Disable the installation of applications from unknown sources on Xiaomi Redmi 8: full instructions

Smartphones Xiaomi Redmi 8 under control MIUI allow you to install applications not only from the official Google Play store, but also from third-party sources - the so-called "Space" APK-This feature can be useful for installing beta versions of programs or applications that are not available in your region, but also opens the door to potentially dangerous software. Viruses, spyware, and Trojans are often spread through.apk files disguised as legitimate utilities.

If you previously allowed installation from unknown sources (for example, to download an application outside the Play Market), but now want to return factory security settings - this article will help you do it correctly. MIUI, But also alternative methods for cases where the option is hidden or blocked. 8 Android-based 9/10 shelled MIUI 11/12, Where the menu items may be different.

Why it is important to disable the installation from unknown sources

Permission to install APKs from third-party sources is not just a technical setup, but a critical security breach for your smartphone. According to Kaspersky 2023, more than 60 percent of mobile viruses spread through manual application installation, bypassing Google Play Protect protection.

• 🦠 Viruses and Trojans: Malware can steal bank card details, social media passwords, or encrypt ransom files.
• 🕵️ Spyware: Some of the APK-files contain keyloggers that track your actions, or modules for hidden shooting through the camera.
• 📱 System instability: Applications from unverified sources often conflict with MIUI, causing lags, overheating or sudden reboots.
• 🚫 Mi Account blocking: Xiaomi may block your Mi Account if suspicious activity related to pirated software is detected.

Even if you are sure of the source. APK-file, MIUI It does not have built-in authentication mechanisms (unlike Google Play, where apps are moderated), which means that even a seemingly legitimate app can contain hidden threats. For example, popular modified versions of WhatsApp or Instagram are often recognized by antivirus software as RiskWare – software with potentially dangerous features.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously installed applications from unknown sources, be sure to remove all suspicious programs through Settings before disabling this option. → Annexes → Application management: Some viruses can block changes to security settings.

Standard method: through MIUI settings

The easiest way to disable APK installation from unknown sources is to use the built-in MIUI settings. The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the general logic is maintained.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home 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 Install Unknown Applications (or Installation Rights in older versions of MIUI).
5. You will see a list of applications that are allowed to install APK (e.g. File Manager, Browser). Click on each of them and move the slider to the off position.

If there are no installation permission apps on the list, the option is now off globally, in which case no additional action is required, but some Redmi 8 firmware (especially custom ones) may need to disable the developer:

After these steps are completed, the system MIUI will block any attempt to install any APK-When you try to open a file like this, you will see a notification that says, "Installation is blocked. For security reasons, you are only allowed to install applications from trusted sources".

Alternative methods of shutting down (if the standard one does not work)

On some versions of MIUI for Redmi 8, Unknown Application Installation may be hidden or blocked (e.g., on corporate devices or after resetting), in which case one of the alternative ways will help:

Method 1: Through "Developers Settings"

If you have previously activated the developer mode, try turning off the option through it:

1. Go to Settings → About phone and tap on the MIUI version 7 times to unlock the developer menu.
2. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → Settings for developers.
3. Find the option to Disable MIUI Check (or Application Checker) and deactivate it.
4. Also turn off debugging via USB if it was enabled.

Method 2: Reset all security settings

If the previous methods didn’t work, reset the security settings (this won’t delete your data, but will return all permissions to factory ones):

1. Open Settings → System and device → Additional → Resetting.
2. Select Reset Application Settings (or Reset All Settings if the first option is not available).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the device to restart.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting security settings will also delete all stored Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth device data, and application permissions. Write down important passwords in advance or sync them through Mi Account.

Method 3: Use ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If your Redmi 8 is rooted or you know how to work with ADB, you can disable the installation from unknown sources via the command line:

adb shell settings put global install_non_market_apps 0

Once you have completed the command, restart the device. To check the current status of the option, use:

adb shell settings get global install_non_market_apps

If the result is 0, the installation is blocked, and this method is useful for custom firmware devices where standard MIUI settings can be changed.

How to check if the installation from unknown sources is actually disabled

To make sure that your security settings are applied correctly, do a simple test:

1. Download any harmless APK-file (for example, the official APKMirror Installer from the APKMirror website).
2. Try opening the file through File Manager or Explorer.
3. If the notification “Installation is blocked” appears, the settings are applied successfully.

Check the status of Google Play Protect:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Slip on the profile icon in the upper right corner → Play Protect → Settings (cog icon).
3. Make sure that the Threat Scanning option is enabled, which adds another layer of protection.

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Even after disabling the installation from unknown sources, check the permission list in Special Access regularly – some applications (such as file managers) may request this right on their own when updating.

What to do if the option does not turn off: common problems and solutions

Sometimes users of Xiaomi Redmi 8 face a situation where security settings do not apply or are reset after a reboot.

Problem 1: Settings are reset after rebooting

This is typical for devices with custom firmware or modified recovery.

• 🔄 Install the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
• 🔧 If you use TWRP, Check if Magisk or Xposed modules are installed that affect system resolutions.

Problem 2: The menu item is missing or blocked

On some versions of MIUI for enterprise devices, the option may be hidden by the administrator's policies.

• 🏢 Delete your work profile (if your device is tied to your organization) via Settings → Accounts. → Remove the job profile.
• 🔓 Perform a complete reset to factory settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings).

Problem 3: Viruses block the change in settings

If you see an error or settings are not saved when you try to disable the option, it is possible that malware is installed on the device.

• 🦠 Install an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light) and perform a full scan.
• 🛡️ Load into Safe Mode (hold the power button) → long tap on "Switch off" → "Restart Safe Mode) and remove suspicious applications.

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If you suspect that Redmi 8 has malware installed but does not detect it, try scanning the device via your PC using Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool (a free Windows utility).

Additional security measures for Xiaomi Redmi 8

Disabling the installation from unknown sources is an important, but not the only, step to protect your smartphone, and you should also set the following settings:

1. Enable application verification in MIUI

MIUI has a built-in security scanner that can be activated:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) → Security scanner.
3. Enable the Installation Check and System Application Check options.

2. Set up a lock via Mi Account

Linking the device to a Xiaomi account will help lock the phone in case of theft and prevent unauthorized resetting:

1. Open Settings → Mi Account and log in.
2. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Lock Mi Account.
3. Activate Find the device and Lock when reset.

3. Update the firmware to the latest version

Xiaomi regularly releases security patches for Redmi 8.To check for updates:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for Updates and install the available packages.

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Regularly check the list of applications with administrator rights (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Administrator Rights). Viruses are often masquerading as system utilities (for example, "Android System Service").

FAQ: Frequent security questions Xiaomi Redmi 8