How to Install an Application from an Unknown Source on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Installing applications from unknown sources on Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi and POCO lines) is a process that requires a special approach due to the strict security limitations in the MIUI shell. Unlike standard Android, where one resolution is enough in the settings, there are several additional steps to go here. This instruction is relevant for devices on MIUI 14/13/12 and Android 13/12/11, including Xiaomi 13/12/11 models, Redmi Note 12/11, POCO F5/X5 and others.

The main problem is that MIUI block APK-Not only are the files on the system level, but also through built-in security tools like Mi Security and Google Play Protect, and after system updates, settings can be reset and verification algorithms can be tightened. In this article, we will break down Xiaomi’s unique way of circumventing restrictions through the Developer Settings, which is not dokumented in official manuals, but works on 90% of the brand’s devices.

Why is Xiaomi blocking APK installations from unknown sources?

Xiaomi has imposed strict restrictions on installing third-party apps not from Google Play for several reasons:

• 🛡️ Malware protection: According to Kaspersky, 38% of mobile viruses were spread through fake malware in 2023 APK-files masquerading as popular games or utilities (such as modified versions of WhatsApp or TikTok).
• 📱 Compliance with Google Policy: To prevent bans on Google Mobile Services (GMS), including Play Market and YouTube, manufacturers must restrict the installation of uncertified apps.
• 🔄 Controlling ecosystems MIUI: Xiaomi is promoting its own services (for example, Mi App Store), where all applications are moderately moderated.

However, the block has a downside: users cannot set:

• 🎮 Modified versions of games (e.g., Genshin Impact with unlocked versions) FPS).
• 📱 Beta versions of applications (for example, Telegram X or VK Test messenger).
• 🔧 Utility for developers (for example, ADB AppControl or Tasker with Extended Rights).
• 🌍 Localized versions of apps that are not available in your region (e.g. Google Pay for the United States).

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK Unknown sources on devices with banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may result in account access being blocked, and some banks recognize such actions as a potential security threat.

Preparation for installation: check the version of MIUI and Android

Before allowing installation from unknown sources, make sure your device supports this functionality. Some Xiaomi models for the Chinese market (with China ROM firmware) may have additional restrictions.

To check out the MIUI and Android version:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Scroll down to the MIUI version section (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.5).
3. Click a few times on the Android version bar (e.g. Android 13 TKQ1.221014.001) until you notice you’ve become a developer!

If you have a Chinese firmware (China ROM), the installation of APKs from unknown sources can be completely blocked.

• 🔄 Refuse the device on Global ROM or EEA ROM (Europe).
• 🌐 Use it. VPN Change the region in the settings of Xiaomi.
• 📱 Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) that bypasses some restrictions.

Step 1: Allow installation from unknown sources in MIUI

Unlike pure Android, where you just need to turn on one switch, Xiaomi will have to configure two levels of permissions:

1. System resolution (in security settings).
2. Permission for a specific application (for example, for a browser or file manager).

Instructions for MIUI 14/13:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Special Access.
3. Select Install Unknown Applications.
4. In the list, find the application you will install APK through (such as Browser, Files, or Google Chrome) and allow installation.

For MIUI 12 and older, the path may be different:

Settings → Privacy → Special permissions → Installation of unknown applications

Enable Developer Mode (click 7 times on "MIUI Version")

Allow installation for browser/file manager

Disable "Security Check" in Mi Security (optional)

Download APK Only from verified sources (APKMirror, APKPure)-->

⚠️ Warning: Some Xiaomi devices may receive a notification after permission from unknown sources, Device Protection is disabled. This is normal, but if you see a warning Security Threat: malware, don't ignore it. APK-file contains a virus.

Step 2: Disable Mi Security and Google Play Protect (optional)

Even after allowing installation from unknown sources, MIUI can block the application from running through built-in security tools.

Mi Security Disconnection:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to Settings (cog icon in the upper right corner).
3. Disable options: Security check when installing Real-time File Scanning

Google Play Protect:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Click on the profile icon → Play Protect → Settings (cog).
3. Turn off scanning your device for security threats.

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If you still block the installation after disabling Mi Security, try temporarily removing the updates for the Security application via Settings → Apps → Application Management → Security → Three Dots → Remove the updates.

Step 3: Installation APK-file via file manager or browser

Now we can start installing it. Let's look at two of the most reliable ways to do this.

Method 1: Through the File Manager

1. Download. APK-file to the device (for example, in the Download folder).
2. Open the Files app (folder icon).
3. Find the downloaded file (usually in Internal Memory → Download).
4. Click on the file → Install → Allow (if a request appears).

Method 2: Through the browser (Chrome, Mi Browser)

1. Open your browser and go to a site with an APK (such as APKMirror).
2. Download the file (some browsers may block downloads – in this case, use Firefox or Opera).
3. After downloading, click on the notification Download completed → Open file → Install.

⚠️ Warning: If you notice suspicious activity after installing the app, do not remove it in the usual way. Some viruses disguise themselves as system processes (e.g. com.android.system). → Annexes → App management. Find a suspicious app and click Remove (if the button is inactive, it's a system process). If deletion is not possible, reset to factory settings.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When installing APK on Xiaomi, users encounter common errors, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🔄 Install APK through ADB (power-user):
• 📱 Use an alternative installer, for example, SAI (Split APK Installer for applications with multiple files (.apkm,.xapk).

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If you frequently install APKs from unknown sources, consider creating a second user on Android (via Settings → System → Additional → Multiple Users).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions