To enable picture-in-picture (PiP) on your iPhone for YouTube, you need an iPhone running iOS 15.0 or later and the YouTube app with the PiP setting turned on.
What you need for YouTube PiP on iPhone
Picture-in-picture on iPhone requires a device with iOS 15.0 or later. Google’s iPhone/iPad help page documents PiP support for iPhone and iPad on iOS 15.0 or later. Apple states that PiP works only with supported apps and videos; if the option is missing, the app or video may not support it. You also need the YouTube app installed, with its own PiP setting enabled. No YouTube Premium subscription is required for this feature on iPhone.
How to enable YouTube PiP on iPhone
Two separate settings must be turned on: one in the iPhone’s system settings, and one inside the YouTube app.
- Open Settings on your iPhone, then tap General > Picture in Picture. Turn on Start PiP Automatically.
- Open the YouTube app, tap your profile picture, then go to Settings > Playback. Turn on Picture-in-picture.
Once both settings are active, you are ready to use PiP. For more YouTube mobile tips, remember that these settings only need to be set once.
How to use YouTube PiP on iPhone
Start playing any YouTube video, then leave the app by swiping up from the bottom of the screen or pressing the Home button on supported devices. Google’s iPhone/iPad help says PiP works by exiting the YouTube app while a video is playing. The video should continue in a floating PiP window if the device, app, and content support it. You can drag the window anywhere on screen, resize it by pinching, and tap it to pause or play. To return to full screen, tap the window, then tap the full-screen icon. To close PiP, swipe the window off the bottom of the screen or tap the X button.
Troubleshooting YouTube PiP on iPhone
If PiP does not appear, confirm both settings are on:
- iPhone: Settings > General > Picture in Picture > Start PiP Automatically must be on.
- YouTube app: profile picture > Settings > Playback > Picture-in-picture must be on.
If both settings are on and PiP still does not work, Apple states that the app or video may not support Picture in Picture. If the option still does not appear, Apple says the app or video may not support Picture in Picture. Some videos have restrictions that prevent PiP playback. Also ensure your iPhone is on iOS 15.0 or later, as Google documents the iPhone/iPad PiP feature as requiring iOS 15.0 or later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need YouTube Premium on iPhone for PiP?
No. Google’s help page for iPhone and iPad does not list a Premium requirement for PiP. The feature works with a free YouTube account as long as the device, app, and video support it.
Where is the iPhone PiP setting?
Go to Settings > General > Picture in Picture and turn on Start PiP Automatically.
Where is the YouTube app PiP setting?
In the YouTube app, tap your profile picture, then Settings > Playback and turn on Picture-in-picture.
What iOS version is required for YouTube PiP?
iOS 15.0 or later is required. Google specifically documents this as the minimum version for PiP on iPhone and iPad.
What if PiP still does not work after checking settings?
Try a different video or update the YouTube app to the latest version from the App Store.
For the wider topic, see YouTube mobile tips.
