How to allow the installation of applications from unknown sources on Xiaomi: instructions for MIUI 12/13/14

Installing apps from unknown sources on Xiaomi smartphones is a necessary feature for users who want to install APK-This may be necessary to test beta versions of programs, use regionally blocked services or install modified applications. MIUI This option is blocked for security reasons.

It’s easy to enable this option, but the process varies depending on the firmware version and device model. In this article, we’ll discuss current methods for MIUI 12/13/14, including features for the Redmi, Poco and Black Shark lines. You’ll also learn how to get around common bugs and what to do if the permission button is inactive.

Why Xiaomi is blocking APK installation by default

Xiaomi is following Google’s security policy, which requires blocking the installation of apps from third-party sources.

  • 🛡️ Malware: APK-Files may contain viruses, spyware, or advertising modules that are not verified by Google Play.
  • 🔄 Incompatibility: Applications not adapted to MIUI, System failures or conflicts with Xiaomi services.
  • 📱 Violation of warranty: Installation of modified firmware or pirated software may cause denial of warranty service.

However, the lock is not absolute: the user can manually allow installation for specific sources (e.g., a browser or file manager) and is flexible, reducing risks but not depriving the user of freedom of choice.

It is important to understand that once you have enabled the option, the system will not automatically check the security of the APKs you install. The responsibility for the consequences lies with the user. If you download files from unreliable sites, we recommend that you pre-check them through VirusTotal.

📊 What are you setting up for? APK Xiaomi?
Testing of beta versions
Use of blocked applications in the region
Modified versions of programs (e.g. YouTube Vanced)
Save traffic (installation without Google Play)
Other

Preparing before turning on the option: 5 important steps

Before you change your security settings, follow a few steps to avoid errors and protect your device:

  1. Check out MIUI version: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. The current instructions in this article are suitable for MIUI 12/13/14. Older versions (e.g. MIUI 11) may require other steps.
  2. Update: Make sure your Xiaomi has the latest firmware installed.This will eliminate bugs related to the function. Update is available in Settings → System Update.
  3. Download. APK In advance: If you plan to install a particular application, upload its file to the device or SD-map before changing settings. This will save time.
  4. Check the source of the file: Use only trusted sites such as APKMirror or official developer sites. Avoid torrent trackers and questionable forums.
  5. Backup: In rare cases, installing an incompatible APK can cause failures. We recommend you create a backup of important data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

On devices with an unlocked bootloader, the APK installation process may be different. If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), security settings can be moved to a different menu.

☑️ Preparation for installation APK

Done: 0 / 5

Step-by-step instructions for MIUI 14 (relevant to Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13)

The latest firmware version has made the process more intuitive, but some users are having difficulty with the modified interface.

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
  2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
  3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Special Access.
  4. Slip on the item Install unknown applications.
  5. Select the application through which you plan to install APK. For example: 🌐 Browser (if you download a file from the Internet) 📁 File Manager (if any) APK It's already saved on the device) 📱 Telegram (if you receive a file through the messenger)

Allow installation from this source

OK.

You can then install an APK by simply opening the file through the selected application. Please note that the permission is given separately for each source. For example, if you have allowed the installation for the browser, but try to open the file through Telegram, the system will block the process again.

💡

If the application is not listed “Install Unknown Applications”, open it first. APK-The system automatically adds the program to the list and offers to issue permission.

MIUI 12/13 (Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi Note 10, Poco F3)

In older versions of firmware, the path to settings is slightly different. Here's how to turn on the option on MIUI 12 or MIUI 13:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Select the application you will install APKs through (such as Chrome or Files).
  3. Scroll down and find Install Unknown Applications (in some versions it is called Allow Installation from this source).
  4. Activate the switch and confirm the action.

For enterprise users, Xiaomi offers the Mi Enterprise App Store, which allows you to install the company’s internal applications without including unknown sources, but this service is only available for devices registered in the enterprise program.

If your goal is to simply save traffic when installing apps, use the Wi-Fi Download feature on Google Play (Settings → Network Settings → App Auto Update → Wi-Fi Only).

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing APK on Xiaomi

Can I enable installation from unknown sources on all applications at once?
No, MIUI 12/13/14 has a resolution that is selectively issued for each application separately, and this is done to improve security. Older versions (e.g. MIUI 11) had a global resolution option, but it was removed.
Why did the settings of unknown sources drop after the MIUI update?
When major system updates (e.g., MIUI 13 to MIUI 14) reset some security settings to factory settings, which is standard practice to protect users, and once upgraded, you'll have to re-issue permissions to the desired applications.
How to install APK on Xiaomi with a blocked bootloader?
A bootloader does not affect the ability to install APKs from unknown sources, but it works at the Android level, not the bootloader level, but if you are trying to install an application that requires root access, you will need to unlock the bootloader and obtain superuser rights.
Can I install APK on Xiaomi without an internet connection?
Yes, for installation. APK-The file doesn't need to be connected to the network. APK To another device and move it to Xiaomi via USB-cable SD-Allow installation for file manager (e.g. Files or Mi File Explorer) Open file through manager and confirm installation.
What if the application is immediately closed after installing the APK?
This is a typical incompatibility problem. Try: Install a different version of APK (e.g., for ARM64 instead of ARMv7). Clear the app cache in Settings → Apps → [Select App] → Memory → Clear cache. Check if the app conflicts with MIUI Optimization (disable it in the developer settings). If nothing helps, chances are the app is not compatible with your version of MIUI or Android.