11 Mar How to Fix YouTube Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode Not Working

YouTube’s Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is a fantastic feature that allows users to watch videos in a small, floating window while using other apps or browsing the web. However, sometimes this feature doesn’t work as expected, leaving users frustrated. If you’re experiencing issues with YouTube PiP mode, don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind the problem and provide effective solutions to fix it.

Why Is YouTube Picture-in-Picture Mode Not Working?

There are several reasons why PiP mode might not be working on your device. Below are some of the most common causes:

• Your device may not support PiP mode.
• The feature could be disabled in your system settings or YouTube app.
• You may need a YouTube Premium subscription, depending on your region.
• A browser extension or ad-blocker could be interfering with the PiP function.
• Software bugs or outdated apps can also cause PiP issues.

How to Fix YouTube Picture-in-Picture Mode Not Working

Now that we understand the possible reasons, let’s go through the troubleshooting steps to get PiP mode working again.

1. Check If Picture-in-Picture Is Enabled

The first thing you should do is check whether PiP mode is enabled on your device.

On Android:

1. Open Settings and go to Apps.
2. Find and select YouTube.
3. Tap Advanced and then Picture-in-Picture.
4. Make sure the PiP toggle is turned on.

On iPhone:

PiP mode on YouTube is available for YouTube Premium users. To enable it:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Select General ➝ Picture in Picture.
3. Ensure the option is turned on.

2. Verify Your YouTube Premium Subscription

For iOS users and some Android users in restricted countries, YouTube PiP mode is only available with a YouTube Premium subscription. To check your subscription:

1. Open the YouTube app.
2. Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
3. Select Purchases and memberships.
4. Make sure you have an active YouTube Premium membership.

3. Use a Supported Browser

On desktop, PiP mode works best in browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. If you’re using an unsupported browser, try switching to one of these.

To use PiP mode on Chrome:

1. Go to YouTube.
2. Play a video and right-click twice anywhere on the video.
3. Select Picture-in-Picture.

You can also install the Chrome PiP extension for a smoother experience.

4. Disable Your Ad Blocker or Browser Extensions

Sometimes, browser extensions, especially ad blockers, can interfere with YouTube PiP mode. Try disabling them temporarily:

1. Go to Chrome Settings ➝ Extensions.
2. Disable any ad-blocking or video-related extensions.
3. Restart your browser and try PiP mode again.

5. Clear Cache and Update the YouTube App

Outdated apps and corrupted cache files can cause issues with PiP mode. Here’s how to fix it:

Clear Cache on Android:

1. Go to Settings ➝ Apps ➝ YouTube.
2. Tap Storage & cache.
3. Press Clear cache and restart the app.

Update the YouTube App:

1. Open the Google Play Store or App Store.
2. Search for YouTube.
3. If an update is available, tap Update.

6. Restart Your Device

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary software glitches affecting PiP mode. Restart your phone, tablet, or computer and check if the issue is resolved.

7. Try a Different Method for PiP Mode

If the regular PiP mode isn’t working, you can try an alternative approach:

• On Android, swipe up to go to the home screen when a video is playing in full screen mode.
• On Desktop, open the Video Settings menu and look for a “Mini Player” or “Picture-in-Picture” option.

Conclusion

YouTube’s Picture-in-Picture mode is a convenient way to watch videos while multitasking, but it doesn’t always work due to various reasons. By following the troubleshooting steps shared above—such as enabling PiP in settings, ensuring a valid YouTube Premium subscription, clearing cache, and updating apps—you should be able to fix the issue quickly.

If none of these solutions work, try reaching out to YouTube Support for further assistance. Happy watching!