In today’s digital age, multitasking has become an essential part of our daily lives. With the rise of streaming services like Netflix, we often find ourselves juggling multiple tasks at once, from scrolling through social media to checking emails, all while keeping an eye on our favorite shows. But what if you could do all this while still enjoying your favorite Netflix content in a small window? Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, imagine no more! In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to watch Netflix in a small window, allowing you to multitask like a pro.
Why Watch Netflix in a Small Window?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Watching Netflix in a small window can be incredibly convenient, especially for those who like to stay productive while binge-watching their favorite shows. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider shrinking your Netflix window:
- Multitasking mastery: By watching Netflix in a small window, you can easily switch between tasks, such as browsing the web, checking emails, or even working on a project, all while keeping an eye on your show.
- Space-saving: If you’re using a laptop or tablet, watching Netflix in a small window can help conserve screen real estate, allowing you to have multiple windows open at the same time.
- Distraction-free zone: Let’s face it, sometimes the full-screen Netflix experience can be distracting. By watching in a small window, you can minimize distractions and stay focused on your tasks.
The Native Way: Netflix’s Picture-in-Picture Mode
One of the most straightforward ways to watch Netflix in a small window is by using the service’s native picture-in-picture (PiP) mode. This feature is available on both desktop and mobile devices, although the implementation varies slightly.
Desktop:
To enable PiP mode on your desktop, follow these steps:
- Open Netflix in your web browser and start playing a video.
- Click the Pop Out button located in the bottom-right corner of the video player.
- The video will pop out into a small window, allowing you to continue watching while browsing other websites or working on tasks.
Mobile:
On mobile devices, the process is slightly different:
- Open the Netflix app and start playing a video.
- Tap the Back button on your device to exit full-screen mode.
- The video will minimize into a small window, allowing you to continue watching while browsing other apps or using your phone.
Browser Extensions: The Easy Way Out
If you’re using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, you can take advantage of browser extensions to watch Netflix in a small window. These extensions essentially “pop out” the Netflix video player, allowing you to resize it to your liking.
Chrome Extensions:
- Netflix Pop Out: This extension allows you to pop out Netflix videos into a small window, complete with playback controls and subtitles.
- Picture in Picture (PiP): This extension enables PiP mode for Netflix, allowing you to watch videos in a small window while browsing other websites.
Firefox Add-ons:
- Netflix Pop Out: Similar to the Chrome extension, this add-on allows you to pop out Netflix videos into a small window.
- Picture in Picture: This add-on enables PiP mode for Netflix, allowing you to watch videos in a small window while browsing other websites.
Third-Party Apps: The Alternative Option
If you’re not a fan of browser extensions or the native PiP mode, you can turn to third-party apps to watch Netflix in a small window. These apps often offer additional features, such as floating windows, customizable playlists, and more.
Floatify:
Floatify is a popular app for Android devices that allows you to watch Netflix in a small, floating window. The app also includes features like customizable window sizes, opacity control, and more.
PiPStreamer:
PiPStreamer is a third-party app for iOS and Android devices that enables PiP mode for Netflix and other streaming services. The app also includes features like customizable playlists, video trimming, and more.
Tweaking the Experience: Resizing and Positioning
Once you’ve enabled PiP mode or installed a browser extension or third-party app, you can further customize your Netflix experience by resizing and positioning the window to your liking.
Resizing:
To resize the Netflix window, simply click and drag the edges of the window to your desired size. You can also use keyboard shortcuts, such as Ctrl + Shift + > or Ctrl + Shift + <, to zoom in or out of the window.
Positioning:
To position the Netflix window, simply click and drag it to your desired location on the screen. You can also use keyboard shortcuts, such as Ctrl + Shift + → or Ctrl + Shift + ←, to move the window to the left or right side of the screen.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Fixes
As with any technology, you may encounter issues when watching Netflix in a small window. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Issue: Netflix won’t pop out into a small window.
Fix: Ensure that you’re using the latest version of your web browser or Netflix app. Also, try disabling any conflicting browser extensions or add-ons.
Issue: The PiP window is too small or too large.
Fix: Try resizing the window using the methods mentioned earlier. If that doesn’t work, try adjusting the zoom level of your browser or app.
Issue: The audio is out of sync or not working.
Fix: Try restarting the Netflix app or browser extension. If the issue persists, check your device’s audio settings to ensure that the correct output device is selected.
Conclusion
Watching Netflix in a small window can be a game-changer for multitaskers and productivity enthusiasts alike. With the native PiP mode, browser extensions, and third-party apps, you have a variety of options to choose from. By customizing your Netflix experience and troubleshooting common issues, you can enjoy your favorite shows while staying on top of your tasks. So go ahead, shrink that window, and get ready to multitask like a pro!
What is Picture-in-Picture mode and how does it work?
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is a feature that allows you to watch a video in a small window while continuing to use other apps or browse the internet on your device. This feature is supported by most modern smartphones, tablets, and computers.
When you enable PiP mode, the video will shrink to a small window, usually in the corner of the screen, and you can continue to use other apps or browse the internet while still watching your video. This feature is especially useful when you want to multitask or keep an eye on your video while doing something else.
How do I enable Picture-in-Picture mode on my device?
To enable PiP mode on your device, you’ll need to check if your device and Netflix app support this feature. On iOS devices, you can swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center, then tap the “Picture in Picture” button. On Android devices, you can tap the “Home” button or navigate to the “Recents” screen, then tap the “Picture in Picture” button.
Keep in mind that PiP mode may not be available on all devices or platforms, so you may need to check your device’s settings or Netflix app to see if this feature is supported. Additionally, some video content may not support PiP mode due to copyright restrictions or other limitations.
Can I use Picture-in-Picture mode on multiple devices?
Yes, PiP mode is available on multiple devices, including iOS and Android devices, as well as some smart TVs and streaming devices. However, the process for enabling PiP mode may vary depending on your device and the Netflix app version.
Make sure to check your device’s settings or Netflix app to see if PiP mode is supported and how to enable it. Additionally, keep in mind that some devices or platforms may not support PiP mode or may have limitations on its use.
Will Picture-in-Picture mode affect my video quality?
PiP mode may affect your video quality, depending on your device and internet connection. Since the video is being displayed in a smaller window, the video quality may be reduced to conserve bandwidth and system resources.
However, if you have a fast internet connection and a powerful device, you may not notice a significant difference in video quality. Additionally, some devices or platforms may offer high-quality PiP mode that minimizes the impact on video quality.
Can I customize the Picture-in-Picture window?
Yes, on some devices and platforms, you can customize the PiP window to some extent. For example, you may be able to resize the window, move it to a different location on the screen, or adjust the transparency or opacity.
Keep in mind that customization options may vary depending on your device and Netflix app, so you may need to check the settings or app options to see what’s available.
Is Picture-in-Picture mode available for all Netflix content?
No, PiP mode may not be available for all Netflix content due to copyright restrictions or other limitations. Some content providers may not allow their content to be displayed in PiP mode, so you may not be able to use this feature for all videos.
If you’re having trouble using PiP mode for a specific video, try checking the video’s settings or description to see if it supports this feature. You may also need to check your device or Netflix app settings to see if there are any restrictions or limitations.
Can I use Picture-in-Picture mode with other apps?
Yes, PiP mode is not exclusive to Netflix and can be used with other video streaming apps or services that support this feature. You can use PiP mode with other apps that offer this feature, such as YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, or Hulu.
Just make sure to check the app’s settings or options to see if PiP mode is supported and how to enable it. Additionally, keep in mind that some apps may have limitations or restrictions on PiP mode use.