The current Android operating system, as well as its proprietary add-on MIUI 12 from Xiaomi, pay tremendous attention to user digital security. In earlier versions of firmware, there was one global setting that allowed you to install programs from any source other than the official Google Play store. However, with the release of Android 8.0 and subsequent versions, including current MIUI builds, the logic of the work has changed to protect against malware. Now the permission is issued not globally for the entire system, but individually for each particular installer application.
Users who are used to the old scheme, it may seem confusing process when after downloading APK-The system blocks the installer from starting again, not a bug or bug, but a well-designed data security mechanism. If you plan to use third-party launchers, modified versions of popular services or utilities that are not available in your area, you will have to go through an authorization procedure for each such case. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to properly configure the system to be able to install any programs you need.
It’s worth noting that the MIUI 12 interface may vary slightly depending on the specific smartphone model, whether it’s the Redmi Note 9, Xiaomi Mi 11 or the more budget Redmi series. However, the deep structure of the menu and the principles of the access rights system remain the same for all devices of the brand. Understanding these principles will allow you to easily navigate the settings even after future firmware updates.
Changes to Android and MIUI security policy
The move to a new rights management model was a response to the growing number of threats in the mobile space. Previously, by activating one switch, the user actually opened the door to any malicious code that could enter the system through a browser or messenger. MIUI 12 implements the principle of minimum privileges: if you download a file through the Chrome browser, then it should request and get the right to install, not a file manager or another program.
This creates a certain level of discomfort for power users, who often install software from alternative repositories. The system will interrupt the process every time and redirect you to the settings menu. However, this is a necessary measure to prevent viruses from automatically installing in the background. You will always see a specific notification about which application is trying to access the installation of other programs.
It is important to understand that turning off the virus scanner or ignoring the system warnings can lead to serious consequences. MIUI 12 has a built-in defender that analyzes APK-Even if you have permission to install, a file can be blocked if it contains suspicious code.
Step-by-step instructions for installation permitting
The process of activating third-party app installation in MIUI 12 does not require superuser rights or complex debugging manipulations. All the necessary tools are in the standard settings menu, but you can get to them in different ways. The fastest way is to respond to the system warning on the first attempt to install.
When you first try to open the download APK-If you click on the file, you'll see a pop-up window with a lock warning, and in that window, you'll have a "Settings" or "Allow" button, and if you click on it, you'll be taken to a special menu where you'll need to activate the switch. If you want to prepare the system in advance or the window does not appear, follow the following algorithm:
- 📱 Open the main settings of your Xiaomi smartphone and scroll to the bottom of the list to the About Phone section».
- ⚙️ Find the Advanced Settings item (in some localizations it may simply be called “Advanced”) and go to it.
- 🔒 Select the Privacy section where all parameters regarding application access to data are concentrated.
- 📥 Find the item “Special. capabilities” or “Install unknown applications”, the name may vary depending on the version. MIUI.
When you go to this section, you'll see a list of all the applications that could theoretically be an installer, and there'll be browsers, file managers, messengers (for file transfers) and cloud storage, and you'll need to find the exact application you're planning to run through. APK-For example, if you downloaded a file through Chrome, look for Chrome, if you use Explorer.
☑️ Pre-installing check
Inside the app menu, you'll see a "Allow installation from this source" switch. Activate it. The system will immediately issue a risk warning that needs to be confirmed. After that, the path to install is open. Note that the permission is only valid for the selected application. If you decide to download a file from another browser tomorrow, you'll have to repeat the procedure for it.
Configure through the menu of specific applications
There is an alternative, more direct path to customization that is often more convenient: instead of wandering through the deep settings menu, you can manage rights directly through the installer app card itself, which is especially true if you use specific file managers like MIXplorer or Total Commander.
To do this, go to the Settings menu → Apps → All Apps. Find the tool you need (such as a file manager or browser) on the list. Click on it to open the application information page. Here you are interested in the Other Permits or Permissions item, where the option is hidden.
⚠️ Be extremely careful when granting the rights to install apps to messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) or social networks. If the account in these services is hacked, the attacker will be able to transfer a malicious file that will install automatically without your knowledge, since you yourself gave permission to do so.
In the rights menu that opens, find “Install Unknown Apps.” Switch the switch to the active position. MIUI 12 may require you to enter a unlock password or fingerprint scan to confirm the action. This is an additional layer of protection to prevent accidental changes in settings when the phone is in the hands of children or unauthorized persons.
Working with special access and restrictions
There is another layer of control in MIUI 12 that can block installation even if all permissions are available, and that is the Special Opportunities section (not to be confused with disabled access, although the names are similar), where you can have permissions to overlay other windows and change system settings.
Often users are faced with a situation where the installation button is active but does not respond to clicks, or the process is interrupted immediately after launch.This may be due to the fact that MIUI antivirus or Google Play Protect protect block the action. In some cases, you need to turn off MIUI optimization in the developer menu, but this is an extreme measure that is not recommended for ordinary users.
| Type of application | Level of risk | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Official clients of banks | Low. | Allow if not in the Play Market |
| Modified games | High-pitched | Use only on the second account |
| Third-party launchers | Medium. | Allow after checking the file |
| Unknown utility | critical | Not to be installed without analysis |
Also worth mentioning is the Device Protection feature, which can aggressively block the installation of apps that are not Google certified. If you are confident in the file's security, you may need to click "Still Install" in the warning window that appears, sometimes you need to wait 10 seconds for the confirmation button to activate.
What to do if the installation button is inactive?
Using File Managers for Installation
Standard conductor MIUI not always correctly displayed APK-files or offers to install them, especially if they are downloaded from messengers. For comfortable work with external sources, it is recommended to use specialized file managers. APK Easy navigation through the hidden folders of the system.
A popular solution is to use Google Files or FX File Explorer, which clearly separates installation files from normal data. When you first run an APK through such a manager, MIUI 12 will issue a standard security window. Once you have a single validation of rights for that particular manager, you can install any application by simply opening files through it.
The advantage of using third-party conductors is that you can set up a batch or install it from archives. Some managers are able to automatically request the necessary permissions when they first contact you. APK-However, remember that each new file manager will require separate security authorization.
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Use the “Download via Wi-Fi” feature in file managers to flip APK-A file from a computer to a phone without a cable, which is often faster and more reliable than connecting. USB.
Solving typical installation problems
Despite the correctness of the actions performed, users can encounter errors, one of the most common is the message "Backet is corrupt" or "Application is not installed." This does not always mean that the file is broken. In MIUI 12, there is a frequent conflict of versions: you can not install an older version of the application on top of a new one without completely deleting the previous one.
Another common problem is carrier blocking or regional restrictions, and some apps may not be running due to the lack of Google services (GMS) on Chinese firmware, which may not be helpful if you install from unknown sources, or require a deeper modification of the system or a change of region in your phone settings.
If the system writes “Not enough memory” even though there is space, try clearing the cache of the Packet Installer service. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps, click three dots in the corner, select Show Systems, find Packet Installer, and clear its data. This often solves the problem of the installation process hanging.
⚠️ Warning: Never download or install patches to unlock system partitions or remove ads from unverified sources. 99% of the time, these files contain Trojans that steal passwords from banking applications and personal photos.