The Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature on Xiaomi TVs allows you to watch two content sources simultaneously: for example, a YouTube video in a small window over a stream from a console or on-air TV. This feature is especially useful for multitasking – when you need to follow a sports match and simultaneously check the streamer’s reaction to Twitch, or when a child is watching a cartoon while you are watching the news.
However, not all users know that the PiP mode on Xiaomi TV It doesn’t work like Android, and there are some nuances to it, including model, firmware, and even signal sources. In this article, we’ll look at how to activate the feature across Xiaomi devices (including Mi). TV Stick, Mi Box S and Smart TV Google TV), What apps support PiP and what to do if the option doesn’t appear on the menu.
Note: if you have a Xiaomi TV based on PatchWall (Indian firmware), the on-board algorithm may differ from the global version. MIUI TV. It is also important to consider that some models of the budget segment (for example, Redmi Smart). TV X43 2021 may not support PiP due to hardware limitations.
Which Xiaomi models support PiP mode?
Picture in Picture is not available on all Xiaomi TVs, but here are the key compatibility criteria:
- 📺 Mi TV 4S/4X/4A Pro (2020 year and later – support PiP based on Android TV 9.0+.
- 🎮 Mi Box S and Mi TV Stick – The mode works, but with limitations (only for some applications).
- 🖥️ Mi TV Q1/Q2/Q2Q Xiaomi TV A Pro – full PiP support, including window size adjustment.
- ❌ Redmi Smart TV X50/X55 (2019–2020) — No PiP hardware support due to weak Amlogic processor S905Y2.
- ⚠️ PatchWall devices – the function can be hidden in regional firmware (requires a change of region to Global»).
To find out if your TV supports PiP, check out the Android version. TV:
- Go to Settings → About TV → The version of the software.
- If Android version 9.0 or higher, the chances of PiP support are high.
- For Android 8.1 and below, the feature is likely missing.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with a diagonal of less than 43, the PiP mode may not work as stable due to screen resolution restrictions.
How to turn on PiP on Xiaomi TV: step-by-step
The mode activation algorithm depends on which source you want to display in a small window, and let's look at two main scenarios: YouTube in PiP and terrestrial TV on top of the app.
Method 1: YouTube in the "Picture in Picture" mode
- Open the YouTube app on your TV.
- Run the video to the full screen.
- Press the Back button on the remote (without leaving the video).
- The video will automatically roll up into a small window that can be moved around the screen.
Method 2: Etheric TV + attachment
- Turn on the broadcast of terrestrial TV (via antenna or cable TV).
- Press the Home button on the remote to open the main menu.
- Run any app (such as Netflix or Prime Video).
- While watching the video in the app, press the PiP button on the remote (if any) or hold it. OK 2 seconds.
Update the TV firmware to the latest version
Make sure the app supports PiP (YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video)
Connect the second signal source (antenna, HDMI, USB)
Check that multitasking mode is enabled in the settings-->
If there is no PiP button on the remote, try an alternative method:
- Open the Settings. → Display and sound → Picture mode in picture.
- Activate the switch to Turn on the PiP.
- Return to the viewing and repeat the steps from the instructions above.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Mi) TV P1) PiP function is blocked if an external sound processor (soundbar) is connected through ARC/eARC. Turn off the soundbar to check the mode.
Size and position of the PiP window
By default, the Picture-in-Picture window takes up about 25% of the screen and is located in the lower right corner, but it can be scaled and moved:
- 🔄 Size change: Hover over the PiP window, press OK And you'll see corner markers -- pull them around to stretch or narrow the window.
- 📍 Move: Select the PiP window and press Directions on the remote to move it to any corner of the screen.
- 🔇 Turn off the sound: In the PiP window, press Menu → Sound. → Disable to hear only the main source.
- ❌ Closing the window: Hover over the PiP and press Back or Close.
On Xiaomi TVs with Google TV (Like Mi. TV Q2 2023) additional options available:
- Automatically fold video to PiP when leaving the application.
- Configure the window transparency (in Settings) → Special facilities → PiP).
Restrictions on authorization:
| Model TV set | Max. Permission PiP. | Support HDR pip |
|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4S 55" | 720p | ❌ No. |
| Mi TV Q1 65" | 1080p | ✅ Yes, only for the main window) |
| Mi Box S | 480p | ❌ No. |
| Xiaomi TV A Pro 55" | 1080p | ✅ Yes (for both windows) |
💡
If the PiP window is slowing or hanging, try reducing its size or turning off hardware acceleration in the app settings (e.g. YouTube: Settings). → Quality. → Software decoding).
Why PiPs Don’t Work: Common Problems and Solutions
If the Picture in Picture mode is not turned on, check the following points:
- 🔌 No PiP button on the remote: Some models (e.g. Redmi Smart) TV X65) function is called retention OK or through the Settings menu → Display.
- 📱 The app does not support PiP: for example, TikTok or IVI Not working in this mode. Check the list of compatible services below.
- 🔄 Outdated firmware: Update TV software through Settings → On TV. → Updating the system.
- 🚫 Region restrictions: On Indian firmware (PatchWall), the PiP can be disabled. The solution is to change the region to Global (instructions in the next section).
List of apps that support PiP on Xiaomi TV:
- ✅ YouTube (all versions)
- ✅ Netflix (subscription only)
- ✅ Prime Video (on Android) TV 10+)
- ✅ Twitch (with version 10.0 and higher)
- ❌ Disney+ (No support for PiP)
- ❌ OKKO (limit DRM)
If the PiP is turned on, but the video in the window is not played:
- Check the internet speed (for example, for 1080p PiP needs at least 15 Mbit/s).
- Turn it off. VPN — Some applications block PiP when using a proxy.
- Reset the application settings: Settings → Annexes → [Name of name] → Clear the data.
How to check if it is blocking DRM pip?
How to change the firmware region to include PiP
On Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall firmware (common in India and some Asian countries), the PiP function can be disabled at the system level. To activate it, you need to change the region to Global.
Instructions for changing the region:
- Open Settings → Account and Security → Region.
- Choose Global or Europe (depending on the model).
- Confirm the change and restart the TV.
- After the reboot, check for the PiP option in Settings → Display.
If the item Region is not on the menu, use an alternative method through the ADB:
adb shell settings put global region Global
adb rebootAfter a region change, some local applications (such as Hotstar or Hotstar) may disappear. Zee5). You can install them again through Google Play.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs with Android TV 9.0 change of region may cause Google services to be activated by error, in which case you will need a complete reset (Settings) → Storage and discharge → Resetting settings).
YouTube
On-air TV
Netflix/Prime Video
Local files (USB/DLNA)
Other-->
Alternative ways to use PiP on Xiaomi TV
If your model does not support the built-in Picture in Picture mode, there are workarounds:
- 🖥️ Use Miracast: Enable Settings → Connections → Miracast on your TV. From your phone (Xiaomi or another Android), start broadcasting the screen. On your phone, open the video on YouTube or another app and roll it up in PiP. The TV will display the screen of a smartphone with an active PiP window.
- 📺 Connecting the second device to HDMI: Connect to the Mi Box or Fire TV TV Stick through second port HDMI. Enable HDMI-PiP mode in the TV settings (Settings) → Entrances → PiP mode for HDMI). Now you can use the main source and the console at the same time.
- 🌐 Web version of YouTube in the browser: Open the browser on the TV (for example, TV Bro or Puffin. TV). Go to youtube.com and play the video. Click Home on the remote, and the video will roll up in PiP (not all models).
For Mi owners TV Stick or Mi Box S is another life hack:
1. Connect the device to the TV.
2. Install the Floatify or PiP Tool application via bootloader.
3. Launch the video on YouTube, then open Floatify and activate PiP mode.💡
On Xiaomi TVs with Google TV (Like Mi. TV Q2 2023) PiP mode is more stable than on older models with MIUI TV, Optimized Android 11+.
Comparison of PiP on Xiaomi TV and other brands
The picture-in-picture function is implemented differently across manufacturers, and here are the key differences:
| Brand | Support for PiP | Limitations | Window control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi | ✅ Yes, on Android. TV 9.0+) | Not working with DRM-Protected Content (Disney)+, OKKO) | Moving, resizing, turning off the sound |
| Samsung | ✅ Yes (on Tizen 5.5).+) | For air TV only. + 1 | Fixed window size |
| LG | ✅ Yes, on webOS 4.0.+) | No support. HDR pip | Flexible Transparency Setup |
| Sony | ✅ Yes, on Android. TV 8.0+) | Requires activation in the service menu | Support for up to 2 PiP windows |
Xiaomi’s main advantage over its competitors is the ability to use PiPs from YouTube without any additional settings, such as Samsung, which requires third-party launchers, and Samsung’s launchers. LG — Activate the mode through Developer Mode.
However, Xiaomi has its drawbacks:
- ❌ No PiP support for Disney+ and some local services.
- ❌ On budget models (Redmi Smart) TV) function often works with lags.
- ❌ No way to save the window position after restarting.