Enabling picture-in-picture on your iPhone is a breeze with iOS 17. Simply start playing a video, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to go home, and voilà! Your video will shrink into a mini-player that you can drag to any corner of your screen.
Once enabled, picture-in-picture allows you to multitask like a pro. Imagine watching your favorite show while texting your friends, browsing the web, or even checking your email—all at the same time!
You can also watch this video about how to enable picture in picture on iPhone for more on this subject.
Introduction
Remember the days when phones were just phones? You’d call, text, and maybe play a game of Snake if you were feeling adventurous. Now, we’ve got mini-computers in our pockets, and they’re capable of some pretty incredible things. One such feature is picture-in-picture (PiP), which has made its way to iPhones with iOS 17.
So, why is this topic important? Well, in this fast-paced world, multitasking isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. And that’s where PiP shines. For anyone who’s ever wished they could watch a video while doing something else on their iPhone, this feature is a game-changer. It’s relevant to anyone who wants to make the most out of their screen real estate, whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or just someone who likes to stay productive.
Picture-in-picture is particularly useful for those moments when you’re waiting for an important email but don’t want to miss out on the latest episode of that show everyone’s talking about. Or maybe you’re trying to follow a recipe video while also keeping an eye on your grocery list. The possibilities are endless, and that’s why learning how to enable and use PiP on your iPhone is essential.
Step by Step Tutorial: Enabling Picture-in-Picture on iPhone
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, remember that enabling PiP will allow you to watch a video in a small, movable window while accessing other apps.
Step 1: Begin playing a video on a supported app
Start playing a video on an app that supports PiP, such as Safari or Apple TV.
Not all apps support picture-in-picture, so check if your app of choice does. If it’s a third-party app, it might require developers to enable PiP support.
Step 2: Go to the Home screen
Swipe up from the bottom of the screen or press the Home button to minimize the app.
As you minimize, the video should automatically transform into a small player that will hover over your home screen or other apps.
Step 3: Adjust the PiP window as needed
Drag the mini-player to any corner of the screen or pinch to resize it.
If you need it out of the way temporarily, you can swipe it off to the side, and it’ll dock there, continuing to play audio.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Multitasking | Picture-in-picture allows you to watch a video while using other apps, increasing productivity. |
| Convenience | It’s easy to switch between full-screen and mini-player mode, making the viewing experience more flexible. |
| Accessibility | The feature’s simplicity makes it accessible to users of all ages and tech-savviness levels. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Limited App Support | Not all apps currently support PiP, which can be frustrating for users. |
| Screen Real Estate | On smaller iPhone models, the PiP window can take up significant screen space, affecting usability. |
| Potential Distraction | Having a video playing can distract from tasks that require more focus, affecting productivity negatively. |
Additional Information
Enabling picture-in-picture on your iPhone is just the start of what iOS 17 has to offer. This update is all about making your life easier and your phone smarter. Did you know that you can also customize the PiP window’s opacity? This means you can make the video slightly see-through, so it’s less intrusive while you’re working on something else.
And don’t worry about battery life. iOS 17 is designed to be as efficient as possible. So, using PiP won’t drain your battery any faster than normal video playback would. Keep in mind that while most built-in Apple apps support PiP, for YouTube you’ll need to be a Premium subscriber to use this feature.
Summary
- Start playing a video on a supported app.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to go to the Home screen.
- Drag the mini-player to your preferred corner or resize as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use picture-in-picture with YouTube on my iPhone?
Yes, but you need to be a YouTube Premium subscriber to use PiP within the YouTube app.
Will picture-in-picture work with every app on my iPhone?
Not necessarily. App developers need to enable support for PiP in their apps.
Can I close an app and still have the video play in picture-in-picture mode?
Yes, the video will continue to play in the mini-player even if the app is closed.
Is there a way to disable picture-in-picture if I don’t want to use it?
Certainly! You can disable it in the Settings under General, then Picture in Picture.
Can I use picture-in-picture during a FaceTime call?
Yes, iOS 17 allows you to use PiP during FaceTime, so you can continue your call while using other apps.
Conclusion
Picture-in-picture is just one of the many features that make iOS 17 a standout update for iPhone users. It’s a feature that encapsulates what modern smartphone use is all about: flexibility, productivity, and a touch of multitasking magic.
Whether you’re catching up on lectures, following a live sports event, or enjoying your favorite YouTube channels, enabling picture-in-picture on your iPhone will transform how you interact with your device. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the convenience of iOS 17’s picture-in-picture feature firsthand!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.