Users of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face a situation when the system blocks the installation of the application from the downloaded device. APK-Instead of the usual resolution, the system issues a security risk alert, which is because in modern versions of the shell, the system is not able to do this. MIUI And the new HyperOS has changed the permission architecture globally, so you can't just turn on one switch for all the programs at once.
You'll have to look for settings for each particular bootloader app separately, which can be confusing even for an experienced Android owner, who is used to the classic Android system. Android Security now requires a personal approach to each installation source.
In this guide, we will explain where the switches are hiding and how to get around the locks without disrupting the system, and you will learn how to quickly activate the installation of third-party programs on your device.
The evolution of security in MIUI and HyperOS
In the old versions of Android, there was a single menu item that allowed software installations not from Google Play. However, since Android 8.0 and especially in Xiaomi shells, the approach has become more granular. Now the permission is given not to the system as a whole, but to the specific application through which you are trying to run the installer.
For example, if you downloaded a file through Chrome, you have to give it permission, but if you use Telegram or File Manager Explorer, you have to open the settings separately for them, and this is done to minimize the risk: even if one source is compromised, the rest will remain protected.
In recent updates to HyperOS, the algorithms for finding these settings have become even more confusing, the system can hide direct links or require additional confirmations through the unlock password, and understanding the logic of how these restrictions work will help you find the points you want faster.
Search for settings through the security menu
The most reliable and versatile way to find the right settings is to use the built-in Security app, a system tool that is present on all the brand devices by default, which combines antivirus, memory cleanup and permissions management center.
To start, open the Security app on the home screen or in the Tools folder. In the interface, find an icon with a shield or lightning. In the upper right corner of the screen, there is a three-dot menu or gear, which is where the deep system settings are hidden.
In the list that opens, you'll need to find Special Permissions, and inside that section is the Install Unknown Applications category, and if you click on that, you'll see a list of all the programs that have ever tried to install. APK-files on your device.
- 🔍 Find the application through which you will install the software (for example, Chrome or Telegram) in the list).
- 🔓 Click on the program name to open its personal access settings.
- ✅ Activate the switch Allow installation for the selected source.
- 🛡️ Accept the system risk warning if it appears on the screen.
⚠️ Note: Once the permission is activated, the system may require you to enter a screen unlock password or fingerprint.This is Xiaomi’s security mechanism to prevent unauthorized individuals from accidentally changing critical security settings.
This will give the device the maximum level of protection against potential threats.
☑️ Pre-installing check APK
Direct access through system settings
If for some reason the Security app is not available or you prefer the classic Android menu, you can use the system settings. The path to the desired option may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the overall structure remains unchanged.
Go to the Settings menu on your smartphone. In the list, look for Privacy Protection or Passwords and Security. In some versions of MIUI, this item may be simply called Security and have a shield icon.
Inside, look for Special Options or Special Permissions, which is where all non-standard access requests are grouped, and select Install Unknown Applications to see the candidate program list.
The interface may look different on different models, and the screenshots below show the approximate paths, but the names may vary, and the key is to look for keywords related to the installation and unknown sources.
| MIUI/HyperOS version | Path in settings | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 / 13 | Settings → Privacy Protection → Special Rights | Strict control, frequent password requests |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → Passwords and Security → Privacy | Extended protection mode added |
| HyperOS 1.0 | Settings → Privacy Protection → Special. rights | Integration with Xiaomi Account, enhanced verification |
| Android Stock | Settings → Applications → Special Access | The classic, shellless path |
Using system settings is preferable if you want to see the overall picture of all permissions issued at once, rather than going through the security app every time.
Why is Xiaomi hiding these settings so much?
Setup permissions for popular applications
Most of the time, users try to install apps through browsers or messengers, and let's get a nuanced look at the most popular sources, and each of them will have the same activation procedure, but the name on the list may be different.
If you use Google Chrome, find it in the permission list under this name. Once you turn on the toggle, the browser will be able to open installation files. Note that updating the browser itself may reset this permission, and you will have to repeat the procedure.
Xiaomi owners are characterized by the use of the built-in MI Browser browser, which can appear on the permission list as the Browser or MI Browser. Also often used Telegram - on the list look for an application with the logo of a paper plane.
- 📂 Explorer: If you download a file and try to open it through the file system manager, permission must be given to the Explorer or File Manager application.
- 📱 Other launchers: When using third-party shells (Nova, Lawnchair), the installation process may require permission for the launcher itself if it acts as a file handler.
- 📥 Downloaders: Apps like ADM or 1DM It also requires individual access to package installation.
Remember, once you install the app, you can revoke the permission, which is a good digital hygiene practice that doesn't require constant effort, but it improves security.
Solving problems with the installation lock
Sometimes, even after all the switches are turned on, the installation doesn't start, the system can give out errors or simply ignore the user's actions, often due to the operation of the Google Play Protect component or internal MIUI filters.
If you hear a message that a file may be malicious but you are confident of its security, you can temporarily disable the verification. To do this, open the Google Play Store, click on the profile avatar and select Play Protection. In the settings (cogs) turn off the scan.
Another common problem is Security locking. In the Security app, go to Antivirus and click on the settings gear. APK-This will speed up the installation process, but it will reduce real-time security.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling antivirus and Play Protect makes your device vulnerable, do so only at your own risk and only to install verified files from trusted sources. Immediately after installation, return the settings to their original state.
It’s also worth checking if Safe Mode is enabled, which is often locked at the system level to block third-party application installation.
💡
Use the Files by Google app to manage APK-It has a built-in security analyzer and a user-friendly interface for installing applications that often bypasses some visual locks. MIUI.
Using ADB for Advanced Users
For those who are not afraid of the computer and the command line, there is a method of setting permissions through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to issue rights without going through the graphical interface, which is useful when automation or if the system interface is damaged.
First, you need to enable USB Debugging in the Developer Menu. If the item is hidden, click 7 times on the build number in the About Phone section. Connect your smartphone to your PC and start the console.
The authorization team is as follows:
adb shell pm grant com.android.packageinstaller android.permission.REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGESHowever, for specific applications (e.g. Chrome), the command will be different and require knowing the exact package name:
adb shell appops set com.android.chrome REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES allowThis method gives complete control, but requires caution: an error in the syntax of the command can lead to the fact that permission is not issued, or, in rare cases, there will be conflicts in the package management system.
💡
The fastest way to find a menu is to search in your phone's settings. Just type the phrase "unknown" into the settings search bar, and the system will open the desired section.