Where to find and how to turn on “Installation from Unknown Sources” on Xiaomi: a complete guide

Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO Sooner or later, you will have to install an app that is not from Google Play. APK-A file from the developer's official website, a beta version of the program, or specialized software that is not available in the store. However, by default, Android blocks such installations - and here comes the "Install from unknown sources" feature».

But where can I find it in MIUI? Why can it be hidden? And how can I avoid the risks of installing third-party APKs? This article provides a step-by-step guide for all firmware versions (including MIUI 14/15), unique ways to access the settings if they are missing from the menu, and security tips that I don't find in standard guides.

Important: the procedure differs depending on the version of Android and the shell MIUI. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 15, the path will be different than on the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12.5.

If you’ve never manually installed an APK, start with “What are unknown sources and why do they need them” to avoid common mistakes.

What is a “Installation from Unknown Sources” and Why Xiaomi is Blocking It

Installation from Unknown Sources is an operating system resolution that allows you to install apps outside the official store (Google Play or Mi App Store), which is disabled by default on all Android devices, including Xiaomi smartphones, for two reasons:

1.Security: Viruses, spyware and fraudulent applications are often spread through APK-files downloaded from unreliable sources, blocking reduces the risk of infection.

2. Google policy: The company obliges manufacturers to limit the installation of third-party APKs so that users download software through the Play Market (where applications undergo moderation).

However, blocking creates problems when you need to:

• 📱 Install the beta version of the application (for example, MIUI Launcher before official release).
• 🎮 Run emulators or modified games (e.g. Genshin Impact with mods).
• 🔧 Use of specialized software (for example, ADB Tools to unlock the bootloader).
• 🌍 Install applications blocked in your region (such as certain banking services).

Xiaomi goes further than Google and further hides the settings in new versions of MIUI to protect users from themselves, but in order.

Step-by-step: where to find the settings on Xiaomi

Let’s discuss the 3 main ways to enable APK installation depending on the version of MIUI. Let’s start with the simplest – for modern smartphones.

Method 1: Standard Path (MIUI 12-15)

This method works on most devices released after 2020 (Xiaomi 11/12/13, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5, etc.).

1. Open the “Settings” (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the "Applications" section → "Application Management".
3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select "Special Access».
4. Slip on the item "Install unknown applications".
5. Select the application you will install the APK through (for example, Files or Browser).
6. Activate the “Allow installation from this source” switch.

Important! The permission is given to a particular application, not to the system as a whole. For example, if you downloaded APK through Chrome, but you only allowed installation for Files, you'll get an error when you try to open a file from your browser.

Method 2: For older versions of MIUI (up to 12)

On devices with MIUI 9–11 (e.g., Redmi 5/6/7, Mi 8/9), the path is different:

1. Open "Settings» → «Additionally».
2. Select "Privacy".
3. Activate the Unknown Sources switch.

If there is no “Advanced” option, try an alternative path:

1. «Settings» → «Security».
2. Scroll down to “Installation from Unknown Sources”.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 4X) After this option is enabled, you may need to restart, otherwise the system will not save the changes.

Method 3: If the setting is lost (MIUI 14/15)

In recent versions of MIUI, Xiaomi has begun actively hiding dangerous (in their opinion) options. If you don’t find the “Install Unknown Apps” item, try:

• 🔍 Use the Settings Search (the magnifier in the upper right corner) and enter the query "Unknown Sources».
• 📱 Install a third-party file manager (such as Solid Explorer) and allow installation for it.
• 🔧 Enable Developer Mode and try activating the option via adb shell settings put global install_non_market_apps 1 (PC required).

If nothing helps, check if the option is hidden due to regional restrictions (for example, on devices for China), in which case a change in the region in settings or the firmware Global ROM will help.

Table: Where to look for customization depending on the model

To save time, use the path chart for popular devices:

If your model is not in the table, use a search by settings (see Method 3).

Risks and How to Avoid Them: 5 Safety Rules

Turning on the installation from unknown sources opens the door not only to useful applications, but also to malware.

1. Download. APK only from verified sources: 🔹 Official developer sites (e.g. apkmirror.com for original versions). 🔹 Forums XDA Developers (for modified firmware). 🚫 Avoid torrents and file sharing with suspicious links.

Check the hash amounts of the files.

MD5

SHA-1

Hash Droid

Turn off the permission after installation.

Use the antivirus.

MIUI

Settings → Security → Scanning

Do not install modified APK banking applications.

⚠️ Attention: If after installation APK The device starts to slow down, warm up or show ads – immediately delete the application and check the system for viruses through Malwarebytes or Dr.Web.

💡

Before installing an APK, check it on VirusTotal — upload the file to the site and wait for the 50+ antivirus analysis. This will take 1-2 minutes, but save you from problems.

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

Even after you turn on the option, users face problems.

Error: "Installation is blocked"

Reason: You have given permission to one application (e.g., Files) but you are trying to install an APK through another (e.g., Chrome).

Solution: Return to settings and allow installation for all applications you plan to open APKs through.

Error: "File corrupted"

Reasons:

• 🔸 Under-performed APK (check the file size).
• 🔸 The file is intended for a different processor architecture (e.g, arm64 arm).
• 🔸 Fake. APK (downloaded).

Solution: Download the file again from the official source. Use the DevCheck app to check the architecture.

Error: The Install button is inactive

Reason: MIUI 14/15 adds additional protection, and the system can block the installation if:

• 🔸 APK signed with an unverified certificate.
• 🔸 "Protector" is on MIUI» (Settings → Security → Defender).

Solution: Temporarily disable Defender or try to install APK via ADB:

adb install path/to/file.apk

💡

If the APK is not installed in any way, check if the installation is locked at the kernel level, which happens on devices with an unlocked bootloader and custom firmware, the solution is to flash the original boot.img.

Alternative ways to install APK without enabling the option

If you do not turn on the “Installation from unknown sources”, there are workarounds:

1. Through ADB (no root rights): Connect your phone to your PC, turn on “Debugging by USB” (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times click → return to “Additional” → “For Developers”) and execute the command: adb install -r -t path / to / file.apk Flag -r will reinstall the application, -t will allow you to test it without a signature.
2. Through cloud services: Upload APK to Google Drive or Telegram, open a file on your phone, and select Open to... → Packet Installer. Some cloud services have their own installation permissions.
3. TWRP (for advanced): If the device has custom recovery installed, copy the APK to the memory card, download to TWRP and select "Install" → specify the file. This method works even without the option in the settings.

⚠️ Attention: Installation through ADB or TWRP Bypasses some Android security checks.Do not use these methods for unverified APK!

FAQ: Answers to popular questions