The easiest way to do this is with Picture-in-Picture (PiP). This feature allows a supported YouTube video to continue playing in a small window while you use other apps. You can move the window around the screen, resize it, or temporarily hide it.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to minimize YouTube on iPhone 17, enable Picture-in-Picture, use background playback, troubleshoot common problems, and discover alternative ways to listen to YouTube while doing other tasks.
What Does Minimizing YouTube Mean on iPhone 17?
Minimizing YouTube means reducing the video player or moving it out of the main app view without completely stopping playback.
On an iPhone 17, there are two common ways to achieve this:
- Picture-in-Picture: Keeps a video playing in a small floating window while you use other apps.
- Background playback: Allows supported YouTube content to continue playing when you leave the app or lock your iPhone.
These features are useful in different situations.
For example, Picture-in-Picture is ideal when you want to watch a tutorial while taking notes. Background playback is more convenient when you want to listen to music, podcasts, interviews, or educational content with your screen off.
Method 1: Minimize YouTube Using Picture-in-Picture on iPhone 17
Picture-in-Picture is the most convenient way to minimize YouTube while keeping a video visible.
Follow these steps to use it.
Step 1: Open the YouTube App
Unlock your iPhone 17 and open the YouTube app.
Make sure you’re signed in to your account if the feature requires an eligible account or subscription.
Step 2: Select a Video
Search for the video you want to watch.
You can choose a tutorial, documentary, podcast, music video, or another supported video.
Tap the video to start playback.
Step 3: Enable Picture-in-Picture in iPhone Settings
Before minimizing YouTube, make sure Picture-in-Picture is enabled in iOS.
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and select General.
- Tap Picture in Picture.
- Find Start PiP Automatically.
- Turn the option on.
This allows supported videos to enter Picture-in-Picture automatically when you leave an app.
Step 4: Enable Picture-in-Picture in YouTube
You may also need to check the Picture-in-Picture setting inside YouTube.
- Open YouTube.
- Tap your profile picture.
- Select Settings.
- Look for Playback or the relevant video playback settings.
- Find the Picture-in-Picture option, if available.
- Turn it on.
The exact menu location and availability may vary depending on your YouTube app version, account, and region.
Step 5: Start Playing Your Video
Return to the video you selected and let it begin playing.
Make sure the video is supported by Picture-in-Picture.
Step 6: Swipe Up to Return to the Home Screen
While the video is playing, swipe upward from the bottom of your iPhone screen to return to the Home Screen.
You can also use the Home gesture while the video is playing.
If Picture-in-Picture is supported and enabled, the video should automatically shrink into a small floating window.
Step 7: Open Another App
Now open another app, such as:
- Messages
- Safari
- Notes
- Calendar
Your YouTube video can continue playing in the floating window while you use the other app.
<caption>Picture-in-Picture availability depends on your YouTube account, region, video, and current app settings.</caption>
Method 2: Minimize YouTube by Swiping Up
If you have already enabled Picture-in-Picture, you can minimize a supported video without opening additional settings.
Here’s how.
Step 1: Play a YouTube Video
Open YouTube and select the video you want to watch.
Step 2: Wait for Playback to Begin
Allow the video to start playing normally.
Step 3: Swipe Up From the Bottom
Place your finger near the bottom edge of the screen and swipe upward.
This gesture takes you out of YouTube and returns you to the Home Screen.
Step 4: Check the Floating Window
If Picture-in-Picture is working, the video should appear in a small window over your Home Screen.
Step 5: Continue Using Your iPhone
Open another app and continue watching the video in the floating player.
If the video closes instead of minimizing, check your Picture-in-Picture settings and YouTube’s eligibility requirements.
Method 3: Resize the YouTube Picture-in-Picture Window
One useful feature of Picture-in-Picture is that you can change the size of the floating video.
This is helpful when you want to see more of the video or keep the window small while using another app.
Step 1: Start Picture-in-Picture
Play a supported YouTube video and swipe up to minimize it.
Step 2: Locate the Floating Window
Find the small video player on your screen.
Step 3: Pinch Out to Enlarge
Place two fingers on the video window and spread them apart to enlarge it, if supported by the current iOS interface.
Step 4: Pinch In to Reduce Its Size
Move your fingers toward each other to make the window smaller.
Step 5: Adjust Its Position
Drag the floating window toward another corner of your screen.
Choose a position that does not cover important buttons or text in the app you’re using.
Method 4: Temporarily Hide the Picture-in-Picture Window
Sometimes, the floating YouTube window gets in the way while you’re reading, typing, or browsing.
Instead of closing the video, you can temporarily hide it.
Step 1: Start Playing a Video
Open YouTube and start a video that supports Picture-in-Picture.
Step 2: Minimize YouTube
Swipe up to activate the floating player.
Step 3: Move the Window to a Screen Edge
Drag the Picture-in-Picture window toward the left or right edge of your iPhone screen.
Step 4: Let the Window Move Out of View
Depending on your iOS version, part of the video window may slide off the screen.
An edge tab or small visible portion may remain.
Step 5: Bring the Video Back
Tap the visible tab or drag the window back onto the screen.
Your video can continue playing while the window is hidden, provided playback remains supported.
Method 5: Play YouTube in the Background on iPhone 17
Picture-in-Picture keeps the video visible. However, you may sometimes want to listen to YouTube without keeping a video window on your screen.
This is called background playback.
YouTube Premium generally provides background playback for eligible videos and accounts, subject to content, region, and app restrictions.
Step 1: Check Your YouTube Premium Subscription
Open YouTube and tap your profile picture.
Check your account information to see whether you have an active YouTube Premium subscription.
Step 2: Open YouTube Settings
Tap your profile picture and select Settings.
Step 3: Find Background Playback
Look for the Background Play option under the playback or background settings.
Step 4: Select Your Preferred Option
If available, choose the setting that allows background playback.
Depending on your version, you may see options such as:
- Always on
- Off
- Headphones or external speakers
Choose the option that suits your needs.
Step 5: Start Playing a Video
Return to YouTube and play the video you want to listen to.
Step 6: Leave the YouTube App
Swipe up to return to your Home Screen or open another app.
If background playback is supported and enabled, the audio should continue.
Step 7: Lock Your iPhone
Press the side button to lock your iPhone 17.
The audio may continue playing, and playback controls may appear on the Lock Screen.
Note: Background playback is not available for every video, account, or region. Some content may have additional restrictions.
Method 6: Use Picture-in-Picture While Browsing Safari
If you want to browse the internet while watching a YouTube video, Picture-in-Picture can make multitasking more convenient.
Step 1: Open YouTube
Launch the YouTube app and select a supported video.
Step 2: Activate Picture-in-Picture
Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to minimize the video.
Step 3: Open Safari
Tap Safari from the Home Screen or App Library.
Step 4: Visit a Website
Enter the website address or search for the information you need.
Step 5: Adjust the Video Window
Move the floating YouTube window to a convenient corner.
You can now browse the web while keeping the video visible.
This method is particularly useful when following online tutorials, researching products, or learning new skills.
Method 7: Use YouTube While Messaging on iPhone 17
Picture-in-Picture is also useful when you need to reply to messages without interrupting a video.
Step 1: Start a YouTube Video
Open YouTube and play a supported video.
Step 2: Swipe Up to Minimize
Return to your Home Screen using the iPhone’s swipe gesture.
Step 3: Open Messages
Tap the Messages app.
Step 4: Select a Conversation
Open the conversation you want to respond to.
Step 5: Type Your Message
Write and send your message while the video continues playing in the floating window.
You can move or resize the window if it covers the message field.
Why Is YouTube Picture-in-Picture Not Working on iPhone 17?
If YouTube closes instead of minimizing, or the floating window never appears, there are several possible causes.
Here are practical troubleshooting steps.
1. Check iPhone Picture-in-Picture Settings
Picture-in-Picture may be disabled at the iOS level.
To check:
- Open Settings.
- Select General.
- Tap Picture in Picture.
- Turn on Start PiP Automatically.
Return to YouTube and try again.
2. Check YouTube Picture-in-Picture Settings
YouTube may have its own Picture-in-Picture controls.
Open the app, visit Settings, and look for the relevant playback option.
If you cannot find it, the setting may not be available for your account or current app version.
3. Check YouTube Premium or Regional Eligibility
YouTube’s Picture-in-Picture availability depends on your location, account, and content.
For example, some users can use PiP without Premium for eligible non-music content, while other regions or content types may require a Premium subscription.
Check YouTube’s current eligibility rules for your location rather than assuming that every video supports the feature.
4. Update the YouTube App
An outdated app may have playback problems.
To update YouTube:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap your account profile.
- Check the available app updates.
- Find YouTube.
- Tap Update if an update is available.
After updating, reopen YouTube and test Picture-in-Picture.
5. Restart Your iPhone 17
Temporary software issues can sometimes interfere with video playback.
To restart your iPhone:
- Press and hold the side button and either volume button.
- Wait for the power-off slider.
- Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
- Wait a few seconds.
- Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
Open YouTube again and test the feature.
6. Check Your Internet Connection
A weak or unstable internet connection can interrupt video playback.
Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data.
You can also open another website or streaming app to see whether your connection is working normally.
7. Check Whether the Video Supports Picture-in-Picture
Not all YouTube content necessarily supports Picture-in-Picture.
Certain music videos, restricted content, and videos subject to regional or account limitations may behave differently.
Test the feature with another eligible video to determine whether the issue is related to a particular video.
8. Reinstall YouTube if Necessary
If the app continues to malfunction, reinstalling it may help.
- Press and hold the YouTube app icon.
- Select Remove App.
- Choose Delete App.
- Open the App Store.
- Search for YouTube.
- Download and install it again.
- Sign in and check the playback settings.
Before deleting the app, make sure you know your account login details.
YouTube Picture-in-Picture vs. Background Playback
Although these features sound similar, they serve different purposes.
| Feature | Picture-in-Picture | Background playback |
|---|---|---|
| Video visible | Yes, in a small floating window | Usually no |
| Use other apps | Yes | Yes |
| Listen with screen locked | Not generally the main purpose | Yes, when supported |
| Resize video | Yes | No video window to resize |
| Best for | Watching while multitasking | Listening to audio |
| Availability | Depends on YouTube and iOS eligibility | Generally associated with eligible YouTube Premium playback |
Choose Picture-in-Picture when you want to see the video while using another app. Choose background playback when you only need the audio.
Benefits of Minimizing YouTube on iPhone 17
Minimizing YouTube can make everyday iPhone use more convenient.
Here are some of the biggest advantages.
Multitask Without Stopping Videos
You can watch a tutorial while using Notes, browsing Safari, or checking messages.
Follow Step-by-Step Tutorials
Picture-in-Picture is useful when following instructions for cooking, repairing devices, editing photos, or learning software.
Save Time
You don’t need to switch repeatedly between YouTube and other apps just to check information.
Listen While Doing Other Tasks
Eligible background playback lets you enjoy podcasts, interviews, and other audio-focused content without keeping YouTube open.
Keep Important Information Visible
A small floating video window can help you follow instructions while completing a task in another app.
Tips for a Better YouTube Experience on iPhone 17
Use these simple suggestions to get more out of YouTube.
- Keep your app updated: Install updates to access improvements and bug fixes.
- Enable automatic Picture-in-Picture: This makes supported videos easier to minimize.
- Use headphones: Headphones can make background listening more convenient.
- Move the floating window: Place it where it does not cover important content.
- Use a stable internet connection: This helps prevent playback interruptions.
- Check your account eligibility: Confirm which Picture-in-Picture and background playback features are available in your region.
- Adjust video quality: Lower video quality can help when your internet connection is slow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I minimize YouTube on iPhone 17?
Open YouTube and play a supported video. Make sure Picture-in-Picture is enabled under Settings > General > Picture in Picture. Then swipe up from the bottom of the screen to return to the Home Screen. If the feature is available for your account and video, YouTube should appear in a small floating window.
2. Can I watch YouTube while using another app on iPhone 17?
Yes. You can use Picture-in-Picture to keep a supported YouTube video playing in a small floating window while opening apps such as Safari, Messages, Notes, and Mail.
3. Do I need YouTube Premium to use Picture-in-Picture on iPhone 17?
Not always. YouTube Picture-in-Picture availability depends on your region, account, and video type. In some regions, eligible non-music videos support PiP without Premium, while other situations may require a Premium subscription. Check YouTube’s current rules for your location.
4. Why does YouTube stop playing when I minimize it?
YouTube may stop playing because Picture-in-Picture is disabled, the video is not eligible, or the feature is unavailable for your account or region. Check your iPhone’s PiP settings, YouTube playback settings, and app version.
5. Can YouTube keep playing when my iPhone 17 screen is locked?
Yes, eligible YouTube background playback can continue when your iPhone is locked. This feature is generally available through YouTube Premium, subject to account, regional, and content restrictions.
Summary: Key Takeaways
- Enable Picture-in-Picture: Open Settings > General > Picture in Picture and turn on Start PiP Automatically.
- Check YouTube settings: Make sure the relevant playback option is enabled when available.
- Swipe up to minimize: Leave YouTube while a supported video is playing.
- Use the floating window: Move, resize, or temporarily hide the video while using other apps.
- Use background playback: Listen to eligible YouTube content while using other apps or locking your screen.
- Check Premium eligibility: Some features depend on your subscription, region, and video type.
- Troubleshoot playback: Update YouTube, restart your iPhone, and check your internet connection.
With Picture-in-Picture enabled, minimizing YouTube on your iPhone 17 can make multitasking easier and help you enjoy videos without staying inside the YouTube app.