Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the limitations of a standard video service, such as advertising, no playback in the background and the inability to turn off the screen. The solution to these problems lies in modified clients, among which YouTube Vanced is a leader due to its functionality and stability. MIUI HyperOS requires a number of specific actions that differ from the standard installation. APK-file.
The process of implementing a modified client on the Chinese giant’s devices has its own nuances related to the strict security policy of the Android system and the features of optimizing power consumption in MIUI. The user needs not only to find a secure source of the distribution, but also to configure the permissions correctly so that the application works correctly and does not unload from memory. Ignoring these steps can lead to functionality failure or permanent program crashes.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the current installation methods, consider the necessary components like MicroG and pay attention to configuring the system for stable operation. It is important to understand that the official Google Play store does not contain modified versions of applications, so all actions will be performed through the browser and file manager.
YouTube Vanced and compatibility with MIUI
YouTube Vanced is a modified version of the official app, devoid of intrusive advertising and supplemented with premium features. For the Xiaomi ecosystem, this is especially true, since a standard client can consume significant CPU resources when processing advertising inserts.
One key feature is that it works through MicroG, which emulates Google account login, and on Redmi Note or Poco F smartphones, it allows you to synchronize subscriptions and browsing history without installing heavy system components of Google Play Services if they have been removed or disabled. However, global versions of MIUI firmware usually already have the necessary libraries, which makes it easier to do.
It is worth noting that the developers of the original Vanced project have stopped supporting, so users often pay attention to forks such as ReVanced. The principle of their work is similar, but the installation methods may differ. For the current versions of Android 11-14, which are on most current Xiaomi smartphones, it is important to use fresh builds that support new security protocols for the video service.
- 🚀 Complete absence of advertising inserts before and during video viewing.
- 🎵 The function of sound reproduction when the screen is off or in other applications.
- 📺 The ability to view video in the mode of "picture in picture" without restrictions.
- 🔒 Return of the Dislike Counter that was Hidden by Platform Developers.
⚠️ Note: Using modified customers may formally violate the terms of use of YouTube.Although there is no record of mass account blocking, there is always a risk and you act at your own risk.
Preparation of the system and loading sources
Before you start installing, you need to prepare the file system of the Xiaomi smartphone. MIUI prohibits the installation of applications from unknown sources. You will need to manually allow the browser or file manager to install the installation APK-This is a standard procedure that does not require superuser rights or unlock the bootloader.
A critical step is to choose a reliable source of the distribution. There are many sites on the web that offer “hacked” versions that may contain malicious code. It is recommended to use official repositories on platforms like GitHub or trusted Telegram developer communities. Downloading files from random aggregator sites often leads to installation of outdated or modified versions by malicious users.
You should also make sure that the device has the latest version of Google Play Services. In Xiaomi smartphones with global firmware, this component is automatically updated through the Play Store. If you have a Chinese version of firmware without Google services, you must first install the full GApps package or at least basic services for authorization.
☑️ Preparation for installation
It’s convenient to use a built-in MIUI Explorer or a third-party manager like MT Manager for advanced users. Xiaomi’s standard file manager is great at navigating through Download and Android folders, where installation packages are usually stored. Don’t forget to check the Android version in the About Phone settings to download the compatible application architecture (usually arm64-v8a).
Step-by-step: installing MicroG and the application itself
The installation process consists of two main steps: installing the MicroG framework (or Vanced MicroG) and then the YouTube client itself. Without the first component, the application will not be able to sign in to your Google account, which will deprive you of the ability to access subscriptions. On Xiaomi devices with Android 12 and above, this step is a must, since the system strictly controls the interaction between applications.
First, find and download the VancedMicroG.apk file. Open the file through the file manager. The MIUI system will issue a security alert — click OK and allow installation from that source. Wait until the process is complete. If you already have a version of MicroG Services installed from other sources, you may need to delete or update it to a Vanced compatible version.
Then proceed to install the main APK-The logic is the same: open the file, confirm the installation, and in the process, the system can request permission to access the storage or phone — these rights are necessary for caching the video and the function of the picture-in-picture. After installation, do not open the application immediately, first perform system settings.
| Component | Appointment | Necessity |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube Vanced APK | The main application for watching videos | I'll be sure. |
| Vanced MicroG | Service for logging into a Google account | I'll be sure. |
| Vanced Manager | Utility for installation and update (for ReVanced) | Optionally. |
| YouTube Premium | Official subscription (not required for Vanced) | Not required |
⚠️ Note: When installing MicroG on Android 12+ It can ask for installation confirmation multiple times, and it's a Xiaomi security mechanism that requires every user action to be confirmed when working with system components.
What happens if MicroG installation fails?
Permits and Battery Optimization in MIUI
Xiaomi smartphones are known for aggressive energy saving systems that can force the background to close. For YouTube Vanced to play video when the screen is off, you need to exclude it from the battery optimizer. Without this step, the sound will disappear 10-15 minutes after the screen is locked.
To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find YouTube Vanced (or ReVanced) on the list. Go to Activity Control (or Energy Consumption) and select No Limits mode. It is also recommended to enable auto-run for the app so that notifications for new videos arrive on time.
Special attention is paid to permission to display on top of other windows. This feature is necessary for the operation of the Picture-in-Picture mode. In the application permissions menu, find the item "Display on top of other applications" and activate it. On some versions of MIUI, this item may be called "Pop-ups".
- 🔋 Enable "No Limits" mode in the application battery settings.
- 🔔 Allow notifications to be sent to receive notifications about new videos.
- 🖥 Activate the "Master over Other Windows" resolution for PiP mode.
- 📶 Allow background data transfer so that the video is buffered in advance.
After these settings are completed, it is recommended to restart the device, which will allow the MIUI system to correctly index the new power consumption rules for the modified client. If you use a different theme than the standard one and the application interface looks incorrect, try changing the theme to the classic "Basic" in the "Themes" application.
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Without setting "No Limits" in MIUI, the background playback won't work, as the system will kill the process to save energy.
Solving Typical Startup Problems and Errors
One of the most common problems is the Screen Records error or black screen when you try to playback, which is due to DRM protection and the application’s attempt to determine screenshots. In the YouTube Vanced settings in the General → Screenshot Prevention section (or similar), you should turn off screenshot protection if this option is present in your build.
If the app crashes right after launch, check the MicroG version. Often the problem lies in version incompatibility: the new YouTube requires fresh MicroG. It also helps to clean the cache and data of the app itself through the Android settings menu. On Xiaomi, it sometimes helps to remove Google Play Services updates and re-install them through the store.
In case of problems with high-resolution (4K) video playback, make sure that Codec: Override is selected in the codec settings and that mp4 or vp9 is selected depending on your Snapdragon or MediaTek processor support. Dimensity processors in some Redmi models may require decoding settings.
adb shell pm grant com.vanced.android.youtube android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGEThis ADB command may be required in the rare cases where the application can't see files for local playback or can't save settings. It requires enabling USB debugging in the Developer Menu and connecting the phone to the computer. However, 95% of the time, the problem is solved by simply reinstalling MicroG.
⚠️ Warning: If the official YouTube stopped working after installation, don't panic. Delete the official app's data and cache, and then try to log in again. Version conflicts rarely lead to blocking, more often it's just a cache glit.
Alternatives: ReVanced and other modifications
Since Vanced is officially closed, the community has moved to ReVanced, and the main difference is that it doesn't have a ready-made project. APK-The user must patch the original YouTube app using ReVanced Manager, which requires more action, but ensures that the latest and most secure version is available without built-in trackers.
For Xiaomi owners, the patching process can be done directly on the phone. You need to download ReVanced Manager, then download the original YouTube APK (for example, from the APKMirror site, a strictly defined version that the manager recommends), and then the manager will apply the patches and create a new installation file.
Another alternative is SmartTube (formerly SmartTubeNext), but it is designed primarily for Android TVs. However, enthusiasts sometimes adapt it for Xiaomi Pad tablets. For smartphones, the ReVanced + MicroG bundle remains the gold standard, providing a balance between functionality and ease of use.
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When using ReVanced Manager on Xiaomi, be sure to close all background apps before starting the patching, as the process requires significant RAM and CPU resources.
The choice between a ready-made APK Vanced (if you find a verified archive) and a self-assembly of ReVanced depends on your technical background. The first option is faster, the second one is safer and more durable. In any case, both methods allow you to bypass the restrictions imposed by the standard application, returning full control over the content browsing.