Install applications from unknown sources on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO Black Shark – a procedure that every user who wants to install APK-The file is not on Google Play, although MIUI It blocks these settings by default, it takes less than a minute to unlock them -- if you know where to look for the settings you want to use (MIUI 12/13/14) The path to these parameters is changing, and some models (for example, Xiaomi) are changing. 13T pro POCO F5) Additional levels of protection.
In this article - current for 2026 ways to unlock for all versions MIUI, including hidden nuances for Chinese firmware and devices with Global ROM. We will not only discuss the standard path through security settings, but also alternative methods for cases where the option is blocked (for example, on corporate phones). APK unverified.
Why is Xiaomi blocking the installation from unknown sources?
According to Xiaomi Security Report 2023, more than 40% of Android viruses are spread through third-party viruses. APK-files disguised as popular apps (e.g. modified versions of WhatsApp or TikTok) MIUI Uses several levels of protection:
- 🔍 Verification of signature APK — Blocks files with corrupted or fake digital signatures.
- 🛡️ Real-time scanner – analyzes the behavior of the installed application (only works on Global) ROM and EEA ROM).
- 🔒 Source Restriction – Allows installation only from trusted stores (Google Play, Mi App Store).
But these measures are not perfect. For example, on Chinese firmware (China ROM), the virus scanner is turned off by default, and POCO users often face false positives when installing modified games (such as Genshin Impact with increased graphics), so the ability to manually manage permissions remains relevant.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Russia (version after 2023) may require additional confirmation through the SMS first-installation APK. This is not a mistake, but it is how the Mi Protect system works.
Standard method: MIUI security settings
The most reliable method is to use the built-in MIUI settings. The instructions are suitable for all modern models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Pro, etc.), but may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell.
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
- At the top of the screen, select the Special Permissions tab.
- Find Installation from Unknown Sources (in MIUI 14 it may be called Install Unknown Applications).
- Select the application you plan to install APK through (such as File Manager, Chrome or Telegram).
- Activate the switch Allow installation from this source.
Then you can download it. APK-files and install them through the selected application. MIUI 13/14 The permission is only valid for a specific source, for example, if you have allowed installation through Chrome, but try to open the file through the File Manager, the system will block the process again.
Download the file to your device (do not open directly from your browser)|Check the file extension (should be.apk)|Disable the VPN (can block signature verification)|Battery charge of at least 30% (to avoid crashes)
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Alternative methods of unlocking
If the standard method doesn’t work (for example, the option is blocked by the device administrator), try one of the alternative methods, which are suitable for corporate phones, devices with parental control or Chinese firmware (China ROM).
Method 1: Through ADB (for power users)
This method requires you to connect to your computer and have the USB Debugging mode enabled, and it bypasses the system's limitations, but resets the settings after you reboot.
adb shell settings put global install_non_market_apps 1Once you've run the command, restart the device. To keep the changes going, you'll need root rights.
Method 2: Installation via Mi App Store
In China ROM, instead of Google Play, the Mi App Store is used, which allows you to install APKs from local files:
- Open the Mi App Store.
- Click on the profile icon → Settings → Local installation.
- Choose the downloaded one. APK-file.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Black Shark) 5 Pro, Redmi K60 Ultra: This method only works for APK Attempting to install a third-party app will cause an error INSTALL_FAILED_VERIFICATION_FAILURE.
Global ROM|China ROM|EEA ROM|Castomic (e.g. PixelExperience)|I don't know-->
Features for different versions of MIUI
The path to settings for the installation of unknown sources changed with the release of new versions of MIUI. The table below is the current data for popular versions of the shell (2020-2026).
| MIUI version | The path to settings | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 | Settings → Privacy → Special permissions → Installation of unknown applications | Password/fingerprint confirmation is required when first enabled. |
| MIUI 13 | Settings → Applications → Application Management → Special Permissions → Installation from Unknown Sources | Reputation checker (only works on Global ROM) |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → Applications → Special permissions → Installation of unknown applications | Chinese firmware requires a binding Mi Account to unlock. |
| MIUI for POCO | Settings → System → Additional → Privacy → Installation of unknown applications | On some models (POCO F4 GT) the option is hidden in the developer menu. |
If your version of MIUI is not listed in the table, use the search by settings: enter in the search bar (at the top of the settings screen) the request to install unknowns - the system will show the current path.
What to do if the option is not in the settings?
How to minimize risks when installing an APK
Allowing installations from unknown sources opens up potential vulnerabilities, according to Kaspersky, one in five in 2023 APK-The third-party file contained adware or spyware to protect the device:
- 🔐 Check the hash amount of the file – compare MD5/SHA-1 with official data (for example, on the developer's website).
- 🛡️ Use antivirus – Malwarebytes or built-in Mi Security Scan (available in Settings) → My device. → Security check).
- 📱 Only provide the necessary permits if APK requires access SMS geolocation for no reason, it is suspicious.
- 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — In new versions, vulnerabilities are fixed (for example, in the MIUI 14.0.5 Closed gap allowing bypassing signature verification).
On devices with Chinese firmware (China ROM) disabled built-in antivirus, so the risk of infection is 2-3 times higher. If you often install APK, consider switching to Global ROM or using custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) with enhanced protection.
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Before you install an APK, check it on VirusTotal. Upload the file to your site and wait for 50+ antivirus analysis. If 2 to 3 show a threat, don't install the application.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When installing an APK from unknown sources, Xiaomi users encounter common errors, and here is a list of the most common problems and ways to fix them.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| INSTALL_FAILED_VERIFICATION_FAILURE | A damaged APK signature or MIUI lock. | Download the file again or use ADB install. |
| App not installed | Conflict with the already installed version. | Remove the old app and re-install. |
| Parse error | The file is not intended for your version of Android. | Check the compatibility of APK with your version of MIUI. |
| Couldn't install on USB storage or SD card | APK is downloaded to an external drive. | Transfer the file to internal memory. |
If the error persists, try:
- Enable Developer Mode (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times).
- In the developer menu (Settings → Additional → For developers) enable debugging over USB and Allow location simulation.
- Restart the device in Safe Mode (press the power button → Restart in Safe Mode) and repeat the installation.
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If the APK is not installed despite all attempts, chances are the file is corrupted or designed for a different processor architecture (ARM/x86). download the version of the APK that matches your device (e.g. Redmi Note 11 uses ARM64).