YouTube Picture In Picture Not Working | Basic Troubleshooting Steps

There are several common reasons why YouTube’s Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature might not be working on your device. The solution depends on your device (Android, iOS/iPadOS) and whether you have YouTube Premium.

Here is a comprehensive troubleshooting guide:

1. Check YouTube Premium Status and Region

The availability of PiP often depends on your subscription status and location:

• United States (US) Users:

  • PiP for non-music videos is generally available for free. However, PiP for all videos (including music) requires YouTube Premium.

• Outside the US:

  • PiP for all content typically requires YouTube Premium. If you are outside the US and do not have Premium, this is likely why it’s not working in the app.

• Music Videos:

  • Even in the US, PiP for content labeled as music videos may sometimes be restricted to Premium users.

2. Verify PiP Settings on Your Device

You need to enable the feature in both your device’s operating system settings and the YouTube app settings.

Also Read : 403 351 0200 | Scam Number to Watch For

3. Basic Troubleshooting Steps

If the settings are correct, try these common fixes:

• Restart Your Device:

  • A simple reboot can often clear minor software glitches.

• Update the YouTube App:

  • Go to the App Store (iOS/iPadOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and ensure the YouTube app is updated to the latest version.

• Update Your OS:

  • Make sure your phone/tablet is running the latest operating system available.

• Force Stop & Clear Cache (Android):

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > YouTube.
  2. Tap Force Stop.
  3. Go to Storage and cache.
  4. Tap Clear cache. (Do not clear data unless instructed, as this logs you out).

• Reinstall the App (iOS/iPadOS):

  • On these devices, the best way to clear the cache is to delete and then reinstall the YouTube app.

4. Browser Workaround (for iOS/iPadOS)

If you don’t have YouTube Premium on an Apple device, you may still be able to force PiP mode using Safari:

1. Open Safari and go to youtube.com.
2. Play a video in full-screen mode.
3. Tap the PiP icon (a small square with an arrow pointing to a larger square).
4. Once the PiP window is active, you can exit Safari.

5. Check for Video-Specific Restrictions

Sometimes, PiP may fail if:

• The video is restricted (e.g., age-restricted content).
• The video is a music video (as mentioned above, these are often Premium-only).
• The video is paused when you exit the app. PiP only engages if the video is actively playing when you minimize the app or go to the home screen.