iPhone Picture in Picture (PiP): How to Enable & Use 2025

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode on your iPhone is like having a superpower: it lets you watch videos, join FaceTime calls, or follow a recipe while texting friends, browsing the web, or checking emails—all at the same time.

Imagine your favorite YouTube video shrinking into a small window that floats above your apps, so you never miss a moment.

Whether you’re new to iPhones or just discovering this feature, this guide will walk you through enabling and using PiP in 2025. We’ll keep things simple, step-by-step, and even troubleshoot common issues. Let’s dive in!

What Is Picture-in-Picture (PiP)?

PiP is a feature that lets you keep a video or call playing in a small, movable window while using other apps. It works with YouTube, Netflix, FaceTime, and many other apps. For example:

• Watch a cooking tutorial while texting a friend.
• Keep an eye on a live sports game while scrolling social media.
• Join a Zoom call while taking notes in your calendar.

PiP has been around for a few years, but Apple keeps improving it. In 2025, it’s smoother, smarter, and works with more apps than ever.

Before You Start: Check Your iPhone

PiP requires iOS 15 or later. Here’s how to check your iOS version:

1. Open Settings > General > About.
2. Look for Software Version. If it says iOS 15, 16, 17, or 18, you’re good!
3. If not, update your iPhone by going to General > Software Update(learn more about managing software updates and storage here).

Note: Older iPhones (like iPhone 6 or earlier) don’t support PiP.

Step 1: Turn On PiP in iPhone Settings

PiP won’t work unless you enable it system-wide. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings (the gray gear icon).
2. Tap General.
3. Select Picture in Picture.
4. Toggle on Start PiP Automatically.

That’s it! This setting tells your iPhone to shrink videos into PiP when you exit an app.

Pro Tip: Need help navigating your iPhone’s settings? Check out our complete guide to iPhone settings for beginners.

Step 2: Enable PiP in Specific Apps

Most apps require you to turn on PiP inside the app too. Let’s focus on YouTube, since it’s the most popular.

For YouTube PiP (2025):

1. Open the YouTube app and play any video.
2. Tap your profile picture (top right).
3. Go to Settings > Playback.
4. Toggle on Picture-in-Picture.

Important Notes:

• Free in the U.S.: If you live in the United States, PiP works without a YouTube Premium subscription.
• Premium Required Elsewhere: Outside the U.S., you’ll need YouTube Premium.
• Dynamic Island Issue: On iPhone 16 Pro Max, videos might get stuck in the Dynamic Island (the black pill-shaped bar at the top). If this happens, double-check that PiP is enabled in both iPhone settings and the YouTube app.

How to Use PiP: A Simple Guide

Once PiP is enabled, using it is easy:

1. Start a Video

Play a video in YouTube, Netflix, Safari, or another supported app.

2. Activate PiP

• On iPhone with Home Button: Press the Home button.
• On iPhone Without Home Button: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to go to your Home Screen.

The video will shrink into a small window.

3. Control the PiP Window

• Move It: Drag the window anywhere on the screen.
• Resize It: Pinch two fingers outward to make it bigger or inward to shrink it.
• Hide It Temporarily: Swipe the window to the left edge. It’ll tuck away but keep playing. Swipe right to bring it back.
• Close It: Tap the X in the corner.

Troubleshooting PiP Issues

PiP doesn’t always work perfectly. Here’s how to fix common problems:

1. PiP Won’t Activate

• Check Both Settings: Ensure PiP is turned on in iPhone settings andthe app’s settings (like YouTube’s Playback menu).
• Update Apps: Go to the App Store, tap your profile, and update YouTube or other video apps.
• Restart Your iPhone: Hold the power button + volume button, then slide to power off.

2. Video Stuck in Dynamic Island

This happens on newer iPhones (like the 16 Pro Max). Fix it by:

1. Closing the video.
2. Re-opening the app.
3. Swiping up to activate PiP again.

3. PiP Works for Some Apps But Not Others

Not all apps support PiP. For example, Instagram and TikTok don’t allow it. Check the app’s settings or website to confirm PiP compatibility.

PiP Tips & Tricks

1. Pause/Play Quickly: Tap the PiP window once to pause or play.
2. Use PiP During FaceTime: Swipe home during a call to keep the video floating while you check messages.
3. Watch Videos While Browsing: Open a video in Safari, then swipe home to keep watching while you shop or read.

Fun Fact: PiP also works with Maps! Keep navigation directions on-screen while using other apps.

FAQ: 5 Common Questions About iPhone Picture-in-Picture (PiP)

1. Can I resize the PiP window to make it bigger or smaller?
   Yes! Pinch your fingers outward on the PiP window to enlarge it or pinch inward to shrink it. You can also drag it to any corner of your screen for better visibility while using other apps.

2. Does PiP work during FaceTime calls?
   Absolutely! Swipe up to go to your Home Screen during a FaceTime call, and the video will shrink into a PiP window. This lets you check messages, take notes, or browse the web while staying on the call.

3. Why isn’t PiP working even after I turned it on?
   First, make sure PiP is enabled in both your iPhone’s settings (Settings > General > Picture in Picture) and the app’s settings (like YouTube’s Playback menu). If it still doesn’t work, check for app updates in the App Store or restart your iPhone.

4. How do I bring back a hidden PiP window?
   If you swiped the PiP window to the left edge to hide it, just swipe from the left edge of your screen toward the center to bring it back. The video will continue playing where you left off.

5. Does PiP work with Netflix, Disney+, or other streaming apps?
   Most streaming apps support PiP, but some require a subscription (e.g., Netflix requires at least a Basic Plan). Open a video, swipe up to go to your Home Screen, and the PiP window should appear. If it doesn’t, check the app’s settings or help section for PiP details.

Conclusion
Picture-in-Picture is a game-changer for iPhone users who love multitasking. Whether you’re catching up on YouTube tutorials, joining Zoom meetings, or streaming your favorite shows, PiP lets you do more without missing a beat. If you run into issues, double-check your settings, update your apps, and don’t forget to explore our step-by-step guide to iPhone settings for more hidden tricks.

Ready to dive deeper? Learn how to customize Safari’s advanced features or master the TV app for seamless streaming.