Picture in Picture (PiP) allows you to watch videos in a small window while simultaneously using other apps on your Android phone. This keeps the video playing even when you switch to another app. Here is how to enable PiP mode in WhatsApp and use it to multitask while watching videos.
What is Picture in Picture?
Picture in Picture (PiP) is a feature available on Android 8.0 Oreo and above. It allows you to view videos in a small floating window while simultaneously using other apps. So you can keep watching a video chat or video clips on WhatsApp while responding to messages, browsing sites, or using other apps.
When you enable PiP, the video pops out into a small window that stays on top of other app windows. You can drag this floating video window around and reposition it. The video continues playing even when you launch another app on your phone. This allows you to multitask without having to pause the video.
Benefits of Picture in Picture
Here are some benefits of using PiP mode for videos in WhatsApp:
- Continue watching videos while doing other tasks – Read, chat, browse apps, etc.
- Easily multitask between apps without fully switching contexts
- Reposition the PiP window anywhere for maximum visibility
- Works with both received and outgoing video calls and video messages
- Pause, play, close the PiP window without leaving the current app
- Frees your hands when watching videos, unlike fullscreen mode
The PiP feature greatly improves multitasking when watching videos on your phone. You no longer have to pause a video just to quickly respond to a message or switch apps. The video persists on top of other app windows.
Requirements for Picture in Picture
To use PiP mode in WhatsApp, you need:
- Android 8.0 Oreo or higher version
- WhatsApp version optimised for PiP. Install latest WhatsApp update.
- Enable PiP from WhatsApp Settings
- Enable PiP permission for WhatsApp in System Settings
So first ensure your Android version supports PiP. Then update WhatsApp to the latest version optimised for PiP. Next enable PiP mode within WhatsApp settings. Lastly, grant the Picture in Picture permission to WhatsApp in your phone’s App Settings.
How to Turn On Picture in Picture for WhatsApp
Follow these steps to start using PiP for WhatsApp videos on Android:
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Update WhatsApp – Open the Play Store app and check for any pending updates for WhatsApp. Install the latest version of WhatsApp that supports PiP mode.
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Enable PiP in WhatsApp Settings – Open WhatsApp and tap the 3-dot menu > Settings > Picture-in-picture. Turn on the toggle for ‘Picture-in-picture’.
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Allow PiP permission – Go to Android Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Advanced > Picture-in-picture. Turn on the toggle to allow PiP permission.
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Start a video – Open any video chat or recorded video in WhatsApp. Tap the PiP icon to enable the pop-out window.
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Adjust PiP window – Drag the window to reposition it. Tap to open video controls. Tap again to close controls.
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Switch apps – Launch any other app on your phone. The WhatsApp video persists in the PiP window.
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Close PiP – When done, simply tap the X icon on the PiP window to close it and return to the video in WhatsApp.
And that’s it! The video will now continue playing in a floating PiP window even when using other apps. You can easily pause, play, reposition or close the video without fully switching back to WhatsApp.
Using Picture in Picture for WhatsApp Videos
Once enabled, you can use PiP for the following WhatsApp videos:
- Video calls – Ongoing WhatsApp video calls can be popped out into PiP windows.
- Video messages – Received or sent video clips and GIFs can also be viewed in PiP mode.
- WhatsApp Status videos – Tap the PiP icon on any Status update video to pop it out.
- YouTube videos – YouTube links opened in WhatsApp can be viewed in PiP mode too.
The PiP window makes video calls much more convenient. You can navigate away from the call, do other tasks, and continue your conversation without any interruption.
For other videos like Status updates, clips, GIFs, and YouTube links, PiP mode enables seamless multitasking. You can check your other WhatsApp messages or use any phone feature while the video plays uninterrupted in its own window.
Troubleshooting Picture in Picture
If you are unable to enable PiP for WhatsApp on your Android phone, try these troubleshooting steps:
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Confirm your Android version is 8.0 Oreo or above.
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Update WhatsApp to the latest version from the Play Store.
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Check WhatsApp Settings to enable PiP.
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Enable PiP permission for WhatsApp in App Settings.
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Clear WhatsApp cache and restart your phone.
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Check for system software updates and install if available.
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Try toggling WhatsApp PiP setting OFF and ON again.
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Report bugs to WhatsApp if issues persist across restarts.
These basic troubleshooting steps should help fix most common PiP related problems for WhatsApp. Ensure your firmware, apps and permissions are up to date.
Conclusion
The Picture in Picture mode is a very useful feature for multitasking while watching WhatsApp videos. To recap, here is what you need to do:
- Update your Android OS to 8.0 Oreo or above
- Install the latest version of WhatsApp
- Enable PiP mode within WhatsApp Settings
- Allow PiP permissions for WhatsApp in App Settings
- Tap the PiP icon on video calls or media to pop-out
- Reposition and control the video window as needed
- Close the PiP window to go back to fullscreen video
Using PiP for WhatsApp boosts productivity by allowing you to multitask seamlessly while enjoying videos. No need to constantly pause or switch between apps. Just let the video float freely in its own window!
| Android Version | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Android 8.0 Oreo | Minimum version needed |
| Android 9.0 Pie | Recommended version |
| Android 10 | Latest version |
This covers the full instructions to activate PiP mode for WhatsApp videos on your Android phone. Enjoy hands-free video viewing while responding to chats, browsing the web, and using other apps on your device.