You want to watch a stream or a video call on Discord while using other apps on your phone. Picture-in-Picture mode lets you keep the Discord video visible in a small floating window. This feature works on both Android and iOS devices. This article explains how to enable and use PiP on Discord Mobile.
Key Takeaways: Using Discord Mobile Picture-in-Picture Mode
- User Settings > Voice & Video > Advanced > Enable Picture-in-Picture: Toggle this option to allow PiP during voice and video calls.
- Home button or gesture: Swipe up or press the Home button during a video call to shrink Discord into a PiP window.
- PiP window controls: Drag the window, tap to show controls, or use the close button to end the call.
What Is Picture-in-Picture Mode on Discord Mobile?
Picture-in-Picture mode allows a video call or stream to continue playing in a small, movable window on your phone screen. You can then open other apps while still seeing the Discord video. This feature is built into the Discord mobile app for both Android and iOS. It does not require any third-party software. The PiP window appears when you leave the Discord app during an active video call or while watching a stream.
To use PiP, your device must support the feature. Android 8.0 Oreo and later versions support PiP natively. iOS 14 and later versions support PiP for apps that implement the feature. Discord has enabled PiP for video calls and streams on both platforms. You must also have the most recent version of Discord installed. Check your app store for updates before proceeding.
How to Enable and Use Picture-in-Picture Mode on Discord Mobile
Follow these steps to activate and use PiP on Discord Mobile. The process is similar on Android and iOS, but menu names may vary slightly depending on your device.
- Open Discord and go to User Settings
Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner of the app. This opens the User Settings menu. Scroll down to the App Settings section. - Navigate to Voice & Video settings
Tap the Voice & Video option in the App Settings list. This page contains audio and video configuration options. - Enable Picture-in-Picture
Scroll down to the Advanced section. Locate the toggle labeled Enable Picture-in-Picture. Tap the toggle to turn it on. The toggle will turn blue or green when enabled. If you do not see this option, update your Discord app to the latest version. - Start a video call or join a stream
Open a direct message or server channel. Tap the video call icon in the top-right corner. Alternatively, join a voice channel and start streaming your screen or a game. Video content must be active for PiP to work. - Leave the Discord app
While the video call or stream is active, press the Home button on your device or use the swipe-up gesture to go to the home screen. Discord will automatically shrink into a small PiP window. The window appears in the corner of your screen. - Control the PiP window
Drag the PiP window to any corner of your screen. Tap the window once to reveal controls: a microphone mute/unmute button, a speaker toggle, and a close button. Tap the close button to end the call or stream. The window will disappear and the call will disconnect. - Return to the full Discord app
Tap the PiP window twice to open Discord again. The call or stream will still be active. You can also tap the Discord notification in your status bar to return to the app.
Common Issues When Using Picture-in-Picture Mode
Some users experience problems with PiP not working as expected. These issues are usually related to device settings or app permissions. Below are the most frequent problems and how to fix them.
PiP Option Is Grayed Out or Missing
If the Enable Picture-in-Picture toggle is grayed out or not visible, your device may not support PiP for Discord. Check that your phone runs Android 8.0 or later, or iOS 14 or later. Also ensure your Discord app is updated to the latest version from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. If the option still does not appear, restart your phone and try again.
PiP Window Does Not Appear When Leaving the App
This usually happens because the PiP feature is disabled in your device system settings. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Discord > Picture-in-Picture and ensure it is set to Allow. On iOS, go to Settings > General > Picture in Picture and toggle Start PiP Automatically to on. After changing these settings, restart Discord and try again.
Video or Audio Stops After Entering PiP
Some devices limit background activity to save battery. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Discord > Battery and set it to Unrestricted. On iOS, go to Settings > Discord and enable Background App Refresh. This allows Discord to continue streaming video and audio in the background while in PiP mode.
Discord Mobile PiP: Android vs iOS Comparison
| Item | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum OS version | Android 8.0 Oreo | iOS 14 |
| Enable PiP toggle location | User Settings > Voice & Video > Advanced | User Settings > Voice & Video > Advanced |
| System setting required | Settings > Apps > Discord > Picture-in-Picture | Settings > General > Picture in Picture |
| PiP window controls | Tap to show mute, speaker, close | Tap to show mute, speaker, close |
| Background audio support | Requires battery setting set to Unrestricted | Requires Background App Refresh enabled |
Picture-in-Picture mode on Discord Mobile allows you to multitask while staying connected to video calls or streams. Enable the feature in Voice & Video settings and leave the app during an active call to trigger the PiP window. If the window does not appear, check your device system settings for PiP permissions. You can also adjust battery and background refresh settings to prevent audio or video from stopping. For the best experience, always keep Discord updated to the latest version.