How to Allow Applications From Unknown Sources to Be Installed on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Install applications from third-party sources on Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones POCO blocked by default security system MIUI (This protects the device from malware, but at the same time limits the users who want to install. APK-files outside of Google Play – be it beta, modified apps or software from alternative stores.

In this article, you will find the most current ways to unlock for all modern firmware versions (including MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS), and learn how to avoid common errors like “Installation locked” or “Unknown source”.

Important: the procedure differs depending on the firmware version and device model. If your Xiaomi runs on HyperOS (released in 2026), some menu items may be called differently - we will specify these nuances separately.

Why Xiaomi is blocking APK installation and is it safe to disable it?

The MIUI/HyperOS system by default prohibits the installation of applications from unknown sources (.apk files) for three key reasons:

🛡️ Virus protection: More than 30% of Android malware spreads through fake malware APK (Kaspersky data for 2023).
🔒 Ecosystem Control: Xiaomi is promoting its own app store GetApps, where all programs are moderated.
⚖️ Compliance with licenses: Some APK (For example, modified games violate the terms of use of Google Play.

But blocking is a problem for power users, and you can't, for example,

📱 Install the beta version of the application before the official release.
🎮 Run emulators or modified games (e.g., Genshin Impact with improved graphics).
🔧 Use specialized software for developers or testers.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling protection increases the risk of infection of the device. APK-Files via VirusTotal before installation. especially carefully download files from torrent trackers or little-known sites.

If you are sure of the APK source, you can temporarily allow installation – more on that.

Method 1: Applicable permission (recommended)

The safest method is to only give permission to the application you plan to install APK through, for example, if you download files through Chrome or Xiaomi Files, it is enough to allow installation only for them.

Instructions for MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS:

Download. APK-file to the device (for example, in the Download folder).
Open the file through Xiaomi Files or another manager.
When you try to install, a pop-up will appear with a warning. Click Settings.
Turn on the "Allow installation from this source" switch (name may vary).
Return to the installation and confirm the action.

On HyperOS, the path might look like this:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Select App] → Permissions → Install Unknown Apps

Once installed, it is recommended to disable this permission back to minimize risks.

Download the file from a verified source only

Check the APK hash amount (optional)

Enable permission for a specific application

Set and immediately disable permission

Check the application with antivirus after installation-->

Method 2: Global Disconnection of Protection (for power users)

If you have to install APKs often, you can completely disable the blocking of unknown sources, which works on all versions of MIUI and HyperOS, but you need to be careful.

Step-by-step:

Open the settings on the device.
Go to Applications → Application Management → Application Settings (the HyperOS path can be Applications → Special Access → Install Unknown Applications).
Find the option "Installation from unknown sources" or "Special access".
Activate the slider to enable the function.
Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Firmware version	The path to settings	Notes
MIUI 12-14	Settings → Privacy → Special permissions → Installation of unknown applications	It may be necessary to unlock the loader.
MIUI 15	Settings → Applications → Application Management → Application settings → Installation from unknown sources	In some regions, the option is hidden.
HyperOS	Settings → Applications → Special access → Installation of unknown applications	Confirmation required for PIN-code.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) Global security shutdown may result in resetting security settings after rebooting.In this case, use Method 1 (application-specific resolution).

On HyperOS devices, after global resolution is activated, the system can request confirmation via SMS or email, an additional security measure introduced in 2026.

Method 3: Use ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g. on enterprise or limited-enabled smartphones), you can unlock APK installation via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a PC connection.

What you need:

🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to unlock the developer menu, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
Enter the command: adb shell settings put global install_non_market_apps 1
Reset the device.

To return the lock, use the same command with 0 instead of 1.

What if the ADB can’t see the device?

If Adb devices don’t show you your smartphone: 1. Make sure that the debugging is enabled USB and selected "File Transfer" when connected. 2. Update drivers via Mi PC Suite. 3. Try another one. USB-cable (not all cables support data transmission). 4. On Windows, disable driver signatures: type in the command line bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on and restart the PC.

Errors in APK installation and how to fix them

Even after unlocking, you may encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

Mistake.	Reason.	Decision
The installation is locked.	No permission has been granted for the installer application.	Use Method 1 of this article.
Application not installed	Damaged APK or incompatible with the Android version.	Download the file again or check for support for your OS version.
Not enough space.	The APK requires more memory than is available.	Clear the cache or install it on a memory card (if supported).
Packet analysis error	The APK is modified or signed incorrectly.	Try a different version of the file or check its integrity.

If the error persists, try:

🔄 Reset the device.
🗑️ Clear the cache of the Google Play Store and Google Play Services.
📥 Install APK via another file manager (e.g. Solid Explorer).

The installation is locked.

Application not installed

Lack of memory

Packet analysis error

Other-->

How to check APK pre-installing viruses

Before installing any third-party APK, be sure to check it for viruses.

🔍 VirusTotal: Download the file and wait for the analysis of 70+ antivirus.
🛡️ APK-Android scanners (such as Malwarebytes or Avast).
📊 Checking the hash amount: Compare SHA-256 file with official value (if any).

Signs of suspicious APK:

🚩 The file size is very different from the official version.
🚩 Requests excessive permissions (e.g. access to the SMS play-calls).
🚩 Installed through unofficial sources (telegram channels, torrents).

If you downloaded APK from a site like APKMirror or APKPure, check:

The “Verified” icon is next to the file.
Matching the name of the package with the official one (for example, com.whatsapp for WhatsApp).
Reviews from other users about the file.

💡

Before installing an APK, create a restore point in Settings → System → Backup. This will help roll back changes if the application damages the system.

Frequent questions about installing APK on Xiaomi

Can I install APK on Xiaomi without unlocking the bootloader?

Yes, bootloader unlocking is not required to install third-party APKs, it is only needed to firmware custom ROMs or obtain root rights. All methods in this article work on devices with a locked bootloader.

Why did the permissions to install APK reset after the MIUI update?

This is standard security behavior. After major updates (e.g., from MIUI 14 to HyperOS), all permissions for unknown sources are reset, and you have to repeat the settings from Method 1 or Method 2.

Can I install APK on Xiaomi via Bluetooth or NFC?

Technically, yes, but: 📲 For Bluetooth: you need to first save the file in the memory of the device, then open it through the file manager (permission will need to be issued for the manager). 📶 For NFC: Android does not support transmission APK through NFC You can only send a download link directly.

How to remove the application installed through APK if it does not appear in the settings?

If the application is not visible in Settings → Applications, try: Use ADB: adb uninstall [name packet] (you can find out the name of the package via App Inspector). Delete via Safe Mode: press the power button → “Reboot in Safe Mode” → delete the application.

Will Google Play work after installing APKs from unknown sources?

Yes, Google Play Store and Google services will continue to work normally. APK It doesn't affect them if: 🔹 You haven’t removed Google’s system apps. 🔹 No modified versions of Google services (e.g. MicroG) were installed, except that on devices without Google certification (some models for China), the Play Store may not work initially.

💡

Always disable permission to install APKs after use, which will reduce the risk of accidental malware installation through phishing sites or ads.