There is a lot to like about the Picture-in-Picture mode. For times when you want to keep using messages or browsing the web while watching a video simultaneously, it comes into play. As a result, you can catch up with your favorite flicks without putting your ongoing work on the back burner.
Unfortunately, some iPhone users have reported that the “PiP” is not working on their devices. While some have reported that it doesn’t trigger at all, others have complained that it crashes out at launch. Irrespective of what sort of problem has come your way, let me assure you that these 13 tips will help you resolve the Picture-in-Picture mode not issues on your iPhone and iPad. Keep reading…
Fix Picture-in-Picture Mode Not Working on iPhone and iPad
From the app incompatibility to a software bug to the botched-up configurations to the activation of the features that are always at variance with the picture-in-picture mode, there are several reasons why this frustrating issue has cropped up on your device. Let’s take each culprit for a task and eliminate it so that your binge time no longer suffers.
1. Is Your App Compatible
Bear in mind that not all apps are compatible with the “Picture in Picture” mode. So, ensure that your app is designed to support this feature.
2. Be Sure You Have the License to Use the PiP Mode
Note that the PiP mode is locked by a paywall in some apps like YouTube. Therefore, make sure that you have the license to unlock and use the PiP mode on your iOS and iPadOS device.
3. Disable/Enable Picture-in-Picture Mode
If the PiP mode is faced with a software glitch, disabling/enabling its toggle will let you bring it back into action.
- On your iPhone/iPad, head over to Settings > General > Picture in Picture.
- Turn off the toggle for “Start PiP Automatically”.
- After that, restart your device and turn on the PiP mode.
- Then, launch a supported app like Safari > play a video and swipe up or press the Home button to invoke the PiP mode.
4. Update the Apps
Outdated versions of the apps might be spoiling your movie time. Thus, updating the apps that are ill-functioning may help you restore the PiP mode.
- On your iOS device, launch the App Store > your profile > scroll down to view the list of apps that need to be updated.
- Now, you can hit the Update All button to update every single app at once or go about the job one by one.
5. Hard Reset Your Device
Hard reset is endowed with a great ability to flush out cache and temporary files which helps it often troubleshoot miscellaneous issues. Therefore, force rebooting your device could prove to be pretty handy.
6. Enable the Background App Refresh
With the background app refresh enabled, apps are able to refresh their data in the background. It enables them to run smoothly.
- To enable and customize BAR, launch the Settings app > General > Background App Refresh > Now, you can keep the background app refresh active for all apps or let only a few apps refresh in the background.
7. Disable Low Power Mode
“Low Power Mode” goes all out to reduce battery usage by pausing or throttling the power-hungry features. This aggressive approach not only slows down the device’s performance but also prevents some features from functioning properly.
- To turn off this power-saving mode, go to the Settings app > Battery > disable the toggle for Low Power Mode.
8. Reset App Permissions
Ensure that you have given the essential permissions to the app to function without any roadblocks.
- Head into the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad > Privacy & Security > App Privacy Report.
- Now, take a close look at the permissions for the app you would like to use with PiP.
- If necessary, allow the app to function without any hindrance at all.
9. Disable the Low Data Mode
Is the low data mode enabled on your iPhone? If the answer is yes, it might be hampering the performance of the Picture in Picture mode by attempting to save the data usage.
- To turn off the low data mode, open the Settings app > Cellular/Mobile > Cellular Data Options > Data Mode > Select Standard or Allow More Data on 5G.
10. Update Your Device
An iOS bug might also be equally responsible for the malfunctioning of the beloved PiP mode. Knowing the fact that iOS 18 has taken off on a bad note both in terms of stability, and efficiency, it wouldn’t be wrong to blame a hidden bug causing the problem. Don’t worry! Most iOS updates are rolled out with a plethora of tweaks, bug fixes, and performance improvements. Thus updating the software might fix the PiP mode issue on your iOS device.
- Navigate to the Settings app > General > Software Update > check and install the update.
11. Clear App Cache
If you are still unable to invoke the PiP mode on your iPhone, try clearing the cache of the app. As it may clean up the saved credentials, be prepared to sign in again with your account and password.
- To do so, launch the app in question > navigate to its settings, and look for a native way to delete the app’s cache.
- Alternatively, dive into the Settings app > Apps > select the app and check if there is an option to clean up the cache.
12. Delete and Reinstall the Problematic Apps
- It’s worth pointing out that many apps don’t offer a native way to get rid of the cache. Hence, you are left with no other option but to delete and reinstall the problematic apps.
13. Factory Reset Your Device
Should the problem persist, I won’t hesitate to put some blemish on the ill-timed configurations. In this situation, factory reset becomes a more effective weapon. As the name itself points out, it wipes out all the custom settings and replaces them all with the default ones.
- Fire up the Settings app > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings.
- After that, launch the supported app and figure out if you have eventually overcome the hurdle.
Wrapping up…
There you have it! I hope the PiP mode has returned to form and so has your binge-watching. Now, feel free to share your feedback and the tips that have restored this feature.
