Where to find permission to install from unknown sources on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: the full guide 2026

Installation of applications from third-party sources (APK-The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a challenge faced by users who want to circumvent the restrictions of Google Play or test beta versions of programs. MIUI (12 and above) the traditional path through Settings → Security has stopped working. Instead, the system requires individual permission for each browser or file manager, causing confusion among beginners.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to activate APK installation on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, including hidden developer menus, circumventing MIUI restrictions, and solving common errors (for example, “Installation is blocked”). Particular attention will be paid to changes in Xiaomi’s security policy after upgrading to MIUI 14, which radically changed the logic of working with unknown sources. If you tried to install the application, but the system issued a warning, here you will find a solution.

Why Xiaomi is hiding permission to install APK

The manufacturer is motivated by concern for security: according to statistics, 68% of malware on Android is distributed through third-party APKs.

• 📱 Google: Starting in 2021, Android partners will be required to restrict installations from unknown sources, otherwise they risk losing their license to Google services (GMS).
• 🛡️ MIUI Xiaomi’s built-in antivirus is blocking suspicious APK Even before installation, and hiding settings reduces the number of complaints about “hacked” devices.
• 💰 Monetization: Xiaomi earns from advertising in the branded store GetApps, so is not interested in alternative sources of applications.

Interesting fact: Chinese firmware (without GMS) does not have APK installation permission at all, but uses a different application signature verification system. Global versions of MIUI have retained the function but hidden.

⚠️ Warning: Activating the installation from unknown sources automatically disables part of the protection MIUI. If you download APK From unreliable sites (for example, torrent trackers), the risk of catching a virus increases by 3 times (MD5) before installation.

Official method: permission for a specific application

With MIUI 12, Xiaomi has moved to a pop-up permissions model. You can't just turn on the Unknown Sources checkbox, you have to explicitly allow installation for every file manager or browser you open an APK through. Here's how to do it:

1. Download. APK-File (for example, via Chrome or Xiaomi Files).
2. Open the file and the system will show a warning “Installation is blocked”.
3. Click Settings in the warning window.
4. Turn on the switch for the application you are trying to install APKs through (such as Files or Chrome).
5. Return to the installation and confirm the action.

Importantly, this permission is tied to a specific application, so if you download APK through Telegram and open it through Files, you'll have to give permission to both.

Download the file only from verified sources (APKMirror, APKPure)

Check the file size (fake APKs often weigh less than the original)

Make sure the APK version is compatible with Android 9 (Redmi Note 8 Pro)

Disable VPN (some APKs block installation when an active VPN is in place)

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Alternative path: menu "Special permissions"

If the system doesn't suggest you go to the settings when you try to install, find the partition manually. MIUI:

Once you activate the permission, try to install the APK again. If you see an "Application not installed" error, check:

• 🔄 Compatibility APK Android 9 Pie (Redmi Note 8 Pro is the same version).
• 📁 File integrity (damaged) APK not installed).
• 🔒 The presence of root rights (if) APK requires root, and you do not have it, the installation will interrupt).

Through the browser (Chrome, Firefox)

File Manager (Xiaomi Files, Solid Explorer)

Through ADB (power-user)

Another option-->

Hidden settings: Developer mode and ADB

If standard methods don’t work (for example, after resetting), you can use the developer mode or ADB command.

Method 1: Admission through ADB

Connect your phone to your PC, enable USB Debugging (in the developer settings) and execute the command:

adb shell settings put global install_non_market_apps 1

This globally unlocks the APK installation, but requires a connection to a computer.

Method 2: Developer settings

Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone) then:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
2. Find Installation via USB (or USB Debugging) and turn it on.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the installation permission.

⚠️ Note: Enabling Developer Mode Removes Some Restrictions MIUI, It also disables automatic security update checks, and once activated, it's recommended that you manually check your phone for viruses once a week.

Solving errors in APK installation

Even after the permissions are activated, Redmi Note 8 Pro users are faced with errors.

If the error persists, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone (sometimes) MIUI «Forgetting the “permits” issued).
• 📌 Install APK through ADB (command: adb install path to file.apk).
• 🔧 Reset the settings of the application through which you install APK (Settings → Annexes → ☰ → Resetting settings).

💡

Before installing an APK from unknown sources, create a restore point in Settings → Additional → Backup. This will help roll back changes if the application turns out to be malicious.

Security: How to check APK before installation

Installing applications from unknown sources always involves risks, to minimize threats:

1. Check the source: Download APK only from the checked sites: 🔍 APKMirror (checks developers' signatures). 🛡️ APKPure (Uses its own scanning system). 📱 Official developer sites (such as Telegram or Telegram) VK distribute APK through their domains).
2. Analyze the file: 🔎 Check the hash (MD5/SHA-1) VirusTotal's website. 📊 Use it. MIUI Security Scan (built-in to Settings) → Security).

Set up the restrictions

• 🔒 After installation, disable the permission for the application through which you put APK.
• 🚫 Disable the installed application from accessing Contacts, SMS and Geolocation (unless it is critical for its operation).

MIUI 14 automatically scans all APKs installed for malicious code, but this does not guarantee 100% protection, for example, Trojans can disguise themselves as legitimate applications (for example, modified versions of WhatsApp or Instagram).

Frequent questions and answers

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If you install APKs frequently, create a separate folder in cloud storage (like Mi Cloud or Google Drive) and download files there, which will protect you from losing APKs when you reset your phone and make it easier to check files for viruses.