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Watch Netflix in a Floating Window on Your iPhone

Start a Netflix title and leave the app to watch in a floating window. Check the iPhone PiP setting and plan eligibility if it will not start.

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To use Netflix picture-in-picture (PiP) on an iPhone, start playing a title in the Netflix app, then go to the Home Screen or switch to another app. If PiP does not start, check that automatic PiP is enabled in Settings > General > Picture in Picture. Netflix lists iOS 14 or later as a requirement, and says PiP is unavailable on iPhone and iPad with an ad-supported plan.

Start Netflix picture-in-picture on iPhone

  1. Open Netflix and start playing a title.
  2. While the video is playing, go to the Home Screen or open another app. If the feature is available, the video shrinks into a floating window so you can keep watching while using the phone.

Netflix documents this behavior in its Picture in Picture help guide. PiP is a small video player, not audio-only background playback.

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Requirements and plan availability

  • iOS version: Netflix lists iOS 14 or later for iPhone. Meeting that requirement does not guarantee PiP is supported in every situation.
  • Netflix plan: Netflix says PiP is not available on iPhone or iPad while using an ad-supported plan. Plan names and benefits can change, so consult Netflix’s current PiP guidance if your plan differs.
  • App and video support: Apple notes that PiP works with supported apps and videos; the option may not be available for every app or video.

Move, resize, or close the PiP window

Tap the floating video to show its controls. Netflix describes controls for pausing, forwarding, and rewinding; use the PiP button to return to full screen or the close button to stop playback and close the player.

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  • Move it: Drag the window to another screen corner.
  • Resize it: Pinch open or closed on the video.
  • Hide it temporarily: Apple says you can drag the window off the left or right edge of the screen. Drag it back into view when you want to continue watching.
  • Return to full screen: Tap the restore or PiP control on the window.
  • Close it: Tap Close to end playback in the floating window.

Apple’s iPhone guide to Picture in Picture documents these window controls.

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Fix Netflix PiP when it will not start

Work through these checks in order:

  1. Check your Netflix plan. Netflix says PiP is unavailable on iPhone and iPad with an ad-supported plan.
  2. Check iOS compatibility. Netflix lists iOS 14 or later. Compatibility alone does not mean every device or video will support PiP.
  3. Enable automatic PiP. Open Settings > General > Picture in Picture and turn on automatic start, then try leaving Netflix during playback again.
  4. Refresh the app and device. Update Netflix, force-close and reopen it, then restart the iPhone.
  5. Contact Netflix. If PiP is still unavailable after these checks, Netflix directs users to contact support.

Apple also cautions that the PiP option can be unavailable when the app or video does not support it. See its PiP guidance.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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