You installed a new app on your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, but it doesn't start, or does it give you camera, microphone or file access errors? 90% of the time, the problem is missing permissions, a standard MIUI security feature that blocks software from accessing system resources without explicit user consent. Unlike pure Android, Xiaomi's shell requires manually configuring rights even for popular services like WhatsApp, Instagram or banking apps.
In this article, you’ll find current ways to enable MIUI 14/15 (Android 13/14) permissions, including hidden settings for Chinese firmware, bypassing restrictions for system applications, and solving the problem of automatic resetting after an update. Instructions are suitable for all models of the brand, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra and gaming Black Shark 6.
Why Xiaomi apps are asking for permission more often than other smartphones
The MIUI shell is known for its aggressive approach to security and privacy, and unlike the Samsung One UI or OxygenOS, it has additional controls:
- 🔒 Dual Authorization: Even after consent in the Android window, the app may need separate permission in the settings MIUI.
- 📱 Regional restrictions: on global firmware (EEA, Global list of available permits is wider than in Chinese (China) ROM).
- 🔄 Reset rights: after update MIUI Some permissions (especially for system applications) are reset to factory.
- 🛡️ Protection against background activity: MIUI Blocks access to geolocation, microphone and camera for applications running in the background unless added to the exceptions".
For example, Google Maps on Xiaomi 13T can stop tracking location in the background if you do not enable AutoRun and Background Manual permission for it, and instant messengers like Telegram or Viber will not show notifications without separate permission in Settings → Notifications.
⚠️ Note: On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Some of the permissions can be hidden without root rights. If you can't see the item on the menu, check the region of your firmware in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
Method 1: Standard permissions enabled through application settings
It's a basic method that works for 80 percent of applications, and it's suitable for camera, microphone, storage, contacts and SMS resolutions.
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
- Find the app you want in the list (use the search at the top if it’s not in the visible area).
- Slip on the Permissions item (on some versions of MIUI it may be called Application Permissions).
- Activate sliders opposite the desired resolutions (for example, Camera, Microphone, Warehouse).
If the gray resolution is inactive, it means:
- 🔴 The application did not request it through the system window (you need to open the application itself and wait for the request).
- 🔴 Permission blocked at level MIUI (see method 3).
- 🔴 You have Chinese firmware without root rights (requires a change of region or firmware to a global version).
The app is installed from an official source (Google Play or Mi App Store) |
MIUI version updated to last stable |
Security settings disable "Children's Mode" or "Second Space" |
The application is not listed as "Blocked" in the MIUI Optimizer-->
Method 2: Permissions for notifications and auto-runs
Many users find that apps (such as WhatsApp or VK) do not show notifications, despite the permissions enabled in Android, and in MIUI, individual settings are responsible for this:
- Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Notification management.
- Find the app in the list and activate the Show Notifications slider.
- For important notifications (calls, SMS) turn on the options: 🔔 Sound. 📳 Vibration. 💡 LED (if supported by the model)
Settings → Applications → Application Management
- 🔄 Auto-start (allows work in the background)
- 📱 Working in the background (prevents system closure)
| Type of permit | What applications are needed for | Restrictions on China ROM |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in system settings | Automation (Tasker, Automate), launchers | Requires a rut or change of region |
| Display over other windows | Chats with bubbles (Messenger), navigators | Available without restrictions |
| Access to the call log | Banking Applications, Truecaller | Locked without root. |
| Ignore battery optimization | Messengers, activity trackers | Available, but can be dropped |
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with Chinese firmware attempts to enable permissions for system functions (SMS, calls) without root permissions can cause resets of the application settings.We recommend that you first back up your data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
Method 4: Geolocation Permits (GPS) and Background Tracking
Apps like Google Maps, Yandex.Navigator or Uber require not only access to geolocation, but also the right to work in the background. MIUI It's set up separately:
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Geolocation.
- Select the application and set one of the modes: 📍 Always for navigators and trackers; 📍 Only during use - for weather widgets; 🚫 Prohibit - for applications that GPS needless.
Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Appendix]
- 🔄 Auto-start;
- 📱 Working in the background;
- 📊 Exact location (if high accuracy is required).
If geolocation is not accurately or delayed:
- 🔄 Reboot your phone and enable High Precision Mode in Settings → Geolocation → Regime.
- 📶 Check if Google Play Services are included in Settings → Annexes → All applications.
- 🔋 Make sure that the battery saving mode is not activated for the application.
What if the GPS doesn’t work at all?
Solving the Problem: Why Permits Are Reset or Not Retained
Xiaomi users often find that permissions are reset after:
- 🔄 Updates MIUI;
- 📱 Phone reboots;
- 🔋 Cleaning the cache through Settings → Warehouse;
- 🛡️ Activation of Security or Guest Mode.
To fix this:
- Turn off MIUI optimization: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn off MIUI Optimization (an item may be called Performance Improvement).
Add an appendix to the exceptions
- Settings → Battery → Select the battery mode for the application Without restrictions.
- In Settings → Privacy → Special Access → Battery Optimization, select All Apps and turn off optimization for the right one.
- Ban resetting permissions: adb shell cmd appops set <package> android:stop_app_switches allow the command to be executed through ADB (more in the Method 5).
- Connect your phone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools and do: adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
- Enter the command to enable permission (example for camera): adb shell pm grant <application package> android.permission.CAMERA To find out the application package, use: adb shell pm list packages | grep -i "name"
Example of a command to turn on a camera for a system camera:
adb shell pm grant com.android.camera android.permission.CAMERA