Is Picture in Picture?

Picture in Picture is a feature that shrinks a video or FaceTime call into a small window. This window can be moved to any corner of the screen. Users can continue to use other apps while watching their video or taking a call.

By going to Settings > General > Picture in Picture, users can turn on Start PiP Automatically. This makes the video automatically enter PiP mode when switching apps. Users can return to full-screen mode by tapping on the small window.

How Picture in Picture Enhances Multitasking

Picture in Picture lets users do more at once. They can watch a video or join a FaceTime call while texting, browsing the web, or checking emails. This is very useful for staying productive or entertained without pausing the video.

To use PiP, start playing a video or a FaceTime call, then go to the home screen. The video will shrink to a small window. Move this window or hide it temporarily by dragging it off the screen. Tap the window to show controls for play, pause, and skip.

This feature is available on the iPhone 11 and newer models with iOS 14 and above. It allows for a seamless experience where multitasking becomes second nature.