Protecting your smartphone from malware begins with controlling the source of your app installation. On Xiaomi devices running MIUI, the APK installation permission function from unknown sources can become a virus loophole if abused. Many users activate this option to install third-party apps (such as modified versions of games or programs not available on Google Play), but forget to disable it after use, creating a constant risk of infection of the device.
In this article, we will discuss how to completely remove the permission to install applications from unknown sources on all modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models. The instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 versions (including global and Chinese firmware) and take into account the features of the latest security updates in 2026.
Why it is important to disable the installation from unknown sources
Installation permit APK-Third-party files (.apk) open up access to potentially dangerous content. Even if you download files from trusted sites, there are several risks:
- 🦠 Malware: Under the guise of legal applications, Trojans, spyware, or mining scripts are often spread that steal data or use device resources.
- 🔄 Auto-update of viruses: Some malicious APK You can download and install updates yourself, bypassing Google Play Protect.
- 📱 System malfunction: Unoptimized or pirated applications can cause crashes, overheating, or rapid battery drainage.
- 🚫 Blocking Services: Some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff) refuse to work on devices with active resolution for unknown sources.
According to Kaspersky, 2023 year-over 30% Mobile device infections occurred through manual installation APK. At the same time, Xiaomi is in the top-5 brands whose users are most likely to face such threats – due to the popularity of the brand in regions with active use of third-party app stores (for example, in Asia or Eastern Europe).
⚠️ Note: If you have previously installed applications from unknown sources, check your device for viruses with Malwarebytes or a built-in scanner before disabling permission. MIUI Security: Some malware can block this setting from changing.
How to check which apps have permission to install APK
Before disabling the feature, it is useful to know which programs have already accessed the installation from unknown sources, which will help identify suspicious applications that may have requested permission without your knowledge.
To verify, follow the following steps:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Special Access.
- Slip on Install Unknown Applications (in some versions of MIUI – Install from Unknown Sources).
You will see a list of all applications that are allowed to install APK. Pay attention to programs that you do not recognize, or those that should not have such access (for example, browsers or file managers).
Remove the application through Settings → Applications|
Disable APK installation permission for it|
Check the device for viruses |
View the download history in the browser-->
| Type of application | Does he need permission? | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| File Manager (ES Explorer, Mi File Manager) | No. | High (can be used to automatically install viruses) |
| Browser (Chrome, Mi Browser) | No. | Medium (risk when downloading APKs from unreliable sites) |
| Third-party stores (APKMirror, Aptoide) | Yes (only when used) | Low (if the source is verified) |
| Unknown applications | No. | Critical (possible virus or spyware) |
Step-by-step: how to remove the APK installation permit
The process of disabling depends on the version of MIUI and the model of the smartphone. Below are the current methods for the latest firmware (2023-2026).If your device is running MIUI 11 or older, some menu items may be called differently - see the section for outdated versions.
Method 1: Through basic settings (MIUI 12–14)
- Open the Settings → Applications.
- Go to Application Management → Special access.
- Select Install Unknown Applications.
- Slip on each application in the list and move the slider to the off position.
After that, no application will be able to install APK-files without your explicit confirmation through the system window.
Method 2: Through security settings (for MIUI 13/14)
In the newer versions of MIUI, some of the security features have been moved to a separate menu to disable the installation from unknown sources:
- Go to Settings. → Passwords and security.
- Choose Virus Protection.
- Go to Settings (cog in the top corner).
- Turn off the option to Allow installation from unknown sources.
⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F5 Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) This item can be hidden if the installation has not been activated before. APK. In this case, use Method 1.
Method 3: Resetting all permits (radical method)
If you want to completely clear all permissions, including installing an APK, you can reset your security settings. This does not affect user data, but resets all special accesses:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find Reset Application Permissions and confirm the action.
💡
If after resetting permissions, some applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) stopped working correctly, check their settings manually in the Special Access section.
Features for different Xiaomi models
Despite the common MIUI platform, some Xiaomi models have unique nuances in their security settings, and the key differences for the popular series are below.
Redmi Note 11/12/13 and POCO X4/X5
On these devices, the path to APK installation settings may differ:
- 🔧 In Redmi Note 12 Pro+ option hidden in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Special access → Installation from unknown sources.
- 🔧 Nana POCO X5 Pro must first activate Developer Mode to see the full list of permissions.
Black Shark 5/6 and gaming devices
On Black Shark gaming smartphones, the APK installation feature is often tied to the game space (Shark Space) to disable the resolution:
- Open Shark Space (Shark icon)
- Go to Settings. → Security.
- Disable the Installation from unknown sources for gaming.
Xiaomi 13/14 and flagship models
Flagships (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Xiaomi 14 Pro) use enhanced protection.
- 🔐 Entering PIN-Fingerprint or code to confirm that permissions are disabled.
- 🔐 Confirmation via Mi Account (if the device is linked to a Xiaomi account).
What to do if the permit is not turned off
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the APK install slider is inactive or returns to the On position after rebooting.
- 🦠 Malware that blocks changes in settings.
- 🔧 System failure (for example, after an incorrect update) MIUI).
- 📱 Device policy (on corporate phones with MDM).
Solutions for each of the problems:
| Problem. | Signs. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Malware | Appear unknown applications, advertising, the device slows down | Install Malwarebytes, perform scans, remove suspicious programs |
| System failure | Settings are reset after rebooting | Perform a reset of settings through Settings → About Phone → Reset settings |
| MDM policy | Message "Managed by the organization" in settings | Contact the administrator or delete the MDM profile in Settings → Accounts |
⚠️ Warning: If you suspect a virus, do not connect the device to corporate networks or banking applications until you are sure of its purity. SMS confirmation-coded.
How to remove persistent malware if antivirus doesn’t help
How to permanently block APK installation from unknown sources
If you want to completely eliminate the possibility of installing third-party APKs (for example, to protect a child’s device), you can use additional measures:
Method 1: Password for the installation of applications
MIUI has a function to block the installation of new applications with a password:
- Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Blocking applications.
- Activate the option and install it. PIN-code.
- Enable the lock for Package Installer (or Package Installer).
Method 2: Regime for children
On devices with MIUI 13/14, a child mode is available, which limits the installation of applications:
- Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Children’s Mode.
- Create a profile and activate the restriction on the installation of the software.
Method 3: ADB-Team (for experienced users)
With Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can programmatically disable the ability to install APK.
- Connect your phone to your PC and activate USB Debugging in the developer settings.
- Open the command line and type: adb shell settings put global install_non_market_apps 0
💡
Even after permissions are disabled, some system applications (such as Mi Browser) may request access to the APK installation. Check the list in Special Access regularly, especially after MIUI updates.
Instructions for older versions of MIUI (11 and below)
If your smartphone is working on MIUI 11 or earlier versions (e.g. Redmi 8 or Xiaomi Mi) A3), The path to settings may be different. Here's how to turn off the installation. APK firmware:
- Open Settings → Additional → Privacy.
- Slip on the Installation from unknown sources.
- Turn off permission for all apps in the list.
On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 9 with MIUI 10), the option may be in Settings → Lock and Protection → Unknown sources.
⚠️ Warning: On very old models (until 2018 release) after disabling permissions, it may be necessary to restart the device for the changes to take effect.