How to enable installation from “Unknown sources” on Xiaomi: all ways

Install applications from unknown sources on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and other devices) POCO) — necessary function for users who want to install APK-files outside of Google Play, but the manufacturer hides this option deep in the security settings and in new versions. MIUI 13/14 If you are trying to install an application, but you see an error "Installation is blocked" or "Installation is prohibited from unknown sources to protect your device" - this article will help you understand the problem.

Unlike older versions of Android, where one resolution was enough in the settings, modern Xiaomi requires individual access for each browser or file manager. APK If you use Chrome, you try to install it through Explorer, you block the process. We'll look at all the current ways to enable it, including bypassing the restrictions on new firmware, and explain why you can use it. MIUI 14 there is an additional layer of protection with a request PIN-code-installation APK.

Why is Xiaomi blocking the installation from unknown sources?

The manufacturer is motivated by concern for security: according to statistics, 80% of malware on Android is distributed through third-party APKs.

📱 Google policy: from 2021, the company has tightened requirements for manufacturers, obliging them to limit installation from unknown sources by default.
🛡️ Protection against phishing: in MIUI built-in scanner Mi Security, which analyzes installed APK threat.
💰 Xiaomi gets a percentage of sales from the official GetApps store, so it is not interested in alternative sources.

It is important to understand that the lock is not absolute: the system allows you to enable the installation, but makes it not obvious. For example, in MIUI 14 the path to settings has changed, and in some regions (for example, in the EU) SMS confirmation is required when the option is first turned on.

⚠️ Note: If you enable installation from unknown sources for banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff), download APK Fraudsters often distribute fake versions through third-party resources.

Method 1: Standard Enablement via Security Settings (MIUI 12–14)

This is the main method that works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI 12-14 firmware. Instructions are universal for models Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 and others:

Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Special Access.
Slip on the item Install unknown applications.
In the list, select the application you will install APK through (such as Browser, Explorer, or Chrome).
Activate the switch Allow installation from this source.

Then you can download it. APK-You can install files and install them through the app you select. Please note that permission is given separately for each application, for example, if you have allowed installation for Chrome, but you are trying to open it. APK Files – the system will block the process again.

Download the file only from verified sources (APKMirror, official website of the developer)

Check the hash amount of the file (MD5/SHA-1) for viruses through VirusTotal

Make sure that the device has enough memory (minimum 200-300 MB)

Disable VPN (some APKs block installation when an active VPN is in place)

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Method 2: Quick Enablement through Notification (MIUI 13/14)

In the new firmware versions, Xiaomi has added a convenient way to enable directly from the notification. When you try to install the APK, the system shows an error with the Settings button.

Download. APK-file and try to open it.
When the notification “Installation is blocked” appears, click Settings.
The system will automatically redirect you to the Special Access → Install Unknown Applications section.
Select the application you open APKs through (such as Files) and activate permission.
Return to the installation – now it must pass without errors.

This method works on the Redmi Note 11 Pro+, POCO F4, Xiaomi 12T and other models with MIUI 13/14. The main advantage is that you do not need to search for settings manually.

Redmi Note 10/11/12

POCO X3/X4/X5

Mi 11/12/13

Another Xiaomi model

I'm not Xiaomi.

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Method 3: Bypassing restrictions through ADB (for power users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, on corporate devices or in regions with severe restrictions), you can enable installation from unknown sources through the Internet. ADB-This method requires a computer and basic knowledge of working with Android Debug Bridge.

Instructions:

Turn on the Developer Mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About phone and 7 times tap on the item MIUI version.
Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
Connect your phone to your PC, install Xiaomi USB Drivers and open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must display the serial number of the device.
Apply permission for installation from unknown sources: adb shell settings put global install_non_market_apps 1
Reset the device.

After that, the restrictions will be removed globally, but note that this method is reset after resetting and may not work on some custom firmware.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB disables part of the built-in protections MIUI. If you install APK from unreliable sources, the risk of catching the virus increases in 3–4 We recommend that after installing the desired application, return the settings back with the command: adb shell settings put global install_non_market_apps 0

Table: Compatibility of methods with MIUI versions

Method of inclusion	MIUI 12	MIUI 13	MIUI 14	Notes
Through "Security Settings."	✅	✅	✅	It works on all models.
Through notice	❌	✅	✅	Added to MIUI 13
ADB-team	✅	✅	⚠️	MIUI 14 may require PIN confirmation
Reset via Safe Mode	✅	✅	✅	Temporary solution for bypassing the lock

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after you turn on the permission, users are faced with problems.

🔄 "Installation interrupted": Clear the cache of the Google Play Store and Google Play Services in Settings → Applications. Then reboot the device.
🔒 "Required. PIN-code: MIUI 14 at first installation APK system may request PIN If you don’t remember it, reset it through the official website.
📱 "App not supported": Check the processor architecture (ARM/x86) In Settings → The phone. → Full specs. APK collected only for ARM64.
🚫 "File corrupted": Download APK It's not fully loaded again, maybe. Check the checksum (SHA-1) developer's website.

If none of the methods worked, try a temporary bypass through Safe Mode:

Turn off the phone.
Press the power button and when the Xiaomi logo appears, hold the Loudness button down until Safe Mode boots.
In Safe Mode, try installing APK.
Reset the device.

Why does Xiaomi ask for a PIN when installing an APK?

MIUI 14 adds additional protection: the first time you install it from an unknown source, the system requires you to confirm the action through the PIN of your Mi Account. This is due to Google's security requirements (Android Enterprise Recommended). If the PIN is not entered, the installation is blocked. This can only be avoided through ADB or Mi Account unsetting (but this will result in a device reset).

How to minimize risks when installing an APK

Installing applications from unknown sources increases the likelihood of virus infection or data leakage.

🛡️ Check the sources: Download APK only from official websites (APKMirror, GitHub developer) or trusted forums (4PDA, XDA-Developers).
🔍 Scan files: Use VirusTotal or the built-in Mi Security Scan (in the MIUI He checks automatically. APK installation).
📋 Read permissions: Before installing, see what rights the app requests. For example, if the messenger requests access to the app. SMS — It's suspicious.
🔄 Update: After installation, check for updates manually - third-party APK Not automatically updated through Google Play.

Signs of malicious APK:

The file weighs suspiciously little (e.g., a 50MB Genshin Impact game instead of 2-3GB).
The name of the package (com.example.app) does not match the official name.
The application requests ADMIN or Accessibility rights for no reason.

💡

Before installing a bank APK (e.g., Alpha-Click or VTB Online), compare the hash amount (SHA-256) of the file with the official one on the bank’s website, which ensures that the file is not replaced by fraudsters.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I enable installation from unknown sources on all applications at once?

No, MIUI 12-14 allows each application to be allowed separately (browser, file manager, etc.) for security: if a virus penetrates one application, it will not be able to install other APKs automatically.

Why did the MIUI update turn off the option again?

For major updates (e.g., from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14), some settings are reset. Also, reset occurs when: Factory Reset. Delete Mi Account. Manually cleanse the Settings app data. Before updating, back up permissions through Settings → Mi Account → Cloud → Backup.

How to install APK on Xiaomi without enabling Unknown Sources?

There are two legal ways: Through Google Play: If the app is in store but not available in your area, use a VPN (like ProtonVPN) and create a new Google account with an address in a supported country. Through Mi GetApps: The Xiaomi official store sometimes contains apps that are not available on Google Play (like Chinese services).

Why some Xiaomis don’t have the “Install Unknown Apps” option?

This is possible in three cases: Enterprise Device (managed via Android Enterprise); custom firmware (like LineageOS) is installed, where security settings are changed; Parental lock is active (check in Settings → Mi Account → Family Security); In the first two cases, only unlocking the bootloader and flashing the firmware will help.

💡

If you often install APK, Create a separate folder in the file manager (for example, APK_Install) And let it be installed only for that, and that reduces the risk of malicious files being accidentally launched from other sources.