The new icon that has started appearing on WhatsApp video calls is the picture-in-picture mode icon. This allows users to multitask during a video call by minimizing the call window and continuing to use other apps while the video call runs in a small window.
What is picture-in-picture mode?
Picture-in-picture (PiP) mode allows you to minimize a video into a small movable window so you can multitask while continuing to watch or participate in the video. The video window floats above any other app open on your device so you can carry on your video call while checking emails, browsing social media, or using any other app.
This eliminates the need to stop your video call while you quickly need to check something else on your device. You can easily open, close, move or resize the floating video window as needed while your video call continues uninterrupted.
How does it work on WhatsApp video calls?
If you receive an incoming WhatsApp video call while using another app, the video call screen will appear as a floating pop-up window over your current app. You can choose to answer it and immediately minimize the window before the call connects to enable PiP mode.
Or if you already have an ongoing WhatsApp video call, tap the new picture-in-picture icon in the call screen to minimize the window and continue the call in a floating window. The other party will not know you have minimized the call window.
This floating window can be freely moved around and resized on your screen. Continue using any other apps and switch between them as needed while your video call stays accessible in the small PiP window.
To maximize the video call screen again, simply tap on the floating window. The video call will regain focus and return to fullscreen. Tap on the PiP icon again to minimize back to a floating window.
On which devices is PiP mode available?
Currently, picture-in-picture is available on WhatsApp for iOS and Android devices only. Minimum requirements:
- iOS 15+
- Android 8 Oreo+
So users require at least iOS 15 or Android Oreo 8.0 and above to be able to use PiP mode. It’s not yet available on WhatsApp Web/Desktop.
How to use PiP for WhatsApp video calls
Using picture-in-picture for WhatsApp Video Calls is easy. Follow these steps:
- Start a new video call or answer an incoming video call on WhatsApp.
- Once the call connects, tap on the new picture-in-picture icon in the top right.
- This will minimize the call into a floating window. You can now use any other apps.
- Drag the floating window around your screen and resize it if needed.
- To return the video call to fullscreen, simply tap on the floating window.
- When done with the call, end it as normal from either the fullscreen or floating PiP view.
Tips for using PiP mode
- Enable Do Not Disturb on your phone to avoid disruptive notifications.
- Make sure you have a strong internet connection for smooth seamless multitasking.
- Don’t forget you’re on a video call! Avoid activities that may share sensitive information on your screen.
- PiP is meant for quick tasks. Re-engage in the call if minimizing for long periods.
- You can swap between apps but minimize app switching as it can get confusing.
What can you do during a minimized WhatsApp video call?
Picture-in-picture mode allows you to conveniently multitask during WhatsApp video calls in a variety of ways, such as:
- Read and respond to messages on WhatsApp or other messaging apps
- Scroll through social media feeds on apps like Facebook, Instagram, etc.
- Check emails and calendar appointments
- Look up information on the internet using Chrome or Safari
- Use Google Maps for navigation during a call
- Quickly access notes to refer to important information
- Open YouTube to show videos to the caller
- And much more based on your specific needs…
Just make sure not to share sensitive information unintentionally. And switch back to the video call window periodically to stay engaged in the conversation.
Advantages of using PiP for WhatsApp video calls
Here are some of the advantages of using picture-in-picture mode for your WhatsApp video calls:
- Multitasking – Key benefit is the ability to multitask and access other apps without interrupting the video call
- Productivity – Saves time and improves productivity by eliminating need to end call when switching tasks
- Convenience – Easy to invoke when needed without having to disconnect from the call
- Flexibility – Freely reposition floating window on your screen and resize as required
- Discreet – Other party doesn’t know if you’ve minimized the call allowing you to multitask discreetly
- No interruptions – Video call continues uninterrupted even when minimized
Disadvantages of using PiP for WhatsApp video calls
Picture-in-picture also comes with some disadvantages to keep in mind:
- Distraction – Can make video calls distracting as attention is divided between multiple tasks
- Miscommunication – Other party may feel ignored if call window minimized for too long
- Privacy – Risk of accidentally sharing sensitive on-screen information if not cautious
- Technical difficulties – App glitches may cause frozen screens or errors with activating PiP
- Battery drain – Running multiple apps may drain battery life faster
- Internet instability – Switching between apps can disrupt internet connection
Troubleshooting tips
If you are having issues getting picture-in-picture to work correctly on WhatsApp video calls, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Confirm your device and OS meets minimum version requirements (iOS 15+ or Android 8+).
- Check if PiP is enabled in your device settings app.
- Force close and restart the WhatsApp app.
- Ensure WhatsApp is updated to the latest version.
- Check if PiP works in other apps like YouTube or Safari.
- Restart your mobile device and reconnect to the internet.
- Clear cache and data for WhatsApp and try again.
- Contact WhatsApp support if issue persists across devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I find the PiP icon on my WhatsApp video call?
Most likely your device software is not updated to the minimum version required for PiP support. Update your iOS to 15+ or Android to 8+ to enable the feature.
Can I move the video call window while using other apps?
Yes, the benefit of picture-in-picture is the ability to reposition the floating video window anywhere on the screen while multitasking.
Will picture-in-picture also work for WhatsApp audio calls?
Unfortunately no, PiP is currently only available for WhatsApp video calls and cannot be used for voice calls.
Can I resize the floating video window?
You can easily pinch to zoom the floating window to make it smaller or larger as needed.
How do I switch back to fullscreen from the minimized window?
Simply tap on the floating video window and it will maximize back to fullscreen view again.
Conclusion
Picture-in-picture support for WhatsApp video calls is a useful new feature for efficient multitasking. By minimizing the video call into a movable floating window, you can continue the call uninterrupted while quickly accessing other apps. This improves productivity and convenience.
However, be mindful not to overuse PiP and ignore the video call for too long. Find the right balance between tasks to remain engaged. With responsible use, PiP can enhance your overall WhatsApp video calling experience.