How to use Picture in Picture on your iPhone? (Video Multitasking)

To use Picture in Picture on iPhone (iOS 18), enable it in Settings > General > Picture in Picture, then tap the PiP icon during supported video playback. Drag, resize, pause, or close the floating window; double-tap to return to full screen.

If you want to keep watching a video while using other apps on your iPhone, Picture in Picture (PiP) lets you shrink the video into a floating window. Here are the steps to enable and use it:

The operating environment of this tutorial: iPhone 15 Pro, iOS 18

1. Ensure PiP is enabled in Settings

iOS requires Picture in Picture to be explicitly allowed for compatible apps. Without this setting active, the PiP button will not appear during video playback.

• Open Settings
• Tap General
• Scroll down and tap Picture in Picture
• Toggle on Allow Picture in Picture

2. Activate PiP during video playback

Once enabled system-wide, PiP must be manually triggered during supported video playback. Not all apps or video sources support PiP—only those using AVPlayer framework and meeting Apple’s requirements.

• Start playing a video in a supported app such as Apple TV, Safari, or YouTube (with Premium)
• Tap the Done button or swipe up from the bottom of the video player (if visible)
• Look for the PiP icon — a square with two overlapping rectangles — usually in the top-right corner of the player
• Tap the PiP icon to shrink the video into a floating window

3. Control the PiP window

The floating PiP window remains interactive and can be moved, resized, paused, or dismissed without interrupting background tasks. It stays on top of most full-screen apps but may be hidden by system alerts or certain immersive interfaces.

• Drag the window to any corner of the screen using the grab handle at the top center
• Tap the window to reveal playback controls: play/pause, volume, and close
• Pinch to resize the window between three preset sizes
• Swipe left or right on the window to switch between videos if multiple PiP sessions are active

4. Resume full-screen playback

Returning to full-screen mode restores the original video interface and re-enables all app-specific controls. This action does not stop playback or reload the video.

• Tap the PiP window to show controls
• Tap the full-screen icon — two outward-facing arrows at the bottom-right of the control bar
• Alternatively, double-tap the PiP window to expand it instantly

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