How to listen to YouTube in the background on Xiaomi: the complete guide

The modern rhythm of life dictates its rules, and often users of Xiaomi smartphones need to listen to music, lectures or podcasts from YouTube, while using other applications in parallel or with the screen turned off. Standard platform policy limits this feature by requiring a Premium subscription, but the Android ecosystem, and in particular the MIUI shell or HyperOS, provides a number of opportunities to bypass these restrictions. Owners of Redmi and Poco devices often face aggressive battery optimization that can interrupt playback, so it is important to understand not only how to launch, but also the correct configuration of the system.

In this article, we will take a closer look at all the current methods of playing YouTube audio in the background on Xiaomi devices in 2026, we will look at both regular browser functions and specialized clients, and we will pay special attention to energy saving settings, which are key to the stable operation of background processes on Snapdragon and MediaTek chipsets. Understanding these nuances will allow you to enjoy content without interruptions, regardless of the model of your smartphone.

It is worth noting that the methods can vary depending on the version of the operating system installed and the regional features of Google services. Some methods require minimal technical literacy, while others are available immediately after installing the application. The main thing is to configure the permissions correctly so that the system does not “kill” the audio playback process, considering it a background task that is not important for the user.

Use of browsers with Picture-in-Picture support

The easiest and safest way to do this, without having to install third-party software or obtain root rights, is to use mobile browsers that support picture-in-picture mode. The Google Chrome browser, which is often preinstalled on Xiaomi devices, can run video in a floating window that continues to play sound even after it’s folded.

However, to make this method work consistently on the MIUI shell, you need to check the appropriate permissions. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps → Chrome (or your main browser). Find the option “Additional permissions” and make sure that the switch “Picture-in-Picture” is activated. Without this permission, the system can force the video stream to stop when switching between windows.

An alternative to a standard browser is Mozilla Firefox or Brave, which have built-in ad blocking and background playback features. Firefox, for example, can install an add-on that compulsorily includes a desktop version of a site where the background function is more stable, especially if YouTube's standard mobile interface blocks playback when the screen is dead.

⚠️ Note: When using the browser method, the sound quality may be limited by the site settings, and the traffic consumption will be higher than in the native application, since the video stream loads even if the screen is turned off.

It is also important to consider the settings of the shell itself. In some versions of HyperOS, the PiP function may conflict with the Floating Windows. If the video does not fold, try turning off the browser battery optimization in the Activity Control menu, which will allow the process to stay active longer.

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To save battery power when listening in the background through the browser, reduce the video quality to 144p or 240p in the player settings before turning off the screen.

Configuring MIUI energy saving for background tasks

A key challenge faced by Xiaomi smartphone owners when trying to listen to YouTube in the background is MIUI's aggressive energy saving policy.The system seeks to maximize battery life by forcibly closing apps that use the network and audio stream when the screen goes out.To avoid interrupting playback, you need to manually set priorities for the application being used.

The first step is to turn off battery savings for a particular application. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance (or simply “Battery”). Find an app on the list that you’re listening to music (like YouTube, Brave or a modified client). Click on it and select “No Limits” mode, which will prevent the system from “killing” the process even if it consumes significant resource.

The second important option is autorun. In the same app settings menu, find Autorun and activate it. While this seems counterintuitive to a media player, in the Xiaomi ecosystem, it often helps to lock a process into memory and prevent it from being completed by an Apple Killer service.

Also worth paying attention to is the Advanced Cleanup feature, which in some regions can be turned on by default and clears the memory when you lock the screen. Turn it off in the security settings if you notice that the music stops a few minutes after the display is turned off.

Remember that setting up the No Limits mode will lead to increased battery consumption if the application is actively using the network, but to listen to music, this is a necessary sacrifice for the sake of stability.

Alternative clients: ReVanced and NewPipe

For users who want to experience as close as possible to a native app but with enhanced functionality, there are modified clients, with YouTube ReVanced being the leader in this niche for 2026. This is not a ready-made application that can be simply downloaded, but a patcher that modifies the official one. APK-YouTube file, embedding Premium features including background playback, ad blocking and SponsorBlock.

ReVanced installation process for Xiaomi requires official download APK-Youtube file (patch-compatible version) and the ReVanced Manager app itself. Once you patch it, you get a fully functional application that works as a standalone instance, and it fully supports the background mode out of the box, because it's embedded in the patch code.

Another popular alternative is NewPipe or its forks, such as LibreTube, which use their own APIs to play content without requiring Google Play services. This provides a high degree of privacy and minimal resource consumption. The background function here is native and works very stable, allowing you to listen to music even when the application is closed.

⚠️ Attention: Installation of modified APK-Files from unverified sources carry security risks. Always use the official GitHub developer repositories and check the digital signatures of the files.

It is worth noting that if you use alternative clients, you will not be able to log into your main Google account the way you do in the official app without the risk of being blocked. RSS-This is a good compromise for many users.

Compatibility issues with HyperOS and Android 15/16

With the release of new versions of Android 15 and 16, and Xiaomi’s transition to HyperOS, background controls have become even stricter. Google has imposed restrictions on access to IDs and background networks, which can disrupt some of the bypassing techniques, and in particular, changes in the MediaSession API can cause the music controller to disappear from the lock screen.

Xiaomi users often report that after updating the firmware, the background playback in the browser stops working.This is due to an update to the Android System WebView component. The solution to the problem often lies in updating this system component through the Google Play Store or, conversely, in removing its updates if the new version contains bugs.

HyperOS also introduced the Advanced Memory feature, which uses a portion of the drive as RAM, which in some scenarios may lead to more frequent downloading of background applications. If you encounter constant interruptions to music, try disabling the memory extension in the About Phone settings and restarting the device.

It is important to keep an eye on the updates to the apps themselves. Browser developers and alternative clients are quick to respond to changes to Android. If the method stopped working after the system update, check for a new version of the software used. Older versions may simply not support the new YouTube security protocols.

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The compatibility of the methods depends on the version of Android and MIUI/HyperOS. What worked a year ago may require a reconfiguration after a major system update.

Comparison of reproduction methods

Choosing the best way to listen to YouTube in the background on Xiaomi depends on your priorities: security, convenience, no advertising or sound quality. Below is a comparison of the main methods discussed in the article so that you can choose the right one for your use case.

Official methods, such as browsers, are the most secure but may be less convenient due to advertising and a lack of integration with the system media management buttons.Modified clients offer a better user experience but require trust in the download source and manual installation.

For most users who don’t want to go into technical details, a browser method with the right MIUI resolutions will be the “middle ground.” For enthusiasts who appreciate a clean interface and no trackers, open-source clients like LibreTube will be the ideal choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)