Enabling Picture-in-Picture (PiP) on your iPhone allows you to watch videos or make FaceTime calls while using other apps, enhancing your multitasking experience. This feature is readily available and easy to activate directly from your device settings.
Enabling Picture-in-Picture on iPhone (iOS 17 and Later)
To activate the Picture-in-Picture feature on your iPhone, follow these straightforward steps directly from your device's settings:
Step-by-Step Guide to Activate PiP
- Open Settings: Tap the Settings app icon on your iPhone's Home screen.
- Navigate to General: Scroll down through the settings options and select General.
- Choose Picture in Picture: Within the General menu, locate and tap on Picture in Picture.
- Enable Start PiP Automatically: You will see an option labeled "Start PiP Automatically". Tap the toggle button to the right of this option to turn it on (it will turn green).
Once enabled, your iPhone will automatically start playing supported videos or FaceTime calls in a small, resizable window when you swipe up to go to the Home screen or switch to another app.
What is Picture-in-Picture (PiP)?
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) is an iOS feature that allows users to multitask more efficiently. When activated, a video or FaceTime call shrinks into a corner of your screen, letting you continue watching or talking while you interact with other applications on your device.
Using Picture-in-Picture on iPhone
After enabling the feature, here’s how you typically use it:
- Automatic Activation: When watching a video in a compatible app (like Safari, Apple TV, or YouTube Premium) or during a FaceTime call, simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen to go to your Home screen, or switch to another app. The video or call should automatically enter PiP mode.
- Controlling the PiP Window:
- Move: Drag the PiP window to any of the four corners of your screen.
- Resize: Pinch open or close on the PiP window with two fingers to make it larger or smaller.
- Temporarily Hide: Swipe the PiP window off to the side of the screen to hide it, with only a small tab visible. Tap the tab to bring it back.
- Go Full Screen: Tap the PiP window, then tap the full-screen icon (usually an arrow pointing out of a square) to return to the original app and view the content full screen.
- Close: Tap the PiP window, then tap the close icon (an "X") to stop the video or end the call.
Key Picture-in-Picture Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Multitasking | Watch videos or make calls while browsing, texting, or using other apps. |
| Automatic PiP | Videos and calls enter PiP mode automatically when leaving the app (if enabled in settings). |
| Resizable Window | Pinch to zoom in or out on the PiP window to adjust its size. |
| Movable Window | Drag the window to any corner of the screen for optimal viewing. |
| Temporary Hide | Slide the window off-screen to temporarily hide it without pausing the content. |
| One-Tap Fullscreen | Quickly return to full-screen view within the original app from the PiP window. |
