Picture in Picture (PiP) on Xiaomi: how to turn on and configure

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode allows you to watch two video streams simultaneously on the same screen โ€“ for example, a match and chat in a messenger or a movie and a news feed. On Xiaomi devices, this feature is implemented in different ways depending on the TV model or the Mi Box. In some cases, the PiP works out of the box, and in others requires manual activation through hidden settings.

In this article, you will find detailed instructions for all current Xiaomi devices, including Mi TV series Q1/Q2, A Pro, P1 and the Mi Box S/4K. We will also analyze the unique limitations of PiP on Android TV 11+, which the manufacturer does not advertise, and show workarounds for models without official support for the feature. If your device does not support PiP, at the end of the article there are alternative solutions using third-party applications.

What Xiaomi devices support PiP mode

Picture-in-Picture is not available on all Xiaomi devices, and it depends on the Android TV version, hardware platform and manufacturerโ€™s policies, and below is the current list of supported models for 2026:

  • ๐Ÿ“บ TVs: Mi TV Q1 (2022+), Q2 (2023+), A Pro (2021+), P1 (2020+) Android TV 10 and newer
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Subscription: Mi Box S (2nd revision), Mi Box 4K firmware MIUI TV 3.0+
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Monitors: Xiaomi Mi Desktop Monitor 27" (only in mode TV-prefix)

Important: Even if your model is on the list, the PiP can be disabled by default in regional firmware (for example, for Russia or the EU), in which case you will need to manually activate through the Developer Settings.

ModelAndroid TV versionSupport for PiPActivation required
Mi TV Q2 55"11โœ… Yes.โŒ No.
Mi TV A Pro 43"10โœ… Yes.โœ… Through ADB
Mi Box S (MDZ-22-AB)9โš ๏ธ Partially.โœ… Developer settings
Mi TV P1 65"10โœ… Yes.โŒ No.

To check the Android TV version, go to Settings โ†’ About TV โ†’ Software version. If your model is missing from the table, try updating your firmware to the latest version โ€“ sometimes PiP support is added in new releases.

๐Ÿ“Š What kind of Xiaomi device are you using?
Mi TV Q1/Q2 TV
The Mi Box S/4K is a console
Xiaomi Monitor
Other devices

How to turn on PiP on Xiaomi TVs (official method)

On Xiaomi TVs with official PiP support, the function is activated via the system menu. Instructions are suitable for Mi TV Q1/Q2, P1, A Pro models with MIUI TV 4.0 firmware and later:

  1. Open an app that supports PiP (like YouTube or Prime Video).
  2. Run the video playback.
  3. Press the Home button on the remote to return to the home screen without closing the video.
  4. The video will automatically roll up into a small window in the lower right corner of the screen.

To control the PiP window, use:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Move: Hold the button OK on the remote and drag the window
  • ๐Ÿ” Size change: Press Back, then select the window size
  • ๐Ÿ”‡ Disconnecting the sound: Mute button on the remote
  • โŒ Closing: select a window and press Back โ†’ Close it.

โ˜‘๏ธ Preparation for the use of PiP

Done: 0 / 4

If the PiP window does not appear, check:

โš ๏ธ Attention: On Android TVs TV The PiP 11 and above may be blocked due to Google restrictions, in which case activation via the Internet will be required. ADB.

Activate PiP through Developer Settings (for Mi Box and older models)

On the Mi Box S/4K and Xiaomi TVs until 2020, the PiP function is often hidden.

  1. Activate Developer Settings: Settings โ†’ About TV โ†’ Software Version โ†’ Click 7 times on the build number
  2. Return to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.
  3. Find the Picture-in-Picture option (or Picture-in-Picture Mode) and enable it.
  4. Reboot the device (Settings โ†’ Reboot).

If the option is not on the menu, try an alternative method:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Install the application on the smartphone ADB Link (available on Google Play).
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Connect your TV/set-top box and smartphone to a single Wi-Fi network.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฑ๏ธ In the app, select your Xiaomi device and execute the command: settings put global pip_enabled 1
What to do if ADB is not connected?
1. Check that the TV is on debugging mode. USB (Settings โ†’ For developers โ†’ Debugging by USB). 2.Make sure that IP-The address of the device is entered correctly (you can find in the Settings โ†’ Networking). 3. Try to disable the firewall on the router for the local network.

Once activated successfully, the PiP will be available in all supported applications. Please note: on the Mi Box S with 2 GB of RAM, no more than two PiP windows can work simultaneously - the third video will be automatically closed.

Apps that support PiP on Xiaomi

Not all video services are compatible with Picture in Picture mode on Android TV. Below is a list of proven apps that work with PiP on Xiaomi devices:

AnnexSupport for PiPFeatures
YouTubeโœ… Complete.It works without any additional settings. In the Premium version, you can minimize any video.
Netflixโœ… PartialOnly for select movies, requires the latest version of the app.
Prime Videoโœ… Complete.Supports changing the window size and moving around the screen.
Twitchโœ… Complete.It works only in the portrait mode of the PiP window.
VLCโœ… Complete.Supports local files and streaming video.

To run the PiP in these applications:

  1. Open the video to the full screen.
  2. Press the Home button on the remote.
  3. The video will automatically roll up into the PiP window.

โš ๏ธ Attention: In Disney apps+ and HBO Max PiP may not work because of the DRM-To circumvent them, you will need to use third-party players.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the PiP doesnโ€™t run on YouTube, try to like or dislike the video first โ€“ this sometimes works as a trigger to activate the mode.

Solving problems with PiP on Xiaomi

If the Picture in Picture mode doesnโ€™t work, check the following points:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reboot: Turn off the TV/set-top box for 30 seconds and turn it on again.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฅ Updates: Install the latest firmware version (Settings) โ†’ Update of the PO).
  • ๐Ÿงน Cache Clearing: For an application that does not have a PiP, perform Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ [name] โ†’ Clear the cache.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Resetting: Reset your TV settings to factory settings in extreme cases (Settings) โ†’ Recovery and discharge).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions:

Problem.Reason.Decision
PiP does not turn on when you press HomeThere is no support in the firmwareActivate through ADB or update software
PiP window is black.Conflict with DRM-protectionUse the VLC application to play back
PiP only works on YouTube.Manufacturer's restrictionsInstall a modified firmware (e.g. ATV Custom ROM)

If none of the methods worked, check the device's free RAM. On the Mi Box S with 2GB of RAM, the PiP may not start if there are more than 3 applications running in the background. Close unnecessary programs through Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ Running.

Alternative ways to use PiP on Xiaomi

If your device does not support the โ€œPicture in Pictureโ€ system level, you can use workaround solutions:

1. Floating Apps app

The utility creates floating windows on top of the main interface.

  1. Download. APK-Floating Apps file from floatingapps.net.
  2. Install it with File Commander or Send Files to TV.
  3. Launch the application and select Create a window โ†’ Browser or Video Player.

2.Using Google Chrome in Desktop Mode

Some web versions of services (e.g. YouTube) support PiP in the browser:

  1. Open Chrome on your TV.
  2. Go to YouTube.com and request the desktop version (โ‹ฎ โ†’ PC version).
  3. Run the video and press Home, it will fold into PiP.

3. Connecting the second device over HDMI

If there are several on the TV HDMI-port, may be:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Connect the smartphone through HDMI-cable and run video on it.
  • ๐Ÿ’ป Use your laptop as a second signal source.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Connect a game console (such as Xbox) and run the video in the background.

๐Ÿ’ก

The PiP side of the app may reduce the performance of the TV, and the best option is to use official support through a firmware update.

FAQ: Frequent questions about PiP on Xiaomi

Can I turn on PiP on Xiaomi Mi TV 4S (2018)?
No, the Mi TV 4S models based on Android TV 8.0 do not support PiP either on the software or hardware level, the alternative is to use the Floating Apps app or connect an external device via HDMI.
Why does PiP only work on YouTube and not on other apps?
This is a MIUI TV firmware restriction, where the manufacturer blocks PiP for most apps except YouTube because of licensing agreements, and the solution is activation through ADB or custom firmware installation.
How to change the position of the PiP window on the screen?
On Xiaomi remote, hold the OK button to drag the window to the right place. Some models also run control through the gamepad (if connected).
Can I use the PiP during the game?
Technically, yes, but only if the game supports background (e.g. Cloud Gaming services). Local games on the Mi Box block the PiP due to the high load on the GPU.
Why does the sound in the PiP turn off when the channels are switched?
This is a feature of Android. TV. When changing the source of the signal (for example, switching to the TV-tuner system automatically redirects the sound to the main stream, the solution is to use external speakers via Bluetooth.