Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI They block the installation of applications from third-party sources by default, which is a standard security measure designed to protect the device from malware. APK-Manual files: to test betas, use modified applications or programs not available on Google Play. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock the installation on different versions. MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), and we will also tell you how to get around typical errors such as "Installation is locked" or "Unknown source".
It is important to understand that allowing installation from unknown sources carries risks: viruses, spyware or unstable application operation. APK Only with trusted resources (such as APKMirror) and always check hash files. If you are a beginner, first read the section on possible threats.
The instructions in the article are relevant for all modern devices Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO Android 11-14 based Black Shark and older models (such as the Mi 8 or Redmi Note 7) may require additional steps — they are marked separately.
Why Xiaomi is blocking APK installation and when to turn it off
Blocking installations from unknown sources is part of Google’s and Xiaomi’s security policy to:
- 🛡️ Virus protection: 90% of Android malware spreads through fake malware APK.
- 🔒 Data Leak Prevention: Many Pirate Apps Have Backdoors to Steal Logins/Passwords.
- 📱 Compatibility: not all APK optimized MIUI, malfunction.
However, there are legitimate reasons to disable the lock:
- 🔧 Install modified firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
- 🎮 Testing beta versions of games (e.g. Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail before official release).
- 🛠️ Use of specialized utilities (e.g, ADB, Magisk or LSPosed).
- 🌍 Access to regionally blocked applications (e.g. Google Pay in Russia).
⚠️ Note: If you unlock the installation for banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff), some features may stop working due to system integrity checks.
Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi tightened control: now the permission must be given separately for each application that will install APK (This makes it more complicated, but it increases security.
Method 1: Standard unlocking in MIUI 13/14 hyperos
On the new versions MIUI (13, 14) and HyperOS, the installation permission algorithm has changed:
- Download APK-file on the device (for example, via a browser or Telegram).
- Try to open the file. The system will give an error: "Installation is locked. For security reasons, your device is blocking the installation of applications from unknown sources."
- Clicking “Settings” in the error window will automatically redirect you to the permissions menu for a specific application (such as Chrome or Files).
- Activate the "Allow installation from this source" switch.
If the window with the error does not appear, find the downloaded window. APK file → Download it, tap it, and follow the instructions above. Importantly, the permission is only valid for the application you opened through. APK. For example, if you have given Chrome access, but you are trying to install the file through the FX File Explorer: The same error will appear.
| Annex | The path to permits | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Browser (Chrome, Mi Browser) | Settings → Annexes → Application management → browser → Permits → Installation of unknown applications | The resolution is automatically reset after the browser update. |
| File Manager (Files, Solid Explorer) | Settings → Annexes → Application management → Files. → Permits → Special permits → Installation of unknown applications | Solid Explorer may require additional memory access permission. |
| Telegram | Settings → Annexes → Application management → Telegram → Permits → Installation of unknown applications | In some regions, Telegram doesn’t appear in the list – use a browser. |
On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) The permission menu may be called "Special Access Rights" instead of "Install Unknown Applications." If you don't find an item, search the settings for "Unknown Sources".
Download APK from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror)
Check the hash file (MD5/SHA-1) source-site
Make sure that the device has enough memory (minimum 500MB free)
Turn it off. VPN/Proxies – They can block access to settings-->
Method 2: Unlock on older versions MIUI (up to 12.5)
On devices with MIUI 11, MIUI 12 or earlier versions (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi) 9T) The process is simplified, but has nuances:
- Go to Settings. → Confidentiality.
- Select "Special permissions" (or "Additional" on some models).
- Activate the "Installation from unknown sources" switch.
On some firmware (e.g, MIUI 10 for Redmi Note 5) this item may be in Settings → Safety. If you don't, try:
- 🔍 Use search by settings (magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).
- 📁 Check the section "For developers" (activated by 7-fold tap on "Version" MIUI" on the telephone").
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global Stable for Europe or India can operate a regional lock. 9A With Indian firmware, the item "Unknown sources" is hidden - you will need to change the region through Settings → Additionally. → Region (select "Russia" or "Global").
If the installation is blocked after activation of permissions, try:
- 🔄 Reset the device.
- 🗑️ Clear the cache of Google Play Services (Settings) → Annexes → All applications → Google Play Services → Memory. → Clear the cache).
- 🛠️ Disable “App Check” in Google Play Protection (Play Store) → Menus. → Play Protection → Settings → Scanning the device for threats).
Method 3: Unlocking through ADB (for power users)
If standard methods do not work (for example, on corporate devices or firmware with strict restrictions), you can use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This is a good way to do it:
- 📱 Devices with MIUI, where access to settings is blocked (for example, work phones).
- 🔧 Advanced users who want to automate the process.
This will require:
- Computer with installed ADB-driver.
- Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- USB-cable (preferably original).
Next, run commands in the terminal (or PowerShell for Windows):
adb devices
adb shell settings put global install_non_market_apps 1If you want to allow installation for a specific package (e.g. Chrome), use:
adb shell pm grant com.android.chrome android.permission.INSTALL_PACKAGES| Team team. | Description |
|---|---|
| install_non_market_apps 1 | Global installation permission from unknown sources. |
| pm grant [package] INSTALL_PACKAGES | App-specific permission (replace [packet] with a name, such as com.android.chrome). |
| settings put global verifier_verify_adb_installs 0 | Disabling the verification ADB-installations (may be required for MIUI 14). |
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB Resets some security settings. After installing the application, we recommend returning the default values:
adb shell settings put global install_non_market_apps 0
adb shell pm revoke [package] android.permission.INSTALL_PACKAGES💡
If ADB does not recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers in Windows or using the adb kill-server command before connecting.
Typical errors and their solutions
Even after unlocking, users are faced with errors.
Error: "Installation blocked by device administrator"
Reason: The device has a security policy active (e.g., on a work phone or after resetting).
- 🔓 Remove device management (Settings) → Passwords and security → Device administrators).
- 📵 If the device is corporate, contact the IT-lock-out.
- 🔄 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings), but it will delete all data!
2. Mistake: "APK damaged"
Causes and solutions:
- 📥 Incomplete download: download the file again, preferably via Wi-Fi.
- 🔍 Incompatibility with architecture: check that APK designed arm64 (Most modern Xiaomi models or armeabi (older models).
- 🛡️ Blocking antivirus: disable Google Play Protection or Mi Security during installation.
Error: "Inadequate memory"
Even if there's space on the device, the system can block the installation.
- 📁 Memory in the section /data: Go to Settings. → Memory. → Your internal memory and at least free up your 1–2 GB.
- 🗑️ App cache: Clear the cache through Settings → Annexes → Clear the cache for everyone.
- 🔧 Fragmentation: If a memory card is used, move it APK inner-memory.
How to check the processor architecture on Xiaomi?
Risks and how to minimize them
Installation permission from unknown sources opens access to:
- 🦠 Malware: Trojans, miners, spies (e.g. Joker or Anubis).
- 🕵️ Phishing: Fake applications of banks or social networks to steal data.
- 📉 Unstable work: unoptimized APK They may cause overheating or rapid battery discharge.
How to reduce the risks:
- Check the sources: download APK only with APKMirror, APKPure or official developer sites.
- Use antiviruses: Malwarebytes or Bitdefender (but not Mi Security, which often gives false positives).
- Check the hashes: compare MD5 or SHA-1 downloaded file with references on the site.
- Limit permissions: After installation, disable Installation from Unknown Sources for the application you are using.
HyperOS devices have Sandbox built in to isolate suspicious applications. Activate it in Settings → Annexes → Special rights → Sandstone.
💡
Never install. APK, permitting SMS, Calls or access to special features, unless it is a banking/system application.
Alternative ways to install applications
If unlocking doesn’t help or you don’t want to take risks, consider alternatives:
1. Installation via Google Play (if the app is hidden)
Some apps (such as Google Pay or Netflix in unsupported regions) can be installed legally:
- 🌐 Use it. VPN (For example, ProtonVPN to change the region in the Play Store.
- 🔗 Generate a direct link to APK via services like APKCombo (they download the file directly from the Play Store).
- 📱 Install Aurora Store – an alternative client for Google Play without regional restrictions.
2.Use of the app stores
The proven alternatives to Google Play are:
- 🛒 APKMirror: Official APK modificationless.
- 🛒 F-Droid: Open source software (e.g. Signal or K-9 Mail).
3. Installation through TWRP (firmware)
If you need to flash Magisk or custom recovery:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Install TWRP for your model (instructions on XDA Developers).
- Please. ZIP-file via Install → Select ZIP into TWRP.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking bootloader resets device to factory settings! on some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) Requires a Mi Account binding and a wait of 7-14 days after the unlock request.