Apple’s Picture in Picture feature introduced in iOS 14 was a game changer for multitasking. The Picture in Picture (PiP) feature allows users to do multiple tasks simultaneously, like browsing the internet while on FaceTime.
However, as this feature is relatively new, it does have a few bugs and errors. Many users reported that they could not use this feature or it was unavailable on their iPhones.
The reasons why PiP does not work are all linked to the software aspect. The problem is usually related to iOS or the apps such as:
- Unsupported application.
- Unresponsive process.
- Outdated firmware.
- Faulty application.
How to Fix Picture in Picture on iPhone?
Firstly, we should verify if the issue is within the application. First, check the version of iOS installed on your iPhone. As iOS 14.5 introduced the PiP feature, the previous version of iOS will not support this feature. If your device is relatively new, check if you have any pending updates.
If the PiP feature works except for a few applications, you should probably check the application’s compatibility. Picture in Picture supports only a handful of apps, which includes system apps such as Facetime, Safari browser, Apple TV, etc.
Restart Your iPhone
Often, the processes needed to start the PiP mode can face problems making it unable to run properly. A simple reboot can resolve most common errors and glitches. Restarting your device also restarts all the background processes required to run applications. Follow the given if you need to reboot your iPhone.
- Hold the power button until a slider is displayed
- Swipe the slider from the left to right direction. This will turn off your iPhone.
- Press and hold the power button until the Apple logo is displayed.
Enable Picture in Picture Mode
You need to enable PiP mode on your device before moving on to the fixes. The option to use PiP will not appear if it is disabled. You can enable PiP by the given steps:
- Open Settings.
- Go to General.
- Select Picture in Picture.
- Toggle on the Start PiP Automatically option.
Update the Application
The iOS update might not be enough for PiP to work correctly. PiP is a newly introduced feature on iOS, which is why it may not be supported on the older version of the application. An update can fix this issue if you’ve not updated the application for a while.
In addition to fixing the version incompatibility, updating the application can also resolve any bugs or glitches that might cause the PiP to malfunction. To update the application, you can follow the steps:
- Head to the AppStore.
- Switch to the Updates tab.
- If you have any pending updates, tap on Update beside the app.
Update the Software
The iOS version installed on your device may contain bugs or errors that can cause features such as Picture in Picture mode to malfunction. In such cases, you should update the software to keep updated with the latest bug fixes. To update the iOS, follow the step below:
- Tap on Settings.
- Select General.
- Open Software Update.
Why is Picture in Picture Not Working on YouTube?
Currently, the YouTube app does not fully support the PiP feature on all iOS devices across all regions. YouTube is beta testing this feature and slowly deploying it on iOS devices. Currently, PiP is only available for YouTube Premium and regular users in the US.
Since PiP is still in its early stages, it might not work correctly for you. In such cases, you can depend on a workaround to use the PiP feature with YouTube. This method requires you to install an app on your device. Head over to the AppStore and download the X.app application.
- Open the YouTube app and play a video.
- Tap on the Share icon.
- Scroll down and tap on the X: Video > Picture in Picture option.
- Select the Picture in Picture option at the bottom.
- Open your Home screen. The video will be resized automatically.