How to enable installation from unknown sources on Xiaomi: where to look for settings in MIUI

Installing apps from unknown sources on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most popular features for users who want to bypass the limitations of Google Play. However, after the MIUI 12-14 updates, the path to this setting became less obvious: the manufacturer moved it deep into the security menu, and in some versions even divided the firmware into separate applications. If you are trying to install an.apk file, but the system blocks the process with the message “Installation is blocked” – this article will help you understand exactly where the resolution is hidden and how to activate it correctly.

It is important to understand that MIUI (the shell of Xiaomi) has several options for the location of this option depending on the firmware version and device model. For example, on the Redmi Note 11 with MIUI 13, the path will differ from the POCO X5 Pro on MIUI 14. We will look at all the current methods, including hidden nuances for Chinese versions of firmware (China ROM), where security settings often differ from the global ones.

Also in the article you will find answers to common questions: why the option may not be on the menu, how to circumvent restrictions for specific applications (for example, Chrome or File Manager), and what to do if the installation is still blocked after activating the permission. For convenience, we have prepared step-by-step instructions with screenshots (links to them in the relevant sections) and a compatibility table for popular Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models.

Why Xiaomi is hiding permission to install APK?

The manufacturer restricts installation from unknown sources for a reason, as part of a security policy aimed at:

• 🛡️ Malware protection:.apk files from unverified sources may contain viruses or spyware modules.
• 📱 Google Compliance: To Certify Devices for Google Mobile Services (GMS) It is necessary to limit the installation of third-party applications.
• 🔄 Ecosystem Control: Xiaomi is promoting its own app store GetApps, where all programs are moderated.

However, these restrictions create inconveniences for experienced users who want to:

• 📲 Install beta versions of apps (such as Telegram X or WhatsApp Business) before the official release).
• 🎮 Use modified games (Minecraft) PE modular, GTA San Andreas with improved graphics).
• 🔧 Test custom firmware or patches (e.g. Magisk for root rights).

In the latest versions of MIUI 13/14, Xiaomi has gone a step further: APK installation permissions can be issued not globally, but only for a specific application (e.g. File Manager or Chrome only), which complicates the process but makes it more flexible.

Where is the APK installation permit in MIUI 14 (2026)

The latest version of the shell changed the way it was set up, and it depends on how you try to install the.apk file, and let's look at both scenarios.

Method 1: Global resolution (for all applications)

This method works on most devices with MIUI 14 (including Xiaomi 13/13 Pro, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5):

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Special Access.
4. Slip on the item Install unknown applications.
5. Select the application you will install APK through (such as File Manager or Chrome).
6. Activate the switch Allow installation from this source.

Important! MIUI 14 doesn't have global permission for all applications anymore, so you have to give permission to each application separately, for example, if you downloaded an APK via Telegram, you need to include permission for Telegram, not for the file manager.

Method 2: Permission for a specific file manager

If you use a third-party file manager (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Manager), you can:

1. Try installing APK through this manager.
2. When the error "Installation is blocked", click Settings in the warning window.
3. The system will automatically redirect you to the permissions menu for this application.
4. Activate the switch and repeat the installation.

On some devices (e.g. Redmi 10C with MIUI 13), the path may look different:

Settings → Memory → Files → Settings (⋮) → Install unknown applications

Download. APK proven|Check the file for viruses (for example, via VirusTotal)|Battery charge > 30%|Turn it off. VPN (may block the installation)-->

Features for Chinese firmware (China ROM)

If your Xiaomi is running on the Chinese version of MIUI (without Google services), the path to customization will be different, and the manufacturer is even more strict on security, so:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Go to Authorization and Lockdown.
3. Find the Installation from Unknown Sources (can be called Unknown Sources).
4. Turn on the switch and confirm the action with a password / fingerprint (if requested).

Warning: In China ROM, once this permission is activated, the system may require a Mi Account to be linked to verify your identity, and if you do not have a Chinese phone number, this process can be difficult.

⚠️ Attention, on devices from China ROM Install Google Play Services through APK This may result in the blocking of Mi Account due to violation of the usage policy, in which case it is recommended to first unlock the bootloader and flash the global version. MIUI.

What if the option "Install unknown applications" is not available?

If you don’t find the right item on the menu, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔒 Corporate Policy Limitations: On some devices (such as service phones), the administrator can disable this option via Android Enterprise.
• 📱 An outdated version MIUI: on MIUI 11 and below the path to settings is different: Settings → Additionally. → Confidentiality → Unknown sources
• 🛠️ Modified firmware: If you use custom software (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), your settings may be in the standard Android menu: → Annexes → Application settings (⚙) → Special access → Installation of unknown applications

If the item is missing, try these solutions:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Reset the settings to factory (pre-back up!) Sometimes this brings back hidden options.
3. Use it. ADB (Adb shell settings put global settings install_non_market_apps 1 This command compulsorily includes installation from unknown sources at the system level.

Security: How to install APK without risking your device

Activating the installation from unknown sources opens up potential vulnerabilities to minimize the risks:

• 🔍 Check files before installation: Use VirusTotal to scan APK. Check the hash file (SHA-256) official source.
• 🛡️ Install antivirus: for example, Malwarebytes or built-in security MIUI (But don't rely on him alone!).
• 🔄 Turn off permission after installation: Return the switch to off position to close a potential malware loophole.

Warning: Never install APKs from these sources:

• 🚫 Sites with “hacked” versions of paid applications (Trojan risk).
• 🚫 Telegram channels with “mods” for games (often containing mining scripts).
• 🚫 File sharing with suspicious links (e.g. apk*monk or black*mod).

If the application requests unusual permissions after installation (such as SMS or calculator geolocation access), remove it immediately and check the device for viruses.

💡

Before installing an APK, turn off mobile internet and Wi-Fi. Some malware is only activated when you first connect to the network.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after you turn on the permission, users have problems.

If none of the solutions worked, try:

1. Install APK via ADB: adb install path/to/file.apk
2. Temporarily disable Google Play Protect in Google Play settings.
3. Try another file manager (e.g. Total Commander).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

💡

MIUI 14 doesn't give APK permission globally, but for each application, which makes it more complicated, but it makes it more secure.