Are you tired of having to choose between watching a video and using another app on your iPhone? Do you wish you could multitask and enjoy your favorite videos while browsing the web, chatting with friends, or working on a project? Well, you’re in luck! With the latest iOS updates, Apple has made it possible to watch videos while using other apps, and in this article, we’ll show you how.
Understanding Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of watching videos while using other apps, let’s talk about Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode. PiP mode is a feature that allows you to watch videos in a small window while using other apps. This feature was first introduced in iOS 9 and has since become a staple of the iPhone experience.
To use PiP mode, you’ll need to make sure your iPhone is running iOS 9 or later. You’ll also need to ensure that the app you’re using supports PiP mode. Most video streaming apps, including YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu, support PiP mode, but some apps may not.
How to Enable PiP Mode
Enabling PiP mode is easy. Here’s how:
- Open the video app you want to use and start playing a video.
- Tap the home button to return to the home screen.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center.
- Tap the PiP mode button (it looks like a small rectangle with an arrow pointing to the top-right corner).
- The video will shrink down to a small window and move to the corner of the screen.
Customizing PiP Mode
Once you’ve enabled PiP mode, you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few things you can do:
- Drag the PiP window to any corner of the screen.
- Resize the PiP window by pinching or spreading your fingers.
- Tap the PiP window to open it in full-screen mode.
- Swipe left or right on the PiP window to switch between different video apps.
Using PiP Mode with Different Apps
Now that you know how to enable PiP mode, let’s talk about how to use it with different apps. Here are a few examples:
YouTube
YouTube is one of the most popular video streaming apps, and it supports PiP mode. To use PiP mode with YouTube, follow these steps:
- Open the YouTube app and start playing a video.
- Tap the home button to return to the home screen.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center.
- Tap the PiP mode button.
- The video will shrink down to a small window and move to the corner of the screen.
Netflix
Netflix is another popular video streaming app that supports PiP mode. To use PiP mode with Netflix, follow these steps:
- Open the Netflix app and start playing a video.
- Tap the home button to return to the home screen.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center.
- Tap the PiP mode button.
- The video will shrink down to a small window and move to the corner of the screen.
Hulu
Hulu is a popular video streaming app that supports PiP mode. To use PiP mode with Hulu, follow these steps:
- Open the Hulu app and start playing a video.
- Tap the home button to return to the home screen.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center.
- Tap the PiP mode button.
- The video will shrink down to a small window and move to the corner of the screen.
Tips and Tricks for Using PiP Mode
Here are a few tips and tricks for using PiP mode:
- Use PiP mode with multiple apps: You can use PiP mode with multiple apps at the same time. For example, you can watch a YouTube video while browsing the web and chatting with friends.
- Customize the PiP window: You can customize the PiP window to your liking by dragging it to any corner of the screen and resizing it.
- Use PiP mode with games: You can use PiP mode with games, but it may not work with all games.
- Use PiP mode with music apps: You can use PiP mode with music apps, but it may not work with all music apps.
Common Issues with PiP Mode
Here are a few common issues with PiP mode:
- PiP mode not working: If PiP mode is not working, try restarting your iPhone or updating to the latest version of iOS.
- PiP window not resizing: If the PiP window is not resizing, try pinching or spreading your fingers on the window.
- PiP mode not working with certain apps: If PiP mode is not working with certain apps, try updating the app to the latest version or contacting the app developer.
Conclusion
Watching videos while using other apps is a great way to multitask and enjoy your favorite videos on the go. With PiP mode, you can watch videos in a small window while using other apps, and it’s easy to enable and customize. Whether you’re using YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, or another video streaming app, PiP mode is a great way to enhance your iPhone experience.
By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can get the most out of PiP mode and enjoy your favorite videos while using other apps. So why not give it a try? Enable PiP mode today and start watching videos while using other apps!
What is Picture-in-Picture mode, and how does it work on an iPhone?
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is a feature on iPhones that allows users to watch videos in a small window while using other apps. This feature is available on iPhone models running iOS 9 or later. When you enable PiP mode, the video will shrink to a smaller size and move to a corner of the screen, allowing you to interact with other apps while continuing to watch the video.
To use PiP mode, start playing a video in a compatible app, such as the Videos app or YouTube. Then, press the Home button (or swipe up from the bottom of the screen on iPhone X or later) to return to the Home screen. The video will automatically shrink to a smaller size and move to a corner of the screen. You can then open another app and use it while continuing to watch the video.
Which apps support Picture-in-Picture mode on iPhone?
Several apps support Picture-in-Picture mode on iPhone, including the Videos app, YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Additionally, some third-party video apps, such as Vimeo and Twitch, also support PiP mode. However, not all video apps support PiP mode, so you may need to check the app’s settings or documentation to see if it is available.
It’s worth noting that some apps may have specific requirements or restrictions for using PiP mode. For example, some apps may only allow PiP mode for certain types of content, such as TV shows or movies. Additionally, some apps may require you to have a subscription or to be logged in to use PiP mode.
How do I enable Picture-in-Picture mode on my iPhone?
To enable Picture-in-Picture mode on your iPhone, start playing a video in a compatible app. Then, press the Home button (or swipe up from the bottom of the screen on iPhone X or later) to return to the Home screen. The video will automatically shrink to a smaller size and move to a corner of the screen. Alternatively, you can also enable PiP mode by tapping the “PiP” button in the video player controls.
Once you’ve enabled PiP mode, you can adjust the size and position of the video window by dragging it to a different corner of the screen. You can also tap the video window to open the video player controls, which allow you to pause, play, or close the video.
Can I use Picture-in-Picture mode with any video on my iPhone?
No, not all videos on your iPhone support Picture-in-Picture mode. PiP mode is only available for videos that are played in a compatible app, such as the Videos app or YouTube. Additionally, some videos may not be eligible for PiP mode due to copyright restrictions or other limitations.
For example, some videos may be marked as “not eligible for PiP” by the content provider, in which case you will not be able to use PiP mode. Additionally, some videos may require you to have a subscription or to be logged in to use PiP mode.
How do I close a Picture-in-Picture video on my iPhone?
To close a Picture-in-Picture video on your iPhone, tap the video window to open the video player controls. Then, tap the “X” button in the top-right corner of the video window to close the video. Alternatively, you can also swipe the video window off the screen to close it.
Once you’ve closed the video, you can return to the app that was playing the video by tapping the app’s icon on the Home screen. You can also open a different app or return to the Home screen by pressing the Home button (or swiping up from the bottom of the screen on iPhone X or later).
Can I use Picture-in-Picture mode on my iPad or iPod touch?
Yes, Picture-in-Picture mode is also available on iPad and iPod touch devices running iOS 9 or later. The process for using PiP mode on these devices is similar to using it on an iPhone. Simply start playing a video in a compatible app, then press the Home button (or swipe up from the bottom of the screen on iPad Pro or later) to return to the Home screen.
Once you’ve enabled PiP mode, you can adjust the size and position of the video window by dragging it to a different corner of the screen. You can also tap the video window to open the video player controls, which allow you to pause, play, or close the video.
Are there any limitations or restrictions on using Picture-in-Picture mode on my iPhone?
Yes, there are some limitations and restrictions on using Picture-in-Picture mode on your iPhone. For example, PiP mode is only available for videos that are played in a compatible app, and some videos may not be eligible for PiP mode due to copyright restrictions or other limitations.
Additionally, some apps may have specific requirements or restrictions for using PiP mode, such as requiring a subscription or login. Furthermore, PiP mode may not work properly if you have a weak internet connection or if the video is not optimized for PiP mode.