WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, allowing users to easily communicate with friends, family and colleagues through text, voice notes, video calls and more. One handy WhatsApp feature is the ability to multitask and continue a video call even when you switch apps or minimize the WhatsApp window.
Can I use other apps while on a WhatsApp video call?
Yes, WhatsApp’s picture-in-picture feature allows you to continue a video call while simultaneously using other apps on your Android phone. This means you can check emails, browse social media or switch between other apps without disconnecting the call.
The video of the person you are talking to will appear in a small movable window over your other apps. You can reposition this floating window by dragging it around the screen as needed. Your own video will stay within the WhatsApp app.
How to enable picture-in-picture for WhatsApp video calls
To use WhatsApp’s picture-in-picture feature on Android:
- Start a WhatsApp video call as normal from an individual or group chat
- Once the call has connected, tap the Home button to minimize the WhatsApp app and return to your Home screen
- The video of your call participant will now appear in a small window over your Home screen
- You can now open other apps and use them as usual while continuing your WhatsApp video call in the floating window
- To return to the full WhatsApp call, tap the floating video window. This will reopen WhatsApp and maximize the video call again
As long as picture-in-picture is enabled, this will allow you to multitask at any point during an outgoing or incoming WhatsApp video call.
How to move the floating video window
You can reposition the floating picture-in-picture window to move it around the screen:
- Touch and hold the window then drag it around to your preferred location
- You can move it to any of the four corners or sides of the screen
- Avoid covering important content on apps behind the video window
- Reposition as needed any time during your call
Why won’t picture-in-picture work?
There are a few reasons why you may be unable to use WhatsApp’s picture-in-picture feature:
- Your Android phone simply may not support picture-in-picture mode
- The feature is disabled in your WhatsApp settings
- Your Android OS software is outdated and needs to be updated
- Picture-in-picture is restricted by your phone’s manufacturer or mobile operator
- Too many apps are running in the background draining system resources
- App glitches or OS software bugs temporarily preventing it from working
So check your Android version is up to date, close background apps not in use and try updating WhatsApp to the latest version. Also explore your phone and WhatsApp settings for options or restrictions related to picture-in-picture.
How to enable picture-in-picture permission
If picture-in-picture is disabled, you may need to manually allow the feature:
- Go into your Android Settings app
- Select Apps & Notifications
- Choose Advanced > Special App Access
- Look for Picture-in-picture and select it
- Switch on Allow picture-in-picture for WhatsApp
This will grant WhatsApp access to use picture-in-picture. Try initiating a video call again to see if it now works.
Enable picture-in-picture in WhatsApp Settings
You also need to make sure picture-in-picture is allowed in WhatsApp’s Settings:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings
- Select Storage and Data > Media Auto Download
- Enable Show Video Picture-in-Picture
With this toggled on, you will be able to use picture-in-picture for your WhatsApp video calls.
Update your Android version
Your Android version may simply be too outdated to support picture-in-picture for WhatsApp and other apps. Here’s how to update your OS:
- Go to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update
- Check for any available software updates and install them
- You may need to restart your phone after updating
- Once updated, picture-in-picture should be enabled
Always keep your Android version up to date for the latest features and security fixes. Using an outdated OS can prevent apps like WhatsApp from enabling handy tools like picture-in-picture.
Close unused apps
Too many apps running in the background can drain resources needed for picture-in-picture to work properly. Try closing unused apps before a WhatsApp video call:
- In Settings go to Apps & Notifications > Recently Opened Apps
- Swipe away any apps not currently needed
- Alternatively, clear all apps by holding down the Recent Apps button
- Close memory-intensive apps like games, videos or navigation
Freeing up performance resources allows WhatsApp to access the necessary functionality for enabling picture-in-picture on your device.
Troubleshoot app and OS issues
App glitches, software bugs or OS issues can also prevent picture-in-picture from working properly. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Force close and clear cache of the WhatsApp app
- Check for any Android or WhatsApp app updates
- Restart your Android device to refresh the OS
- Reset app preferences under Settings > Apps
- Contact WhatsApp support if issues persist after updates
Addressing any app or software conflicts that may disrupt WhatsApp’s picture-in-picture feature can help resolve problems enabling it.
Use picture-in-picture for YouTube
Beyond WhatsApp, picture-in-picture can be used with YouTube and many other Android apps. To continue watching a YouTube video in a small floating window:
- Start playing a YouTube video in the app
- Tap the Home button to minimize YouTube and return to your Home screen
- The YouTube video will shrink into a movable floating window
- Drag the mini video around as needed while using other apps
The YouTube app allows this even for music playlists, enabling you to keep listening while browsing other apps. Just remember to disable picture-in-picture in YouTube’s settings when you want to stop this feature.
Use with Google Maps navigation
Picture-in-picture is extremely handy with Google Maps navigation. It allows you to follow GPS directions in a floating window while simultaneously using other apps.
To enable this:
- Start Google Maps navigation to a destination
- Minimize Maps to return to your Home screen
- The navigation will continue visibly on top of your other apps
- Follow the directions while using other apps as needed
This keeps navigation clearly visible at all times when driving or walking. The picture-in-picture window can be dragged around as needed.
Use with video calling apps
Beyond WhatsApp, picture-in-picture works seamlessly with other popular video calling apps. For example:
- Facebook Messenger
- Skype
- Google Duo
- Zoom
- Snapchat
- Telegram
- Microsoft Teams
So you can conveniently multitask during video calls from these apps as well. Just return to your Home screen and the video call shrinks into a movable floating window.
Change picture-in-picture settings
You can customize your Android’s picture-in-picture settings and behavior in various ways:
- Resize the floating window – pinch to zoom in/out as needed
- Reposition it by dragging the window around
- Select which apps have access to use picture-in-picture
- Disable picture-in-picture for specific apps like YouTube
- Change the aspect ratio/dimensions of the floating window
- Customize how closing the window quits picture-in-picture
Adjust these options in Settings > Apps & Notifications > Advanced > Special App Access > Picture-in-picture. This allows you to tweak the feature to best suit your usage needs.
Close the floating window
When you are done using an app in the minimized floating window, you can easily close it:
- Tap the X icon in the top right corner of the window
- Or tap the Restore button to maximize the window again
- Drag the window to the bottom of the screen and hold
- The app will close and picture-in-picture will end
The app’s normal functionality will resume next time you open it. Closing the window quits picture-in-picture mode.
Limitations of picture-in-picture
While handy, WhatsApp’s picture-in-picture feature does have some limitations to be aware of:
- Not supported on iOS or WhatsApp Web
- Can only be used on Android 8.0 and above
- Doesn’t work on every Android device model
- Drains battery life faster when used extensively
- Can disrupt device performance if too many apps run simultaneously
- Floating window can obstruct parts of other apps
- Only shows the video feed of the other caller, not your own
Be mindful of these constraints when utilizing WhatsApp’s picture-in-picture tool. Close background apps and adjust power settings to maximize efficiency.
Use split screen instead
An alternative to picture-in-picture is to use Android’s split screen view. This allows you to truly multitask by displaying two app windows side-by-side.
To use WhatsApp video call in split screen:
- Start your WhatsApp video call
- Tap the Recent Apps button and select the app you want to use alongside WhatsApp
- In the app preview window tap the split screen icon
- WhatsApp and the other app will display together side-by-side
You can now continue your WhatsApp call while interacting with the other app simultaneously in split view.
Check if your phone supports split screen
To check if your Android phone supports split screen:
- Go to Settings > System > Advanced > Multiple Windows
- Or go to Settings > Display > Advanced > Split screen
- If you see these options, split screen is enabled on your device
Split screen only works on Android 7.0 and higher. If you don’t see the relevant settings above, your Android OS may not support the feature.
Customize split screen settings
You can customize split screen behavior in your Android settings:
- Resize each window by dragging the divider
- Switch window positions by pressing the swap icon
- Open apps in split view automatically
- Close split view by dragging a window to the bottom
- Adjust the split orientation to horizontal or vertical
Configure these options to control how split screen works for your WhatsApp video calls and multitasking needs.
Advantages of split screen
Compared to picture-in-picture, split view offers a few advantages:
- See both app windows simultaneously
- Easily interact with both apps at the same time
- Resize the windows as needed
- Switch window positions or swap apps
- Works with more Android apps and features
These capabilities provide a more flexible and intuitive multitasking experience.
Disadvantages of split screen
Split view also has some disadvantages to consider:
- More system resources used running two app windows
- Smaller space for each app vs full screen
- Windows can obstruct parts of each other
- Not supported on all Android devices
- Some apps may not function well in split view
Test different apps to see which ones work best with split screen enabled. Monitor battery and performance impact as well.
Troubleshoot split screen issues
If you are having trouble using WhatsApp video call in split screen, try the following:
- Check if split screen is enabled in your Android settings
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version available
- Try a different app – some may not work well in split view
- Restart your phone to clear any software glitches
- Free up memory by closing unused background apps
- Adjust the split orientation and window sizes if issues occur
Addressing device performance and app compatibility problems can help resolve split screen difficulties.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s picture-in-picture feature provides a handy way to multitask during video calls on compatible Android devices. Enable the option in your Android settings and WhatsApp settings to use it when minimized or switching apps.
Troubleshoot issues by updating software, granting permissions, freeing up device resources and checking for app glitches. Consider using split screen view as an alternative for greater flexibility. Adjust options in Settings to customize the experience to your preferences.
Using WhatsApp video call in the background allows you to conveniently juggle tasks without interrupting your conversations. Just be mindful of potential battery drain and performance impacts when using these features extensively.