How to Solve YouTube Picture in Picture Not Working iPhone Issue?

Have you ever played a video on YouTube, left the app to check something else, and expected the video to keep playing in a small window? That’s called Picture in Picture, and it’s a handy feature many iPhone users rely on.

But what if Picture in Picture suddenly stops working? That’s exactly what some iPhone users are seeing after updating to the latest iOS version. This is confusing for many people because it happens even on newer iPhones like the 13 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max. So, is it a bug, a setting problem, or something YouTube changed?

In this article, you’ll learn why Picture in Picture is not working on iPhone. We will discuss 6 ways to fix this issue, as well.

Part 1: Why is YouTube Picture in Picture Not Working on iPhone?

If YouTube PiP doesn’t work, there’s always a reason behind it. Knowing the possible causes helps you figure out the best way to fix it.

1. YouTube Premium Requirement: In many regions, YouTube limits Picture in Picture to Premium members only when using the app. If you don’t have a Premium subscription, PiP might not work in the app at all.

2. iOS Settings Issue: Even if YouTube supports PiP, your iPhone’s system settings can block it. PiP is a system-wide feature on iOS, so if it’s turned off for all apps, YouTube won’t be able to use it either

3. App or System Glitch: Sometimes the problem is caused by a temporary glitch in either the YouTube app or iOS itself. Apps and systems can develop small errors after updates, long use without restarting, or running low on storage. These glitches can prevent PiP from working properly, even if all the settings seem correct.

4. Regional Restrictions: Where you live can also affect your access to Picture in Picture. In some countries, YouTube simply does not allow PiP at all, even for Premium members. This restriction is controlled by YouTube, not Apple, so it affects both the app and browser in blocked regions.

5. Safari vs. App Differences: How you watch YouTube also matters. PiP behaves differently in the YouTube app compared to Safari. In the app, YouTube controls how PiP works. It limits it to Premium in most places. In Safari, YouTube follows Apple’s default player rules, which means PiP can work more freely.

Part 2: 6 Ways to Fix iPhone YouTube Picture in Picture Not Working Issue

When you understand the reasons behind the problem, you can focus on the right solutions. Here are six reliable ways people fix PiP issues on the iPhone.

Way 1. Check Your YouTube Subscription

If you’re using the YouTube app, your subscription type affects Picture in Picture. In many places, only Premium members can use PiP in the app. If you don’t have Premium, that’s likely why PiP isn’t working in the app, even if everything else is set correctly.

Step 1. Open the YouTube app.

Step 2. Tap your profile below.

Step 3. Check if it says YouTube Premium under your name. If you don’t have Premium, Picture in Picture may not work in the app (especially in some countries).

Way 2. Enable Picture in Picture on iPhone

Picture in Picture is a system feature on iPhones, and if it’s turned off for the whole device, it won’t work in any app, including YouTube. Some people accidentally turn off PiP, especially after software updates or troubleshooting other problems.

Step 1. Open Settings.

Step 2. Go to General.

Step 3. Hit Picture in Picture.

Step 4. Toggle on Start PiP Automatically.

Way 3. Use Safari Instead of the App

Many people find that PiP works better in Safari than in the app. It is particular if they don’t have YouTube Premium. In Safari, YouTube relies on the iPhone’s built-in video player, which supports PiP for free in many regions. If the app blocks PiP, switching to Safari can be an easy alternative.

Step 1. Open Safari.

Step 2. Go to youtube.com.

Step 3. Play a video in full screen.

Step 4. Swipe up or press the Home button to start Picture in Picture.

Way 4. Restart Your iPhone

If PiP suddenly stops working after it was fine before, a temporary glitch might be the cause. Small software bugs can affect how apps interact with system features like PiP, especially if the phone hasn’t been restarted in a while.

Step 1. Hold the power button and one volume button until you see slide to power off. Then, slide it.

Step 2. Wait a few seconds. Press and hold the side button until your iPhone powers up again.

Way 5. Update YouTube and iOS

If YouTube or iOS is out of date, PiP might stop working because of compatibility issues. Updates often include fixes for bugs related to video playback, PiP support, and app performance. Keeping everything updated reduces the risk of PiP problems caused by outdated software.

To update YouTube:

Step 1. Open the App Store.

Step 2. Search for YouTube.

Step 3. If you see Update, tap it.

To update iOS:

Step 1. Open Settings, then pick General.

Step 2. Navigate to Software Update.

Step 3. Install if there is an update.

Way 6. Check Regional Support

Sometimes, there’s nothing wrong with your phone or settings. PiP simply might not be available in your country. This is a policy controlled by YouTube, and no setting can override it. In regions with this restriction, workarounds like using Safari or a VPN are sometimes the only options to enable PiP.

Step 1. Visit the YouTube Help Center.

Step 2. Search for Picture in Picture.

Step 3. Check if it’s available in your country. If it’s not available, PiP won’t work in the app no matter what settings you change.

Part 3: Repairing Corrupted YouTube Videos for Smooth Picture in Picture

While troubleshooting PiP problems, you might save YouTube videos for offline viewing or record your screen to capture the issue. But what if these saved videos become corrupted and won’t play correctly? Damaged files can also cause problems with Picture in Picture, especially if iOS can’t recognize the video properly.

This is where Repairit Video Repair becomes useful. It’s a reliable tool designed to repair broken or corrupted video files, including YouTube downloads, screen recordings, and other video files stored on your iPhone.

Why Repairit Video Repair is Useful

• It can fix videos that freeze, show errors, or refuse to play.
• It supports common formats like MP4, MOV, and more. It is perfect for YouTube content and iPhone recordings.
• It works for videos saved from Safari, the YouTube app, or even AirDropped from other devices.
• It’s designed to be easy for anyone to use, even if you’re not familiar with video repair tools.

Here are the steps on how to repair corrupted YouTube videos:

1. Open Repairit on your PC and upload the corrupted YouTube video by clicking +Add.

   

2. Click Repair and let the tool fix the damaged video.

   

3. When the repair finishes, Preview the YouTube video to check if it plays properly. Save the repaired video back to your computer and transfer it back to your iPhone if needed.

   

Conclusion

When YouTube Picture in Picture is not working on your iPhone, it’s usually caused by a setting, a YouTube rule, or a temporary glitch. Knowing how Premium, settings, and app behavior all affect PiP can save you time and frustration. Follow the fixes in this guide, so you can usually get PiP working again in minutes.

And if you end up with a corrupted video file along the way, don’t forget about Repairit Video Repair. It’s a reliable solution to get your YouTube videos working again. So, you can enjoy PiP without interruptions.