Mastering Multi-Tasking: How to Play Videos While on Your Samsung Phone

In a world where our smartphones serve as powerful mini-computers, the ability to multitask is increasingly vital. One common need for many smartphone users is to play videos while using other applications or performing different tasks on their devices. Whether you wish to watch your favorite YouTube video while replying to messages or enjoy an entertaining movie while browsing social media, Samsung phones offer several features to help you achieve this. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various methods for playing videos on your Samsung device effectively, ensuring that you can make the most of your screen time without interruptions.

Table of Contents

Understanding Samsung’s Video Playback Features

Before diving into how to play videos while engaged in other activities, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the built-in features available on Samsung devices. Samsung phones run on the Android operating system and offer unique tools that enhance the multimedia experience.

1. Picture-in-Picture Mode

One of the most convenient ways to play videos while using other apps is through the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode. This feature allows videos to play in a small, resizable window that appears above other applications.

How to Enable Picture-in-Picture Mode

To utilize Picture-in-Picture mode on your Samsung phone, follow these steps:

Open Settings: Launch the settings app on your device.
Select Apps: Scroll down and tap on “Apps.”
Choose the App: Find the app you want to enable PiP for, such as YouTube, Google Maps, etc.
Tap on Advanced: Look for “Advanced” settings and click on it.
Enable PiP: Toggle the option for “Allow Picture-in-Picture” to ON.

With this feature enabled, you can watch videos seamlessly while navigating through different applications.

2. Multitasking with Split Screen Mode

Another valuable feature on Samsung devices is Split Screen Mode. This option allows you to run two apps simultaneously on the same screen. It’s perfect for when you want to watch videos while still being able to scroll through your messages or list applications.

How to Use Split Screen Mode

To activate Split Screen Mode:

Open Recent Apps: Tap the Recent Apps button at the bottom of your screen.
Select the First App: Find the video app you want to use (like YouTube or your preferred video player).
Activate Split Screen: Tap the app’s icon at the top and select “Open in split screen view.”
Select the Second App: Choose the other app you want to open from Recents or the app drawer.

Your screen will split in half, allowing you to enjoy the video while using the other app simultaneously.

Exploring Third-Party Apps

If the built-in features of Samsung devices do not fully meet your requirements, consider exploring third-party applications designed to enhance video playback and multitasking capabilities.

1. Floating Video Players

Many floating video player apps are available on the Play Store that allow videos to be played in a pop-up window above other applications. These apps often enable a more customized viewing experience.

2. YouTube Premium for Background Playback

If you often watch videos on YouTube, consider subscribing to YouTube Premium. This subscription offers various benefits, including the ability to play videos in the background even when you exit the app.

Benefits of YouTube Premium

Ad-Free Experience: Enjoy uninterrupted viewing without commercials.
Offline Playback: Download videos to watch them later without an internet connection.
Background Play: Listen to videos or music while using other apps.

Utilizing YouTube Premium can significantly enhance your video watching experience while multitasking.

Optimizing Video Playback Settings

For an optimal viewing experience on Samsung devices, consider adjusting the video playback settings. Tuning the performance settings affects how smoothly videos run while multitasking.

1. Adjusting Video Resolution

If you notice lagging while playing videos in the background, consider reducing the video resolution. Higher resolutions can consume more resources and may slow down other applications. Here’s how you can change settings:

Open the video app (e.g., YouTube).
Begin playing a video, tap on the three dots icon, and navigate to “Quality.”
Choose a lower quality setting, such as 720p or even 480p to enhance performance while multitasking.

2. Clearing App Cache

Another essential step is to clear the cache of the apps involved in video playback. Clearing cache helps improve performance by removing unnecessary data:

Go to Settings: Open the settings app on your Samsung phone.
Select Apps: Tap on “Apps.”
Choose the App: Select the video app you wish to clear the cache for (like YouTube or your media player).
Storage: Tap on “Storage” and select “Clear Cache.”

This practice can help troubleshoot potential issues while playing videos in parallel with other tasks.

Additional Tips for Smooth Video Playback

To further enhance your Samsung device’s video playback experience while multitasking, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Maintain an Updated Software

Regularly updating your Samsung device ensures you benefit from the latest features and improvements provided by Samsung and Android. To check for software updates:

Open Settings and scroll to Software Update.
Tap on Download and Install.

Keeping your device updated can eliminate bugs and enhance performance.

2. Free Up Storage Space

Having limited storage space can affect performance. Regularly delete old videos, unused apps, and files you no longer need. You can check storage status by going to Settings, then tapping on Device Care and Storage.

3. Close Background Applications

To allocate more resources to your video playback, consider closing unnecessary background applications before starting your video. This step helps improve overall device performance and ensures smoother video playback.

Conclusion

Playing videos while using other applications on your Samsung phone is an achievable goal that can enhance your productivity and entertainment experience. By employing features like Picture-in-Picture mode, Split Screen Mode, and utilizing third-party apps, you can multitask brilliantly. Additionally, optimizing settings, keeping your software updated, and ensuring ample device storage, will contribute to smoother video playback.

With these strategies, you will become a multitasking master, fully leveraging your Samsung phone’s capabilities to watch videos while engaging with other apps effortlessly. Whether for leisure or productivity, your Samsung device is equipped to ensure that you never miss a moment!

What are the basic steps to play videos while multitasking on my Samsung phone?

To play videos while multitasking on your Samsung phone, start by opening the video app you want to use, such as YouTube or your gallery. Simply select the video you wish to watch and start playback. Once the video is playing, swipe down from the top of the screen to access the notification panel and look for the video playback controls.

Next, tap the minimize button or select the “Picture-in-Picture” (PiP) option, depending on the app. The video will shrink down into a small, movable window that you can adjust anywhere on the screen. This allows you to open other apps and continue using your phone while keeping an eye on your video content.

Can I use any video app for multitasking, or are there limitations?

While many video apps support multitasking features, not all of them offer Picture-in-Picture mode. Apps like YouTube, Netflix, and VLC Player typically allow this functionality, enabling users to watch videos while working on other tasks. However, lesser-known or less updated apps might not support this feature, so it’s recommended to check if the app you’re using is compatible.

To find out if an app supports multitasking, you can consult the app’s settings or perform a quick online search regarding its features. Additionally, keeping your apps updated ensures you have the latest functionalities, including improved multitasking capabilities.

How does Picture-in-Picture mode work on Samsung phones?

Picture-in-Picture mode is a feature that allows video playback to continue in a small floating window while you navigate other applications on your Samsung phone. When activated, the video will minimize automatically after you take another action on your phone, such as opening another app or returning to the home screen. You can move the window around and drag it to various corners of the screen.

To enable this feature, ensure you have the latest version of the video app installed and that Picture-in-Picture is activated in your phone’s settings. You can find this option by going to Settings > Apps > [Your App] > Permissions, and then toggle the Picture-in-Picture to ‘Allow’. This simple adjustment ensures you can enjoy videos seamlessly while managing other tasks.

Are there any performance issues when multitasking with videos on my phone?

Multitasking with videos can consume significant system resources, depending on the device’s specifications and the apps being used. Higher-resolution videos, combined with multiple apps running simultaneously, may lead to reduced performance or lag, especially on older or low-end devices. If you notice performance drops, it might be beneficial to close any unnecessary applications running in the background.

Generally, modern Samsung phones are designed to handle multitasking fairly well, thanks to enhancements in RAM and processing power. Still, if you experience slowdowns, consider reducing the number of apps running at once or opting for lower-quality video playback to maintain a smoother user experience.

Does multitasking affect battery life on my Samsung phone?

Yes, multitasking, particularly when playing videos in the background, can impact your phone’s battery life. Continuous playback, especially at high resolutions, requires more energy from your device, leading to quicker battery drain. The extent of this battery consumption can vary based on the video quality, the app used, and how many other apps are running simultaneously.

To mitigate battery drain while multitasking, consider adjusting the video quality settings within the app to a lower resolution, and close any apps that are not in use. You might also activate Battery Saver mode in your settings to help prolong your phone’s battery life while multitasking.

What should I do if Picture-in-Picture mode isn’t working on my Samsung phone?

If Picture-in-Picture mode isn’t functioning as expected on your Samsung phone, the first step is to check whether the feature is enabled for the specific app you’re using. Go to Settings > Apps > [Your App] > Advanced > Picture-in-Picture and ensure it is turned on. Additionally, verify that your phone and the app are both updated to the latest versions.

If the settings are correct and the feature is still not working, try restarting your phone. This often resolves minor software glitches. If the problem persists, consider reinstalling the app or checking for any specific app permissions that might be limiting its functionality.