You try to watch YouTube videos and check your messaging in parallel, but the app folds into the background? On Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI shell, there are several ways to launch YouTube in a separate window, from built-in features to workarounds for premium users. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including hidden MIUI settings, multitasking modes and even alternative applications.
It’s important to understand that Google’s official YouTube app blocks background play for users without YouTube Premium. However, smartphone makers (including Xiaomi) are integrating their own tools to circumvent this restriction. We tested all of these on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T devices with the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 — the results are summarized in the comparison table below.
If you're looking for a way to open YouTube for free in a floating window without buying a subscription, this guide is for you. But note: some methods may stop working after app or firmware updates. We'll also reveal the hidden Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode in MIUI, which is not officially documented but works on 90% of Xiaomi devices.
1. Built-in Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode in MIUI
The easiest way to do this is to use the built-in Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature that MIUI has had since version 12, which allows you to unplug the video from the app and move the thumbnail around the screen.
- 🔹 Works only for full-screen video (not in the recommendation tape).
- 🔹 In some models (POCO X3, Redmi 9A) Preliminary inclusion is required in settings.
- 🔹 The sound only continues to play if the YouTube window is active (it may become muted when switching to another app).
How to activate:
- Open the video on YouTube and expand it to the full screen.
- Press the Home button (swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen).
- The video will automatically roll up into a floating window (if the feature is enabled).
MIUI version 12 or later | Floating windows mode enabled in settings | Full-screen video |No sound is muted when folded-->
If the window does not appear, check the settings:
- Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Floating Windows.
- Turn on the "Allow floating windows" switch.
- In the list of applications, find YouTube and activate support for it.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI Global for European Region) PiP may be disabled by default due to Google’s licensing restrictions, in which case resetting YouTube app settings or installing the app will help. MIUI China (not recommended due to lack of Google Services).
2.Use of the "Split Screen" mode
If the PiP doesn’t work or you need to see Telegram chat and video at the same time, use a separate screen.This method is officially supported by MIUI and does not require root rights. Suitable for models with MIUI 11 and later, including Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 12 Lite and POCO M5.
Instructions:
- Open YouTube and start the video.
- Click the “Recent Apps” button (swipe up late or the “square” button).
- Click on the YouTube app icon at the top of the card and select “Separate Screen”.
- Select a second app (like Chrome or WhatsApp) for the bottom of the screen.
| Xiaomi model | Support for PiP | Split Screen Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | PiP works without sound in the background |
| POCO F5 | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | It is required to include in the developer settings |
| Xiaomi 13 Ultra | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | Supports up to 3 floating windows at the same time |
| Redmi 10A | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | PiP is blocked on budget models |
Separate screen limitations:
- 📱 The video will stop if you switch to another window.
- 🔊 The sound only works with an active YouTube window.
- 🔄 Not all versions of YouTube support this mode (tested on version 18.23.36).
Floating window (PiP)|Separate screen|Browser tabs|I don't use it.-->
3. circumventing restrictions through the browser (Chrome/Firefox)
If standard methods don't work, try opening YouTube through a browser, which bypasses the limitations of the official app but requires additional action, best suited for Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox on MIUI.
Step-by-step:
- Open Chrome and go to YouTube.com.
- Run the video and spread it to the full screen.
- Click the Home button – the video will fold into a floating window (if the browser has PiP enabled).
- For Firefox: Go to Settings → Site Settings → Autoplay and allow sound in the background.
Advantages of the method:
- 🎵 The sound continues to play even when the browser is folded.
- 🔄 It works on all Xiaomi models, including the old ones (Redmi 5 Plus, Mi). A2).
- 📱 No need to root or modify the system.
⚠️ Note: In the latest versions of Chrome (starting with 115.0.0), the PiP feature for YouTube may be blocked due to updated Google policies. If the window does not appear, try clearing your browser cache or using Firefox with the "Enhancer for YouTube" extension».
💡
To speed up the loading of videos in the browser, turn on the “For computer” mode in the YouTube site settings (three dots in the upper right corner → “Pack version”).
4. Alternative YouTube Apps
If the built-in MIUI features don't work, consider third-party apps that offer advanced multitasking capabilities but require caution when installing (the risk of blocking a Google account). We tested 3 proven solutions:
- NewPipe (free, no advertising): 🔹 Supports background playback and floating windows. 🔹 No need to have a Google account. 🔹 Available on the official website (not in the Play Market).
- Vanced YouTube (Old, but Works on Older Versions) MIUI): 🔹 Full PiP with sound in the background. 🔹 Blocking ads. 🔹 The project has been closed since 2023, but APK-Files are still available on forums (virus risk!).
ReVanced
Vanced
- 🔹 Compatible with MIUI 14/15.
- 🔹 Requires patching the original APK (instructions on revanced.app).
- Reset the device.
After activation:
- 🔧 Open YouTube, expand the video to the full screen and swipe up to fold into a floating window.
- 🔧 The window can be scaled and moved around the screen.
- 🔧 The sound will play in the background (even when switching to other apps).
⚠️ Attention: Initiation of the regime force_desktop_mode_for_all_apps This can cause some apps to display incorrectly (such as Instagram or banking programs.
💡
Developer settings circumvent YouTube's limitations, but can disrupt MIUI's stability. Use this method only if other methods have failed.
6.Reset YouTube settings and clear cache
If the floating windows stopped working after the app update, the problem could be cache or settings conflict. Try resetting YouTube to factory settings:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find YouTube and click on “Storage”.
- Click on “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data”.
- Reboot your smartphone.
After discharge:
- 🔄 Launch YouTube and re-enable floating windows in settings MIUI.
- 🔄 If you use YouTube Premium, log in again.
- 🔄 Update the app to the latest version in the Play Market.
If the problem persists, check:
- 📱 Updates MIUI (Sometimes the bugs are fixed in new firmware).
- 🔧 Conflict with other applications (e.g. Second Space or Dual Apps).
- 🛠️ Root rights (on rooted devices, PiPs can be blocked).