YouTube’s Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature is a convenient tool that allows you to continue watching videos in a small floating window while performing other tasks on your device. Whether you’re checking emails, chatting with friends, or browsing the web, PiP makes multitasking easier. However, it can be frustrating when the feature stops working. Thankfully, there are several ways to resolve the problem and get Picture-in-Picture running smoothly again.
Check Device Compatibility
The first step is to confirm that your device supports Picture-in-Picture mode. PiP is available on Android devices running version 8.0 (Oreo) or later, and for iPhone users, it requires iOS 14 or higher. It’s worth noting that YouTube’s PiP feature is free for Android users but requires a YouTube Premium subscription on iOS devices.
If you’re using YouTube on a desktop browser, Picture-in-Picture functionality is supported on browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. Make sure your browser is updated to the latest version, as outdated software can prevent PiP from working correctly.
Update the YouTube App
Using an outdated version of the YouTube app can cause issues with Picture-in-Picture. To fix this, open the app store on your device—Google Play Store for Android or the Apple App Store for iOS—and search for YouTube. If there’s an update available, install it right away.
After updating the app, restart it and check if the PiP feature works. Sometimes, simply updating the app resolves bugs and compatibility issues that interfere with Picture-in-Picture mode.
Enable Picture-in-Picture Settings
If Picture-in-Picture is not working, it’s possible that the setting is disabled. For Android users, navigate to your device’s Settings > Apps & Notifications > Special Access > Picture-in-Picture. Locate the YouTube app in the list and ensure that the PiP option is enabled.
On iPhones, go to Settings > General > Picture-in-Picture and make sure the feature is turned on. You should also check your YouTube settings to confirm that background play is enabled. Background play is a YouTube Premium feature that directly impacts Picture-in-Picture functionality on iOS devices.
Clear App Cache and Restart the Device
Sometimes, temporary glitches can cause Picture-in-Picture to stop working. Clearing the app cache can often resolve these issues. For Android devices, go to Settings > Apps > YouTube > Storage, and tap on Clear Cache. This step removes temporary files that might be causing conflicts without deleting your data.
For iOS users, clearing the cache is not directly available, but uninstalling and reinstalling the YouTube app serves the same purpose. After reinstalling, log back into your account and test the PiP feature again.
Restarting your device is another simple yet effective solution. A fresh reboot can fix temporary issues with system resources or app behavior, ensuring the YouTube app works correctly.
Check Browser Support for Desktop Users
If you’re using YouTube in a web browser on a computer, ensure that Picture-in-Picture mode is supported. Modern browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Safari all include PiP features. To activate it, right-click twice on the YouTube video while it’s playing and select “Picture-in-Picture” from the menu.
If PiP still isn’t working, check for browser updates. Go to your browser’s settings and look for any pending updates, as older versions might not support Picture-in-Picture mode fully. You can also disable browser extensions that could be interfering with YouTube’s functionality.
Verify YouTube Premium Subscription (iOS)
For iPhone and iPad users, YouTube’s Picture-in-Picture feature is often tied to a YouTube Premium subscription. If PiP is not working, verify that your subscription is active by visiting the YouTube app and checking your account settings. Without an active Premium subscription, iOS users may not be able to access Picture-in-Picture functionality for YouTube videos.
When YouTube’s Picture-in-Picture mode stops working, the issue can usually be traced to device compatibility, app settings, or software updates. By ensuring your device supports PiP, enabling the feature in settings, clearing app cache, and updating your software, you can fix the issue quickly. If you’re an iOS user, double-check your YouTube Premium subscription, as PiP is often a premium feature on Apple devices. With these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy seamless multitasking while watching your favorite YouTube videos.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.