Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode has become a staple feature for multitasking on various devices. It allows you to watch videos in a small, floating window while simultaneously working on other tasks. YouTube’s PiP feature, in particular, is incredibly useful for catching up on content while browsing the web, answering emails, or using other apps. However, when YouTube Picture in Picture not working, it can be incredibly frustrating. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various troubleshooting steps to get YouTube PiP working again on your device, covering common causes and solutions across different platforms.
Understanding YouTube Picture in Picture
Before diving into troubleshooting, let’s understand the basics of YouTube PiP. When enabled, PiP mode shrinks the YouTube video into a small, resizable window that floats on top of other applications. This window can be moved around the screen and resized to your preference, allowing you to continue watching while using other apps. The functionality and availability of PiP can vary slightly depending on your device’s operating system and YouTube subscription status.
Common Reasons for YouTube PiP Not Working
Several factors can prevent YouTube PiP from functioning correctly. Here are some of the most common culprits:
- Operating System Incompatibility: Older operating systems may not natively support PiP functionality, or might have limited support.
- Browser Issues: Outdated browsers, conflicting extensions, or incorrect browser settings can interfere with YouTube’s PiP feature.
- YouTube App Issues: Bugs in the YouTube app, outdated versions, or corrupted app data can cause PiP problems.
- Subscription Status: YouTube Premium subscribers typically have uninterrupted access to PiP on mobile devices. Non-Premium users might have limited or ad-supported PiP experiences, or the feature might not be available at all depending on region and current YouTube policies.
- Device Settings: System-level settings related to permissions, battery optimization, or display settings can prevent PiP from working correctly.
- VPN Issues: In some cases, using a VPN can interfere with YouTube’s PiP functionality, especially if the VPN server’s location doesn’t align with YouTube’s regional availability of the feature.
- Cache and Data Issues: Accumulated cache and data in the YouTube app or browser can sometimes cause unexpected behavior, including PiP malfunctions.
- Conflicting Apps: Certain apps running in the background can sometimes interfere with YouTube’s ability to use PiP mode.
- Regional Restrictions: PiP functionality may not be available in all regions due to legal or policy restrictions.
Troubleshooting YouTube PiP Issues on Different Platforms
The troubleshooting steps vary depending on the device and operating system you’re using. Here’s a breakdown of how to fix YouTube PiP on different platforms:
I. Android Devices
Android has native PiP support, making it generally straightforward to use YouTube PiP. However, issues can still arise.
Step 1: Ensure PiP is Enabled in Android Settings
First, verify that PiP is enabled at the system level. This is the most common reason for YouTube PiP not working on Android.
- Open your device’s Settings app.
- Navigate to Apps & Notifications (or similar, depending on your Android version).
- Tap on Advanced or Special app access.
- Select Picture-in-picture.
- Find YouTube in the list of apps.
- Make sure the toggle switch next to YouTube is turned ON. If it’s off, PiP will not work for YouTube.
Step 2: Update the YouTube App
An outdated YouTube app can contain bugs that prevent PiP from working correctly. Ensure you have the latest version installed.
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select Manage apps & device.
- Tap on Updates available.
- Look for YouTube in the list of apps. If an update is available, tap Update.
- If there is no update available then tap on manage and search for the app. Click on the app and tap the three dots on the top right of the screen. Make sure that ‘Enable auto update’ is ticked.
Step 3: Clear YouTube App Cache and Data
Clearing the app’s cache and data can resolve issues caused by corrupted or outdated information.
- Open your device’s Settings app.
- Navigate to Apps & Notifications (or similar).
- Find and tap on YouTube in the list of apps.
- Tap on Storage & cache.
- Tap on Clear cache.
- Tap on Clear storage (this will delete all app data, so be aware that you will need to log back in).
- Restart the YouTube app and check if PiP is working.
Step 4: Restart Your Android Device
A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches that might be interfering with PiP.
- Press and hold the power button on your device.
- Select Restart from the menu.
- Once your device restarts, open YouTube and check if PiP is functioning.
Step 5: Check Battery Optimization Settings
Aggressive battery optimization settings can sometimes restrict background processes, including PiP. Make sure YouTube is not restricted.
- Open your device’s Settings app.
- Navigate to Apps & Notifications (or similar).
- Find and tap on YouTube in the list of apps.
- Tap on Battery.
- Ensure that Restricted or Optimized is not selected. Choose Unrestricted or Don’t optimize if available. The exact wording may vary based on the device.
Step 6: Check for Conflicting Apps
Some apps can interfere with PiP functionality. Try closing any recently installed or running apps to see if that resolves the issue.
Step 7: YouTube Premium Subscription
Although YouTube has experimented with allowing non-premium users to use PiP, its availability is inconsistent. If you’re not a YouTube Premium subscriber, PiP functionality might be limited or unavailable depending on YouTube’s current policies and your region. Consider subscribing to YouTube Premium for consistent PiP access and ad-free viewing.
II. iOS Devices (iPhone and iPad)
iOS also has native PiP support. If YouTube PiP is not working on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:
Step 1: Ensure PiP is Enabled in iOS Settings
Similar to Android, you need to make sure PiP is enabled in your iOS settings.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Scroll down and tap on General.
- Tap on Picture in Picture.
- Make sure the Start PiP Automatically toggle is turned ON. Also ensure that the toggle is ON for “Allow PiP”.
Step 2: Update the YouTube App
An outdated YouTube app can cause issues with PiP. Update to the latest version.
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Scroll down to see a list of available updates.
- Find YouTube in the list. If an update is available, tap Update next to it.
Step 3: Restart Your iOS Device
Restarting your iPhone or iPad can often resolve temporary software glitches.
- Press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears. (On older iPhones, press and hold the side button until the power-off slider appears.)
- Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off.
- To turn your device back on, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
Step 4: Close and Reopen the YouTube App
Force-closing the YouTube app and reopening it can sometimes refresh the app’s state and resolve minor issues.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-click the Home button on older devices) to open the App Switcher.
- Swipe up on the YouTube app to close it.
- Reopen the YouTube app and check if PiP is working.
Step 5: Check Background App Refresh Settings
Although less directly related to PiP, ensuring Background App Refresh is enabled for YouTube can help the app function smoothly.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Scroll down and tap on General.
- Tap on Background App Refresh.
- Make sure the toggle switch for Background App Refresh is turned ON. You can also choose to enable it for Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi & Cellular Data.
- Ensure that YouTube is enabled in the list of apps below.
Step 6: YouTube Premium Subscription
As with Android, YouTube Premium subscribers generally have consistent PiP access on iOS. Non-Premium users may experience limitations or unavailability depending on YouTube’s policies and region. A YouTube Premium subscription often provides a more reliable PiP experience.
III. Web Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
Using YouTube in a web browser on your computer or mobile device can also offer PiP functionality. However, it often relies on browser extensions or built-in browser features.
Step 1: Using the Native YouTube PiP Button (If Available)
YouTube sometimes provides a native PiP button directly in the video player. Look for a small square icon with another smaller square inside (usually located in the bottom right corner of the video player controls).
- Play a video on YouTube in your web browser.
- Hover your mouse over the video player.
- Look for the Picture-in-Picture icon.
- Click the icon to activate PiP mode.
If you don’t see this button, it means that this feature is not enabled for your account, region, or browser, or is simply not available for that specific video.
Step 2: Using Browser Extensions
Several browser extensions can enable PiP functionality for YouTube. Here are some popular options and how to use them:
- Chrome:
- Picture-in-Picture Extension (by Google): This is a simple and reliable extension. Install it from the Chrome Web Store, and a PiP button will appear when you hover over videos.
- FloatIt: Picture in Picture: This extension provides more customization options for the PiP window.
- Firefox:
- Picture-in-Picture Toggle: This extension adds a button to easily toggle PiP mode on and off.
- Video Picture in Picture: Another popular extension for enabling PiP in Firefox.
- Safari:
- Safari has built-in PiP functionality. Look for the PiP button in the video player controls. If not, try right-clicking on the video twice (or control-clicking) to reveal a hidden context menu with a PiP option.
- Edge:
- Microsoft Edge also has native PiP support. Look for the PiP button in the video player or right-click on the video.
Installing and Using Browser Extensions:
- Open the web store for your browser (e.g., Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons).
- Search for a Picture-in-Picture extension.
- Click Add to Chrome/Firefox/Safari/Edge to install the extension.
- Once installed, the extension will typically add a button to your browser toolbar or directly to the video player.
- Play a YouTube video and click the PiP button to activate PiP mode.
Step 3: Check Browser Settings and Extensions
Conflicting browser extensions or incorrect browser settings can interfere with PiP functionality. Here’s what to check:
- Disable Conflicting Extensions: Disable any recently installed extensions or extensions that might interfere with video playback. Test if PiP works after disabling each extension.
- Update Your Browser: Ensure you’re using the latest version of your web browser. Outdated browsers can have compatibility issues.
- Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can resolve issues caused by outdated or corrupted data.
Clearing Cache and Cookies (Example for Chrome):
- Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of Chrome.
- Select More tools, then Clear browsing data.
- Choose a time range (e.g., All time).
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Step 4: Check for Browser Updates
Outdated browsers can have compatibility issues that prevent PiP from working correctly.
Updating Chrome:
- Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of Chrome.
- Select Help, then About Google Chrome.
- Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them.
- Restart Chrome if prompted.
Step 5: Try a Different Browser
If PiP is still not working, try using a different web browser to see if the issue is specific to your current browser.
IV. General Troubleshooting Tips
These tips apply to all platforms and devices and can help resolve a wide range of issues.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
A stable internet connection is essential for streaming video content. Ensure you have a strong Wi-Fi or cellular signal. Try restarting your router or modem if you’re experiencing connectivity issues.
2. Disable VPN (Temporarily)
In some cases, a VPN can interfere with YouTube’s functionality, including PiP. Try disabling your VPN temporarily to see if that resolves the issue.
3. Ensure YouTube is Not Down
Although rare, YouTube servers can sometimes experience outages. Check online to see if there are any reported issues with YouTube. You can use websites like Down Detector to check for widespread outages.
4. Contact YouTube Support
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and PiP is still not working, consider contacting YouTube support for assistance. They may be able to provide more specific guidance based on your account and device.
V. Specific Scenarios and Workarounds
Here are some specific scenarios and potential workarounds for YouTube PiP issues:
1. YouTube Premium PiP Not Working
If you’re a YouTube Premium subscriber and PiP is not working, double-check that your subscription is active and that you’re logged in to the correct account. Also, try the general troubleshooting steps mentioned above.
2. PiP Not Working on Specific Videos
Some videos may have restrictions that prevent PiP from working. Try playing other videos to see if the issue is specific to certain content.
3. PiP Not Working After an Update
If PiP stopped working after a YouTube app or operating system update, try clearing the app’s cache and data, or consider downgrading to a previous version of the app (if possible and if you’re comfortable with the technical steps involved).
4. Using Third-Party Apps
Some third-party apps claim to enable PiP for YouTube. However, use these apps with caution, as they may violate YouTube’s terms of service or pose security risks. Stick to official methods and reputable browser extensions whenever possible.
Final Thoughts
YouTube Picture in Picture not working can be a frustrating experience, but by systematically following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue. Remember to check your device settings, update your apps and browsers, clear cache and data, and consider your YouTube subscription status. By addressing these potential causes, you can get back to enjoying YouTube content in PiP mode and multitasking with ease. If all else fails, contact YouTube support for further assistance. Good luck!