How to Activate Picture in Picture on VLC

If you are looking for an effective solution to watch your films without interruption while using other applications, the famous open source readerVLC Media Playeroffers the functionPicture in Picture (PiP). This mode allows you to reproduce the multimedia content within a small floating window overlapping, allowing you to keep your main working areas active and visible.

Multitasking is now an essential component of our digital routine. Enable VLC Picture mode can increase your productivity exponentially, allowing you to manage multiple tasks simultaneously without ever losing sight of your favorite videos.

In the guide below, we will explore in detail the steps to activate this feature on any desktop or mobile device, ensuring an optimized and limitless viewing experience.

Activate VLC PiP on Windows

1. Launch VLC on your computer and open the video file you want to play.
2. Click on the menuViewtop and select the optionAlways in the forefront.
   
3. The video will be displayed inside a floating window that will remain constantly anchored in the foreground over all other windows or programs open on the desktop.
4. To further reduce the footprint of the video and hide the commands, go back to the menuInstruments, click onCustomize interfaceand change it according to your viewing preferences.

By applying these quick steps, you can use Picture in Picture mode on your media player and enjoy the contents in a compact and always visible window.

Activate VLC PiP on MacOS

Also for Apple desktop users, activate Picture in Picture mode with VLC Media Player is a fast process. This option is ideal for maintaining playback in a corner of the screen while browsing the web or processing documents. A smart way to make the most of the toolsmultitasking offered by Mac.

1. Open the video you want to play using the VLC version for macOS.
2. Temporarily pause playback and place the mouse cursor on the menuVideolocated in the upper bar of the system.
   
3. From the drop-down menu, click the optionAlways in the forefront(often referred to as “Float on Top”). This will make the player fluctuate constantly above other apps open on the Mac.

Activate VLC PiP on iOS

Using the official iPhone app, you can use the Picture in Picture function to carry out other operations on your smartphone while you continue viewing your content. An essential feature for users always connected.

The app lets you reduce the size of the video player panel and move it to the corners of the screen, keeping it active while opening other applications.

It is important to note that on Apple’s mobile operating systems activation may require specific permissions, as system restrictionsiOSthey often disable auto playback in the background (or PiP) for third-party apps.

1. Open the appSettingsof your iPhone, go to the menuQuick controls(or Shortcuts) and verify that theAllows unreliable fast commandsbe placed on active (green color).
2. If it is not already installed, download the VLC Media Player app from the App Store. Next, within the menuSettingsnative of the VLC app, activate the optionPlay videos in the background.
3. Finally, launch your video playback through the VLC app, tap on the options icon (three dots) and select the commandReduce to reader iconto start the PiP.

Activate VLC PiP on iPadOS

For iPad Air, iPad Pro or iPad Mini owners, multitasking management is perfectly suited to Picture in Picture mode. Given the unique features of Apple tablets, enabling PiP on iPad requires a slightly different configuration than iPhone.

1. Open the applicationSettingsof the tablet. Navigate to voiceGeneraland select the sectionMultitasking and Dock.
2. Check that functionPicture in Picture(or automatic video overlay) is properly enabled.
3. Launch your VLC Media Player application and start playing a video content.
4. Tap on the PiP icon in the upper left corner of the full-screen interface. The pane will minimize in a compact window, which you can resize with your fingers or move to the various corners of the screen.

Activate VLC PiP on Android

The Android ecosystem supports the Picture in Picture function excellently and natively for most devices, smartphones and tablets. To ensure the complete compatibility of the service, always remember to check that your terminal has downloaded the latest version of the serviceandroid operating system.

1. Access the VLC Media Player app and tap the button to enter the menuSettingsinside.
2. Search and select the setting that allows playback in the background of videos. After that, while viewing a video, tap on the screen and press the icon with the three dots to open the menu of advanced features.
3. Press the icon depicting two boxes to activate the floating windowPop-uporPicture in Picture.

Once the operation is finished, the video window will automatically shrink. You can drag it to the screen portion you prefer and enjoy maximum comfort while using your messaging, navigation or productivity apps.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about VLC and Picture in Picture

Does VLC support Picture in Picture on all devices?

Yes, VLC Media Player supports Picture in Picture (or “floating window in the foreground”) feature on most desktop platforms (Windows, macOS) and mobile (Android, iOS, iPadOS). The activation steps vary according to the native settings of each operating system.

Why does VLC PiP not work on my iPhone?

If the PiP mode is not activated on iOS devices, the main reason is usually related to system permissions. Make sure that the “Picture in Picture” option is enabled in the general settings of your iPhone (Settings > General > Picture in Picture) and has granted VLC the consents for running in the background.

Can I resize the PiP window on computer?

Absolutely. When you activate the “Always in the foreground” setting on Windows or macOS, you can click and drag the edges of the VLC window to enlarge it or shrink it as desired. You can also customize the interface by removing unnecessary buttons or commands from the Tools menu to make the window even more essential and compact.