How to allow installation from unknown sources on Xiaomi Mi 9: all ways

Xiaomi Mi 9 is the flagship of 2019, which is still relevant thanks to powerful hardware and support for updates. MIUI, When you try to install apps outside of Google Play, the system blocks the installation APK-Files from unknown sources are default, citing security, but sometimes it is necessary: to test beta versions, install modified firmware or use regionally blocked applications.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to unlock on the Mi 9, from standard settings to bypassing restrictions through ADB and third-party launchers. We will focus on the nuances of different versions of MIUI (10 to 14), typical errors (for example, “Installation is locked”) and precautions. If you have already tried to enable the option through the settings, but nothing has worked, here you will find alternative solutions.

Why is Xiaomi blocking the installation from unknown sources?

The restriction is not imposed for nothing: MIUI follows Google's security policy, which requires users to be protected from malware. On the Mi 9, the lock works on two levels:

  • 🔒 System layer: Android by default prohibits installation APK Outside official sources (starting with version 8.0 Oreo).
  • 🛡️ Additional layer MIUI: Xiaomi adds its own checks, especially in Chinese firmware (China) ROM) and global builds with reference to the Mi Account.

The lock is not absolute: it can be bypassed, but the methods depend on the version of MIUI and the type of firmware. For example, in Mi 9 on MIUI 12.5 and later, there was a separate switch for each browser or file manager, and in older versions, one global resolution was enough.

⚠️ Warning: Allowing installation from unknown sources increases the risk of virus infection. APK Always check the hash of the file (for example, through the SHA-256) Download only from official developer sites.

Method 1: Standard resolution via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in system options. The instructions are relevant for the Mi 9 on MIUI 10–14 (including Global ROM and China ROM):

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Special Access.
  3. Go to the Installation from unknown sources.
  4. Select the application you will install the APK through (e.g., Browser, Files, or Mi File Explorer).
  5. Activate the switch Allow installation from this source.

If you don’t have Install from unknown sources, you have Chinese firmware without Google services, and you’ll need to adjust it (see China ROM).

☑️ Preparation for installation APK

Done: 0 / 5

Once activated, try to install APK. If you see an error "Installation locked" - move to the next method.

Method 2: Bypassing a lock through ADB (for power users)

If the standard method didn’t work (for example, due to China ROM restrictions or corporate policies), you can use USB debugging and ADB command.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode on Mi 9: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Connect the phone to the PC, confirm access to debugging on the smartphone screen.

Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell settings put global install_non_market_apps 1

This command will unlock the installation from unknown sources at the system level, and if nothing changes after execution, try an alternative command:

adb shell pm install -r -t /path/to/your/app.apk

Where /path/to/your/app.apk is the path to the file on the device (e.g. /sdcard/Download/app.apk).

💡

If ADB does not recognize the device, install Xiaomi USB Driver drivers and check the connection in File Transfer (MTP) mode.

Method 3: Use of third-party launchers (for China ROM)

On China ROM, Xiaomi completely removes the installation option from unknown sources, bypassing this with an alternative launcher, such as Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher, which have their own permission mechanisms.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Install the launcher through an official store (for example, Mi App Store or APKMirror).
  2. Make it the default launcher in the system settings.
  3. Open the launcher, find in its settings the Security or Permissions section.
  4. Activate the option to Install Unknown Applications (the name may vary).