Xiaomi users have encountered a significant change in their device’s functionality after a recent update. The ability to play YouTube videos in the background, a feature that eliminated the inconvenience of videos pausing when the screen turns off, has been removed. This update has quickly become a point of contention among Xiaomi customers who had enjoyed the feature without needing a YouTube Premium subscription, which costs up to $13.99 monthly for individual access.
The announcement regarding the removal of the “Play video sound with screen off” feature came through Xiaomi’s Mi Fans Telegram channel. The update was attributed to unspecified “compliance requirements.” The feature first became available in Xiaomi devices with the MIUI 12, which is based on Android. Some of Xiaomi’s most popular phones, including the Xiaomi 14 and 13 Pro, are among the affected devices.
Xiaomi has refrained from offering detailed explanations for the removal of this widely appreciated feature, but the reference to “compliance requirements” suggests there may have been external pressures from entities such as Google or other content providers to discontinue the functionality. This speculation has led to increased debate and interest from Xiaomi’s user base.
For users still seeking to play YouTube videos in the background without a screen display, purchasing a YouTube Premium subscription emerges as the sole official option. This subscription not only offers background play but also an ad-free viewing experience and the ability to download videos. Alternatively, third-party apps, like Black Screen, can fulfill similar background play needs, albeit with varied levels of convenience and effectiveness.
Google historically has taken measures to protect the premium features exclusive to YouTube Premium subscribers. A recent instance occurred in November when YouTube decided against users viewing content on its platform alongside the use of ad blockers. This marks a continuing trend wherein features once accessible without subscription costs become locked behind a premium paywall, steering users toward paid services.
