Xiaomi smartphones based on 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 power users, but it also opens the door to viruses, spyware and other security threats. If you want to protect your device from accidental malware installation — especially if your phone is used by children or inexperienced family members — you need to know how to block this feature.
In this article, we will discuss all the ways to disable the installation of applications from unknown sources on Xiaomi, including the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14), the features of working with Redmi, POCO and flagship models, as well as additional security measures, you will also learn what to do if the settings are gray and inactive, and how to return access to the APK installation if necessary.
Why is it important to block the installation from unknown sources?
The installation of applications from unknown sources (or Unknown Sources in English) was originally designed to be flexible, allowing:
- 📱 Install apps that are not available in your area through Google Play.
- 🔧 Test beta versions of programs before their official release.
- 💾 Restore application backups through.apk files.
However, with convenience come the risks:
- 🦠 Viruses and Trojans: Attackers often disguise malware as legitimate apps (such as modified versions of WhatsApp or games).
- 🕵️ Spyware: Some APK-Files can collect your data – from browser history to bank details.
- 📉 System instability: Applications from unverified sources often contain errors that cause the device to crash or overheat.
According to Kaspersky, in 2023, more than 30% of mobile threats were spread through fake ones. APK-files, though. MIUI Not always effectively blocks such installations by default – especially on devices with root rights or unlocked bootloader.
⚠️ Note: Even if you have downloaded APK From a "reliable" site (e.g., APKMirror), there is no guarantee that the file was not tampered with on the server or when downloading (MD5, SHA-1) before installation.
Method 1: Disconnection through basic security settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI options. The instructions are relevant for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on the MIUI 12-14 firmware versions:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
- Select Special Permits → Install Unknown Applications.
- You will see a list of all the applications that are allowed to install APK (e.g. File Manager, Browser, Telegram).
- Slip on each application and move the slider Allow installation from this source to the Off position.
If there are no active resolution apps on the list, the feature is already offline globally, however, some versions of MIUI (e.g., Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14) may require an additional step:
Open "Settings" → "Memory"|Check the "Installed Files" section (no unknowns) APK)|Reset the device|Try to set up a test. APK (There's a mistake)-->
Important: On some devices (e.g., POCO F5), the Allow installation via USB may remain active after the permissions are disabled, and must also be deactivated in the Developer section (if enabled).
Method 2: Use of Child Mode (Child Mode)
If you want to not only block APK installation, but also restrict access to other features (such as in-game purchases or changing system settings), use the built-in For Kids mode, which is suitable for families with children or if the phone is used by elderly relatives.
Algorithm of settings:
- Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Mode “For Children”.
- Activate the function and set the password (remember or write it down!).
- In the Restrictions section, select Install Applications and set a limit on Forbidden.
- Additionally, you can block access to Google Play, browser or specific applications.
| Function | The "Children's Mode" | Manual shutdown in settings |
|---|---|---|
| Blocking the APK installation | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Password protection | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Time limit | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Blocking system settings | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Works after resetting settings | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
⚠️ Attention: Child Reset is reset when the device is completely reset to the factory settings (Hard Reset).If you plan to sell or transfer the phone, pre-disable this feature manually.
Only from Google Play | I often use APK files | Sometimes I download from third-party sites | I don't know what APK-->
Method 3: Blocking through the developer settings
For power users who want to control application installation more tightly, a developer-based approach is suitable, which allows them to disable APK installation even through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is important for devices with an unlocked bootloader.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to the main Settings menu and open a new section for developers.
- Find the USB Debugging option and turn it off (if you don’t use it).
- Scroll down to Installation via USB and deactivate it.
- To block completely, also disable Allow installation from unknown sources (if there is such a point in your version of MIUI).
Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi 12T), these settings may be hidden. To see them, pre-enable the option to Show all settings in the same section for developers.
What to do if the settings are gray?
Method 4: Using third-party applications for control
If the built-in MIUI tools don’t suit you, you can use specialized utilities to block the installation of APK. These applications offer additional features, such as:
- 🔒 Password protection against changes in settings.
- 📊 Log of attempts to install unknown files.
- 🚨 Notifications of suspicious activity.
Top.-3 tested applications:
- AppLock (from DoMobile Lab): Blocks access to security settings and file manager.
- Norton App Lock: In addition to blocking, it offers APK scanning for viruses before installation.
- Kids Place: creates a sandbox with a limited set of applications, completely blocking the installation of new software.
Important: Before installing such utilities, check their reputation with 4PDA or XDA Developers - some "antiviruses" contain malicious code themselves. Also remember that third-party blocking applications can conflict with MIUI, causing lags or errors.
⚠️ Note: Apps like AppLock can be bypassed through Safe Mode. To avoid this, turn on the option Delete Protection in the utility settings and set a complex password.
What to do if the settings reset after the update?
After major MIUI updates (e.g., 13 to 14), security settings are sometimes reset and installation from unknown sources is made available again.
- 🔄 Check your settings after each update (especially if you use firmware betas).
- 📋 Create a backup of your current settings through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
- 🔔 Include notifications of security changes in Settings → Notifications → System notifications.
If after the update you find that the settings have reset and the APK installation is allowed again:
- Restart the device – sometimes it restores previous settings.
- Check if new items have appeared in the Special Permissions section (some versions of MIUI 14 have moved the options to other menus).
- If the problem persists, reset security settings via Settings → About Phone → Reset (select App Settings only).
💡
After updating MIUI, check not only the "Install Unknown Apps" section, but also the settings of Google Play Protect (in Google Play → Play Protect), which sometimes conflicts with MIUI locks, automatically allowing the installation of "reliable" APKs.
How to unlock the APK installation if you need it again?
If you temporarily need to install an application from an.apk file (for example, a beta version of a program or specialized software), you can return access in several steps:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Special Permissions → Install Unknown Applications.
- Select the application you will install the APK through (for example, File Manager or Browser).
- Activate the slider Allow installation from this source.
- Install the desired application, then immediately turn off the permission back.
On devices with MIUI 14 and later, once the permission is enabled, the system can request confirmation via Google Play Protect. If you are confident in the APK source, click Still Install, but be aware of the risks!
For models with HyperOS (a new firmware from Xiaomi, which replaced MIUI in 2026), the process is similar, but the menu may be called differently - for example, Security Management instead of Special Permits.
💡
Always install. APK-files only from trusted sources (such as official developer sites) and pre-scan them via VirusTotal or built-in antivirus MIUI.