You try to watch YouTube videos and check your messaging at the same time, but the app keeps rolling back into the background? Picture-in-Picture (PiP) is the perfect solution, but Xiaomi and Google put restrictions on it. In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to run YouTube over other windows on Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones — from standard MIUI settings to bypassing locks through ADB and third-party apps.
The problem is that YouTube has blocked PiPs for non-premium users, and MIUI has sometimes ignored Android system settings. We tested methods with MIUI 14/15 (including HyperOS) and highlighted those that work consistently. Importantly, some solutions require developer rights or additional utilities — but the result is worth it.
Why YouTube is not working in picture-in-picture mode on Xiaomi
The main reason is Google’s policy: Since 2018, the PiP mode in the official YouTube app is available only:
- 🔴 YouTube Premium subscribers (from 299) ₽/moss).
- 🔴 YouTube Music Premium (in some regions).
- 🔴 On individual videos (advertising or from program partners).
The second problem is MIUI. Even if you turn on PiP in your Android settings, Xiaomi’s shell can:
- 📱 Ignore the system switch due to battery optimization.
- 📱 Block background application activity (AutoStart function).
- 📱 Reset settings after updates.
Fortunately, there are workarounds. Below are 5 proven methods, from simple to complex.
Method 1: Enabling PiP through MIUI settings (without root)
The safest way is to use the built-in MIUI features. It is suitable for most models (Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11 Lite and later) and does not require superuser rights.
Steps:
- Open Settings → Special features → Picture mode in the picture.
- Activate the slider Mode picture in the picture.
- Go back to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find YouTube, open Additional → Display on top of other windows and allow.
- Launch the video on YouTube, click Home – the video should curl up into a small window.
⚠️ If the window disappears immediately, check it out:
- 🔋 Battery settings: Settings → Battery → Choice of applications → YouTube → No restrictions.
- 🔄 Autostart: Settings → Annexes → Application management → YouTube → Auto-start (enable).
☑️ Preparation for the PiP in MIUI
This method works on 60-70% of Xiaomi devices, but may not work on older versions of MIUI (below 12.5) or when the Game Turbo Mode is active.
Method 2: Use YouTube Vanced (alternative client)
YouTube Vanced is a modified version of the official app with unblocked PiP, no adverts and background playback. Alas, the project is closed in 2022, but its forks (ReVanced, Vanilla Music) continue to work.
How to determine:
- Download APK ReVanced from the official revanced.app website (arm64 version is suitable for all Xiaomi on Snapdragon).
- Delete the official YouTube (or disable updates in the Play Market).
- Install ReVanced.apk and MicroG (to log in to your Google account).
- Start the video, click Home – PiP will work without Premium.
⚠️ Attention: When using ReVanced:
- 🚫 Don’t update your app through the Play Market – it will fly.
- 🔒 Google account login may require MicroG (set it separately).
- 🛡️ The risk of blocking an account is minimal, but Google could theoretically ban the use of unofficial customers.
What to do if ReVanced does not start?
| Method | Premium is required. | It's working on MIUI 15. | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard PiP (MIUI) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | It may not work for some models. |
| YouTube Vanced/ReVanced | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | Unofficial software, possible blocking |
| Browser PiP (Chrome) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | Limited functionality |
| ADB-team | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | Requires PC and debugging over USB |
Method 3: PiP via browser (Chrome, Firefox, Kiwi)
If you do not want to install third-party applications, you can use the browser mode PiP. It works in Google Chrome, Firefox and Kiwi Browser (we recommend the latter – it supports Chrome extensions).
Instructions for Chrome/Kiwi:
- Open m.youtube.com in your browser.
- Run the video in full screen mode.
- Click Home and the video will be rolled up into the PiP window.
- (Optional) In Kiwi Browser, install the Enhancer for YouTube extension for additional features.
⚠️ Note: In the browser, the PiP can:
- 🎵 Do not keep your viewing history.
- 🔊 Turn off the sound when folding (solved in the browser settings).
- 🚫 Not working with 4K-Video (limiting the mobile version of the site).
💡
Kiwi Browser can enable the Desktop mode (in the browser menu) to bypass the limitations of the mobile version of YouTube.
Method 4: PiP resolution via ADB (for advanced)
If the standard methods don't work, you can force PiP to be enabled via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and USB Debugging enabled, but gives 100% results.
Steps:
- Enable USB Debugging: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging by USB
- Connect your smartphone to your PC, open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux).
- Enter the command: adb shell settings put global force_pip_on_all_apps true
- Reboot the phone.
The PiP will then be available for YouTube and other apps, and to undo the changes, do:
adb shell settings put global force_pip_on_all_apps false⚠️ Attention: When in use ADB:
- 🖥️ Requires a computer and installed drivers Xiaomi.
- 🔧 Incorrect commands can disrupt the system.
- 🔄 After resetting settings or updating MIUI You have to repeat the procedure.
💡
ADB-It's the most reliable method, but it requires technical skills. If you're not sure, use ReVanced or browser-based.
Method 5: Third-Party Applications for PiP (Alternatives)
If nothing helps, try the specialized utilities:
- 📺 Floating YouTube (Play Market) — creates a floating window on top of other apps.
- 🖥️ PiP Tool is a universal solution for PiP on any application. ADB fully functional.
- 🌐 NewPipe (F-Droid) is an open YouTube client with PiP and background play.
⚠️ Note: Applications from third-party sources (APKMirror, F-Droid) can be used to:
- 🛡️ Require additional permissions (e.g. access to notifications).
- 🔄 Conflict with the official YouTube.
- 🚫 Violate Google’s Terms of Use (the risk of blocking your account is minimal, but there is a risk of blocking your account).
Frequent problems and solutions
Even after setting up the PiP, there may be failures.-5 mistakes and their solutions:
- The PiP window disappears immediately. ✅ Check the battery settings (No restrictions for YouTube) and auto-run.
- No sound in the rolled-up window. ✅ Enable Sound in the background in the application settings (for ReVanced or browser).
- PiP only works with some videos. ✅ Google's Restriction: Use ReVanced or NewPipe.
- After updating MIUI The PiP has stopped working. ✅ Repeat the setting through ADB Or reinstall ReVanced.
- The PiP window doesn't move ✅ V MIUI Hold the window with two fingers to drag and drop.
If the problem persists, try resetting the app settings:
- Go to Settings → Apps → YouTube → Storage.
- Click Clear the cache and Reset the settings.
- Reboot the phone.