How to disable installation from unknown sources on Xiaomi: full instructions

Smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO base MIUI It allows you to install apps not only from the official Google Play store, but also from third-party sources called "unknown sources." APK-Files from trusted sites, but also opens doors to viruses, spyware and fraudulent programs. According to Kaspersky 2023, more than 30% of mobile device infections occur through the installation of applications from unverified sources.

Disabling this option is one of the key steps to protecting your Xiaomi from cyber threats. MIUI (12, 13, 14) and on various models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5) The path to settings may vary. In this article, we will look at all the current ways to block installations from unknown sources, including hidden nuances for specific firmware versions. APK, How to completely block this possibility even for system utilities.

Why you should disable the installation from unknown sources

The main danger is that MIUI defaults to allowing some applications (such as browsers or file managers) to install APKs without additional confirmations, posing risks:

• 🦠 Viruses and Trojans: Malware can steal data, display ads, or blackmail users.
• 🕵️ Spyware: Some of the APK Collect information about your contacts, messages and location.
• 💸 Fraudulent apps: Fake banking programs or subscription games that charge money.
• 🔄 Unstable System Performance: Poorly Optimized APK can cause lags and overheating.

According to Check Point, in 2023, one in five Android users who installed at least one app from an unknown source experienced a device infection, while MIUI has an additional layer of protection, Mi Security, but it does not always block all threats.

⚠️ Note: Even if you disable the installation from unknown sources, some system applications (such as Software Update or Themes) may retain this resolution.

How to check which apps have permission to install APK

Before disabling the feature, it is useful to know which programs already have access to install third-party applications, which will help identify suspicious utilities that may have received permission without your knowledge.

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Tap on Application Management (or All Apps in Older Versions).
3. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Special Access.
4. Scroll down and find Install Unknown Apps.

Here you will see a list of all programs that are allowed to install APK.

• 🌐 Browsers (Chrome, Mi Browser, Firefox) – often used to download malicious files.
• 📁 File Manager (Mi File Manager, ES The conductor can be opened automatically APK.
• 📱 Messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) – fraudulent links are often spread through them.

Step-by-step: how to disable the installation from unknown sources

The process varies depending on the version of MIUI. Below are the current ways for the latest firmware (2023-2026).

Method 1: Through basic settings (MIUI 14 and later)

In the latest versions of MIUI, the option is hidden deeper, but it can be found as follows:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select Application Management → Special access.
3. Click Install Unknown Applications.
4. Slip on each app in the list and move the slider to the Prohibit position.

Important: In MIUI 14, some system utilities (such as Software Update) can automatically enable this resolution after a firmware update.

All browsers in the APK| installation list are disabled

File Managers blocked |

Checked messengers for permits |

Reset the phone to apply the changes-->

Method 2: Security settings (MIUI 12/13)

In older versions, the path is a little different:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Scroll down and select Privacy.
3. Slip Special Permits → Install Unknown Applications
4. Turn off permission for all apps in the list.

If there is no Privacy item, try an alternative way:

Settings → Additional → Privacy → Special permissions

Method 3: For specific models (POCO, Redmi with custom firmware)

On POCO and some Redmi devices with modified firmware (such as POCO Launcher), the menu may look different:

1. Press the Settings icon on the home screen and select Application Information.
2. Slip it extra. → Installation of unknown applications.
3. Turn off permission for all programs.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware POCO When permissions are disabled, a notification may appear, "System settings have changed." That's OK -- just confirm the action.

How to block APK installation for system applications

Even after disabling permissions for all user programs, some MIUI system utilities can still access the APK installation.

• 🔄 Software Update – used to install firmware.
• 🎨 Topics – can upload third-party themes in format APK.
• 📱 Mi Share – Sometimes gets files from APK from other devices.

To completely block the installation, you need to use ADB-commands (requires a computer and enabled debugging on the USB).

Instructions through ADB

Follow the steps:

1. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm revoke com.android.packageinstaller android.permission.INSTALL_PACKAGES

This command revokes APK installation permission from the system installer. To return access, use:

adb shell pm grant com.android.packageinstaller android.permission.INSTALL_PACKAGES

What to do if the option "Install unknown applications" is not available

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 on pure Android One) or in regional firmware, the menu may look different.

Method 1: Through Google Play Protection Settings

Google Play Protection can block APK installation, but does not completely disable the function:

1. Open Google Play Store → click on profile avatar → Play Protection.
2. Activate the device scan for threats.
3. Enable Advanced Scanning (access to location data is required).

Method 2: Through profile restrictions (for parental control)

If the phone is used by a child, you can create a limited profile:

1. Go to Settings → System → Several users.
2. Create a Limited Profile and disable the application installation.

Method 3: Using third-party antiviruses

Applications like Malwarebytes or Bitdefender can block APK installations from unknown sources at the kernel level, but this does not replace system locking.

How to Recover APK Installation if You Need It

If you temporarily need to install an application from a third-party source (for example, a beta version of a program or an APK from the official developer site), you can enable permission for a specific application:

1. Download. APK-file and try to open it.
2. The system will prompt you to select an application to install (for example, File Manager).
3. Click Settings in the window that appears.
4. Activate permission for the selected program.
5. Install APK and immediately turn off permission back.

⚠️ Attention: After installation of the necessary APK Many viruses spread through the "trust chain": one permission for a browser can allow you to install malware without additional confirmation.

💡

If you often have to install APKs from trusted sources (e.g., for software testing), create a separate user profile in your system settings and enable permissions only for that.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you turn off the installation from unknown sources, users often encounter problems.

• 🔄 "Settings are reset after the update": MIUI It can return permissions to system applications after an update, so the solution is to check the settings after each update.
• 🚫 "I can't find out. APK Even after enabling permission": Check if the installation is blocked by antivirus or Mi Security (in the Security settings → Viral scanning).
• 🔧 "ADB Does not see the device: Make sure that the debugging is enabled USB And you've got Xiaomi drivers installed. Try using the original cable.
• 📱 "On the lock screen appears a notification about the installation": This means that some application in the background is trying to install APK. Check the permission list and remove suspicious programs.

If you still see attempts to install APK after disabling permissions, follow the following steps:

1. Run the security and perform a full scan.
2. Check the list of recently installed apps in Settings → Apps.
3. Clear the cache and data of the Google Play Store and Google Play Services.

💡

Even if you disable the installation from unknown sources, check the permission list regularly – some apps (especially after updates) can automatically access the APK installation.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions