Picture in Picture on Apple TV opens up a whole new way to multitask while watching your favorite content. Let me walk you through exactly how this feature works and how to make the most of it.
How to Activate Picture in Picture
Getting started with Picture in Picture (PiP) on Apple TV is surprisingly straightforward. While watching a supported video, simply press and hold the Siri button on your remote until you see the video shrink into a smaller window. You can also click the remote’s touchpad to bring up playback controls, then select the PiP icon (it looks like two overlapping rectangles).
Moving and Resizing Your PiP Window
Once your video is in PiP mode, you’ve got several options for customizing the viewing experience. Swipe on the remote’s touchpad to move the PiP window to any corner of your screen. Double-tap the touchpad to resize the window – you can toggle between small, medium, and large sizes to find what works best for your setup.
Compatible Apps and Content
While PiP doesn’t work with every app, you’ll find it supported in most major streaming services including:
– Apple TV+
– Disney+
– Prime Video
– ESPN
– YouTube (through the YouTube TV app)
Pro Tips for PiP Usage
Here’s something I’ve learned from extensive use: PiP works best when you’re combining different types of content. For example, you might want to keep a sports game running in the corner while browsing for other shows or checking the weather. It’s particularly useful during commercial breaks when you want to quickly check something else without missing any action.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re having trouble getting PiP to work, try these quick fixes:
– Make sure your Apple TV is running the latest tvOS version
– Check if the app you’re using supports PiP
– Try force-closing and reopening the app
– Restart your Apple TV if necessary
Making the Most of Multitasking
Think of PiP as your personal viewing assistant. I often use it to watch cooking videos while browsing recipes in another app, or to keep news headlines running while playing casual games. The key is finding combinations that enhance rather than distract from your viewing experience.
Remember, you can always return to full-screen mode by selecting the PiP window and clicking the expand icon, or by holding down the Siri button again. This flexibility makes it easy to switch between focused viewing and multitasking as needed.
