How to Enable PIP on Android Smartphones

 

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode allows you to continue watching a video or engage in a video call while using other apps on your Android smartphone. The availability of PiP mode may vary depending on the version of Android you are using and the specific app you are using. Here are the general steps to enable PiP mode on Android:

Check Android version: Ensure that your Android smartphone is running Android 8.0 Oreo or a higher version. PiP mode was introduced in Android Oreo, so if you have an older version, you may need to update your device's software.

Enable PiP for supported apps: PiP mode needs to be enabled on a per-app basis. Not all apps support PiP mode. Check if the app you want to use with PiP mode supports it. Common apps that support PiP mode include YouTube, Google Duo, and VLC.

Enable PiP mode in settings: Once you've confirmed that your app supports PiP mode, you need to enable it in the system settings. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your device's manufacturer and Android version, but generally, you can follow these steps:

a. Open the "Settings" app on your Android smartphone.

b. Scroll down and select "Apps & Notifications" or "Apps."

c. Find the app you want to enable PiP mode for and tap on it.

d. Look for an option related to "Picture-in-Picture" or "App Permissions."

e. Enable the "Allow Picture-in-Picture" or similar option.

Using PiP mode: Once PiP mode is enabled for a supported app, you can start using it. Here's a general guide on how to use PiP mode:

a. Open the app that supports PiP mode (e.g., YouTube).

b. Start playing a video or initiate a video call within the app.

c. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen or press the home button to go to the home screen. The video should automatically shrink and appear as a floating window.

d. You can drag the PiP window to different parts of the screen, and you can also resize it.

e. To control the PiP window, you'll typically find basic playback controls (play, pause, close) and options to maximize or return to the full app.

Please note that the availability and functionality of PiP mode can vary between different Android versions, device manufacturers, and apps. If you encounter any difficulties or your device doesn't support PiP mode, it's possible that the feature is not available on your specific setup.