Watching locked-screen YouTube videos is one of the most popular features among Xiaomi users, but the standard app blocks playback when the display is turned off. The reasons are simple: saving traffic, copyright protection, and Google's restrictions on free accounts. However, there are several ways to get around these restrictions on MIUI smartphones, from built-in features to third-party utilities.
In this article, we will discuss 7 proven methods, including official settings. MIUI, utilization ADB-commands, alternative players and even hidden YouTube Premium chips (no charge). MIUI 12-15 and models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Pro. Important: some methods require permission to install from unknown sources or temporary connection to the PC.
1. Enabling background playback through MIUI settings
The easiest way is to use the built-in AutoRun feature in MIUI, which allows some apps to run in the background, but YouTube requires additional setup:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 Find YouTube in the list and tap it.
- 🔄 Enable the options: "Stop", "Second Start" and "Show notifications".
- 🎵 Run the video on YouTube, then lock the screen – the sound must continue (does not work on all models).
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (For example, for the European region, this function can be disabled at the system level.
2.Use of the "Share-in-Picture" mode
MIUI supports Picture-in-Picture (PiP) for some apps, but YouTube blocks it by default.
- Open the video on YouTube and click Home (Home button or gesture).
- If the video window folds into a small player, then PiP works (relevant to YouTube Premium).
- For free accounts: install ReVanced (modified YouTube with PiP support).
🔹 Note: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ You may need additional permission for the PiP. Go to Settings for this. → Special facilities → Picture-in-Picture and enable the option for YouTube.
Make sure multitasking mode is enabled|Update YouTube to the latest version|Allow PiP in the settings MIUI|Reboot the smartphone after the changes-->
3. ADB-commands to unlock background
If the previous methods failed, you can force backup play through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but you need to:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
- 📲 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap the assembly number → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
Next, run commands in cmd (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux):
adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1
adb shell am force-stop com.google.android.youtube
adb shell pm grant com.google.android.youtube android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE🔹 Result: YouTube will play audio in the background after the smartphone reboot.This method works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, but may reset after the update MIUI.
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
4. Alternative players with background mode
If standard YouTube stubbornly refuses to work in the background, use the side of the application:
| Annex | Features | Reference | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| NewPipe | Open source, no advertising, background playout out of the box | newpipe.net | There is no official Google account, sometimes it is not |
| Vanced MicroG | Modified YouTube with PiP and background | revanced.app | Requires manual installation, can be blocked |
| SkyTube | Private browsing without a Google account, background mode | skytube-app.com | The interface is outdated, there are no functions |
⚠️ Attention: Installation APK Before downloading, check the hash of the file on VirusTotal and use only official developer sites.
5. Using a browser requesting a desktop version
The mobile version of YouTube in the browser blocks background play, but the desktop version of this restriction is not.
- Open Chrome or Firefox on your smartphone.
- Go to YouTube.com.
- Press. ⋮ → Desktop version (in Chrome) or ⋮ → Request the full version (in Firefox).
- Run the video and lock the screen – the sound will play.
🔹 Advice: Add the site to the main screen through ⋮ → Add to the main screen to quickly open YouTube in desktop mode.
💡
If the video in the browser is interrupted when the screen is locked, try turning off the battery saving for Chrome in the MIUI settings (Settings → Battery → Charge Saving → Applications).
6. Setup via Tasker or MacroDroid
For advanced users, automation using Tasker or MacroDroid is suitable, and these applications can emulate taps or block the screen from turning off when playing:
- 🤖 Install MacroDroid (free of charge).
- 📝 Create a macro with the condition: The application is running → YouTube.
- 🔧 Add Action: Disable Screen Lock or Emulate Pressing Home".
- 🔄 Save and test.
📌 MacroDroid macro example:
Trigger: Application launched (YouTube)
Condition: Audio is played back
Action: Block the screen off (for 30 minutes)7. circumventing restrictions via VPN (for some regions)
In some countries (such as India or Turkey), YouTube allows background play for free accounts.
- Install a VPN (like ProtonVPN or Windscribe).
- Connect to a server in India or the Philippines.
- Open YouTube and launch the video – now it will play in the background.
⚠️ Note: This method may violate YouTube's user agreement, use it at your own risk, and note that playback speeds may be affected by a remote server.
💡
The most reliable ways for Xiaomi — ADB-commands and alternative players (NewPipe, Vanced). VPN They are unstable and may stop functioning after updates.