In today’s fast-paced digital world, multitasking has become an essential skill for anyone looking to maximize their productivity. One of the most useful features that can help you achieve this is picture-in-picture (PiP), a mode that allows you to watch videos or browse content in a smaller window while performing other tasks. But how do you activate picture-in-picture? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the steps to enable PiP on various devices and platforms, so you can start multitasking like a pro!
Activating Picture-in-Picture on Android Devices
Android devices offer built-in support for picture-in-picture mode, making it easy to activate and use. Here’s how to do it:
On Android Oreo (8.0) and Later
To activate PiP on an Android device running Oreo or later, follow these simple steps:
- Ensure that the app you want to use in PiP mode supports this feature. Not all apps do, but most popular video streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video do.
- Open the app and start playing a video.
- Press the Home button to minimize the app.
- The video will automatically shrink into a small window, allowing you to browse other apps or perform other tasks while continuing to watch the video.
On Android Nougat (7.0) and Earlier
If you’re using an Android device running Nougat or earlier, you won’t have built-in PiP support. However, some apps may offer a similar feature or workaround. For example:
- YouTube: You can use YouTube’s mini-player feature to achieve a similar effect. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open YouTube and start playing a video.
- Tap the back button to minimize the video.
- The video will shrink into a small window at the bottom of the screen, allowing you to continue watching while browsing other apps.
Activating Picture-in-Picture on iOS Devices
iOS devices also offer picture-in-picture mode, although the steps to activate it may vary slightly depending on the specific device and iOS version you’re using.
On iOS 14 and Later
To activate PiP on an iOS device running iOS 14 or later, follow these steps:
- Ensure that the app you want to use in PiP mode supports this feature. Not all apps do, but popular video streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, and Apple TV do.
- Open the app and start playing a video.
- Tap the PiP button in the top-right corner of the screen.
- The video will shrink into a small window, allowing you to browse other apps or perform other tasks while continuing to watch the video.
On iOS 12 and 13
If you’re using an iOS device running iOS 12 or 13, you can activate PiP mode using the following steps:
- Open the app and start playing a video.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center.
- Tap the PiP button to enable picture-in-picture mode.
- The video will shrink into a small window, allowing you to browse other apps or perform other tasks while continuing to watch the video.
Activating Picture-in-Picture on Desktop Devices
While picture-in-picture mode is more commonly associated with mobile devices, many desktop browsers and media players also offer this feature. Here’s how to activate PiP on desktop devices:
On Google Chrome
To activate PiP in Google Chrome, follow these steps:
- Ensure that you’re using the latest version of Chrome.
- Open a video streaming website like YouTube or Netflix.
- Start playing a video.
- Click the Chrome menu (δΈ‰) in the top-right corner of the browser window.
- Select Picture in picture from the dropdown menu.
- The video will shrink into a small window, allowing you to browse other tabs or perform other tasks while continuing to watch the video.
On Safari
To activate PiP in Safari, follow these steps:
- Ensure that you’re using the latest version of Safari.
- Open a video streaming website like YouTube or Netflix.
- Start playing a video.
- Click the Safari menu in the top-right corner of the browser window.
- Select Enter Picture in Picture from the dropdown menu.
- The video will shrink into a small window, allowing you to browse other tabs or perform other tasks while continuing to watch the video.
Activating Picture-in-Picture on Smart TVs and Streaming Devices
Many smart TVs and streaming devices, such as Roku, Apple TV, and Chromecast, also offer picture-in-picture mode. Here’s how to activate PiP on these devices:
On Roku
To activate PiP on a Roku device, follow these steps:
- Ensure that you’re using a Roku device that supports PiP mode.
- Open the channel or app you want to use in PiP mode.
- Start playing a video.
- Press the * button on your Roku remote control.
- Select Picture in picture from the menu.
- The video will shrink into a small window, allowing you to browse other channels or perform other tasks while continuing to watch the video.
On Apple TV
To activate PiP on an Apple TV, follow these steps:
- Ensure that you’re using an Apple TV 4K or later.
- Open the app you want to use in PiP mode.
- Start playing a video.
- Press the TV button on your Apple TV remote control.
- Select Picture in picture from the menu.
- The video will shrink into a small window, allowing you to browse other apps or perform other tasks while continuing to watch the video.
Tips and Tricks for Using Picture-in-Picture
Now that you’ve activated picture-in-picture mode on your device, here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of this feature:
- Adjust the PiP window size: On most devices, you can adjust the size of the PiP window by dragging it to the desired size.
- Move the PiP window: You can move the PiP window to any corner of the screen by dragging it.
- Close the PiP window: To close the PiP window, simply tap or click on it.
- Use PiP with multiple apps: On some devices, you can use PiP mode with multiple apps simultaneously, allowing you to watch multiple videos or browse multiple websites at the same time.
In conclusion, picture-in-picture mode is a powerful feature that can revolutionize the way you multitask on your devices. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can activate PiP on your Android device, iOS device, desktop browser, smart TV, or streaming device. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to unleash the full potential of PiP and take your multitasking skills to the next level.
What is Picture-in-Picture mode?
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is a feature that allows you to continue watching a video in a small window while simultaneously performing other tasks on your device. This feature is particularly useful for multitasking, as you can keep an eye on your video while browsing the web, checking emails, or chatting with friends.
With PiP mode, the video window floats above other apps and windows, allowing you to easily switch between tasks without missing a beat. You can resize the video window to fit your needs and even move it around the screen to get it out of the way. This feature is available on many devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.
How do I activate Picture-in-Picture mode on my device?
Activating PiP mode is relatively straightforward. On most devices, you can start by opening a video in a compatible app, such as YouTube or Netflix. Then, look for a PiP icon or button, usually represented by a rectangle with an arrow pointing inward. Tap or click on this icon to enter PiP mode.
Once you’ve entered PiP mode, you can start multitasking to your heart’s content. You can switch between apps, browse the web, or perform other tasks while the video continues to play in the corner of your screen. To exit PiP mode, simply tap or click on the video window to return to full-screen mode.
What devices support Picture-in-Picture mode?
PiP mode is supported on a wide range of devices, including Android smartphones and tablets, iPhones and iPads, and computers running Windows or macOS. Almost all popular video streaming apps, including YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video, support PiP mode on compatible devices.
However, it’s worth noting that not all devices or apps support PiP mode. For example, some older devices or apps may not have PiP capabilities. Additionally, some apps may require a subscription or specific settings to be enabled before PiP mode can be activated.
Can I use Picture-in-Picture mode on multiple apps at once?
Yes, on many devices, you can use PiP mode on multiple apps simultaneously. This means you can have multiple video windows floating around your screen, allowing you to multitask like a pro. For example, you could watch a YouTube video while browsing Facebook and checking your email.
However, the exact functionality may vary depending on your device and the apps you’re using. Some devices may have limitations on the number of PiP windows you can have open at once, or some apps may not support simultaneous PiP mode.
How do I resize the Picture-in-Picture window?
Resizing the PiP window is usually a simple process. On most devices, you can drag the corners of the video window to resize it to your desired size. You can also use pinch-to-zoom gestures on touch devices or use the zoom buttons on computers to adjust the window size.
Keep in mind that the exact method for resizing the PiP window may vary depending on your device and the app you’re using. Some apps may have specific buttons or gestures for resizing the window, so feel free to experiment and find the method that works best for you.
Can I move the Picture-in-Picture window around the screen?
Yes, on most devices, you can move the PiP window around the screen to get it out of the way or position it in a convenient spot. Simply tap and hold on the video window, then drag it to your desired location.
You can move the PiP window to any corner of the screen, or even place it on top of another app or window. This can be especially useful if you need to refer to something else on your screen while still keeping an eye on your video.
Is Picture-in-Picture mode available on all video streaming apps?
No, PiP mode is not available on all video streaming apps. While many popular apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video support PiP mode, some apps may not have this feature.
Additionally, some apps may require specific settings or subscriptions to enable PiP mode. It’s always a good idea to check the app’s settings or documentation to see if PiP mode is supported and how to activate it.