Netflix’s Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature allows users to continue watching their favorite shows or movies in a small window while multitasking on their devices. This can be a convenient way to stay engaged with your content while checking messages, emails, or social media. However, it can be frustrating when the PiP mode doesn’t work as expected. In this guide, we will explore common reasons why Netflix’s Picture-in-Picture feature may not be functioning and provide troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue on both Android and iPhone devices.
Table of Contents
- Check Your Netflix Plan
- Enable Picture-In-Picture Mode (iPhone)
- Enable Picture-In-Picture Permission for Netflix (Android)
- Allow Netflix to Run in the Background
- Update the Netflix App
- Reset the Netflix App (iPhone)
- Clear App Cache (Android)
Check Your Netflix Plan
Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s important to confirm that your Netflix plan supports the Picture-in-Picture feature. While most Netflix plans allow for PiP, the Standard plan with ads does not. If you’re using this plan, you won’t be able to watch Netflix in Picture-in-Picture mode. To check your current plan details, visit the Netflix account page and consider upgrading to a Standard or Premium plan if needed.
Enable Picture-In-Picture Mode (iPhone)
If you’re on a compatible plan but PiP mode still isn’t working on your iPhone, you may need to enable the necessary permissions:
- Open the Settings app and tap on General.
- Select Picture in Picture from the list.
- Turn on the toggle for Start PiP Automatically.
After adjusting these settings, return to the Netflix app, play a movie or TV show, and swipe up to activate the Picture-in-Picture window.
Enable Picture-In-Picture Permission for Netflix (Android)
On Android, you need to ensure that Netflix has permission to use the Picture-in-Picture feature:
- Open the Settings app and navigate to Apps.
- Tap the three vertical dots in the top-right corner and select Special access.
- Tap on Picture-in-picture and turn on the toggle next to Netflix.
Allow Netflix to Run in the Background
If you’ve enabled permissions but Netflix still doesn’t play in PiP mode, ensure the app is allowed to run in the background:
For Android:
- Long-press the Netflix app icon and select the info icon.
- Go to Mobile data and turn on the toggles for Allow background data usage and Allow data usage while Data saver is on.
- Return to the app info page, tap on Battery, and select Optimized.
For iPhone:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down to tap on Netflix and enable Background App Refresh.
Update the Netflix App
An outdated version of the Netflix app could be the culprit. Make sure you’re using the latest version by checking the App Store or Play Store for any pending updates. Keeping your app up to date is crucial for accessing new features and bug fixes.
Reset the Netflix App (iPhone)
If you still encounter issues, resetting the Netflix app can be an effective solution. Keep in mind this will delete all saved downloads and sign you out of your account:
- Open the Settings app and scroll down to tap on Netflix.
- Turn on the toggle for the Reset option.
Once reset, reopen the app, sign in again, and check if Picture-in-Picture mode is functioning properly.
Clear App Cache (Android)
Clearing the app cache on your Android device can help resolve issues caused by outdated or corrupt data. Here’s how to do it:
- Long-press the Netflix app icon and select the info icon.
- Navigate to Storage.
- Tap on Clear cache.
After clearing the cache, try using Picture-in-Picture mode again.
Enjoy Uninterrupted Viewing
With the Picture-in-Picture feature, you can enjoy uninterrupted Netflix viewing while engaging with other apps. If you encounter issues with PiP mode, the above tips should help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem effectively. Now, you can relax and watch your favorite shows without interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Picture-in-Picture mode on Netflix?
Picture-in-Picture mode allows you to watch Netflix content in a small window while using other apps on your device.
2. Why isn’t the Picture-in-Picture feature working for me?
Possible reasons include an incompatible Netflix plan, disabled permissions, outdated app version, or network issues.
3. How do I check my Netflix plan?
Visit your Netflix account page to view the details of your current subscription plan.
4. Can I use Picture-in-Picture mode on all devices?
No, Picture-in-Picture mode availability depends on your subscription plan and device compatibility.
5. What should I do if none of these solutions work?
If the issue persists, consider reaching out to Netflix support for further assistance.
Conclusion
Picture-in-Picture mode is a fantastic feature for multitasking, but when it doesn’t work, it can disrupt your viewing experience. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly identify and resolve the issues preventing Netflix from functioning in PiP mode. Enjoy your seamless viewing experience with Netflix!