Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the problem when the system automatically blocks installed applications β especially when it comes to programs from unknown sources (APK-files) or software with higher resolutions. MIUI It is designed to protect the device from malware, but often interferes with the work of legitimate utilities: from emulators to specialized tools for developers.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable lock on Xiaomi in 2026, including hidden settings MIUI 12-14, bypass through ADB, as well as methods for devices with unlocked bootloader. Importantly, some solutions require technical training β we will specify the difficulty level for each option. If you are using the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or the flagship Xiaomi 13 series, the instructions will be suitable for all models based on MIUI (except for devices for the Chinese market with HyperOS).
Why Xiaomi is blocking apps: 3 main reasons
MIUI is not a random blocker, it's part of Mi Security's layered security, and here are the key triggers that trigger the lock:
- π Unknown source: The app is not installed from Google Play (for example, via Google Play). APK-The system considers it potentially dangerous, even if it's an official build from the developer.
- π‘οΈ Increased permissions: The program requests access to AccessibilityService, Usage Stats, or superuser rights, VPN-Customers or Testing Tools.
- β‘ Background activity: The application consumes a lot of resources in the background (for example, cryptocurrency miners or some instant messengers with constant synchronization).
Unlike Google Android, where the lock is limited to a warning when installed, MIUI can completely stop the program after a few minutes after launch, while in the system logs (Settings β About β Phone β MIUI β Tap 5 times) there is a record of PackageManager: Blocking package.
Method 1: Disable the lock via βSpecial Permitsβ (without root)
The simplest method that works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-14 is suitable for unlocking most applications, except system utilities.
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Special Permissions.
- Scroll down and tap on Install Unknown Apps.
- Find a blocked application (such as File Manager or Browser, through which you installed the APK) and allow installation.
- Go back to Application Management, find the blocked program, and open its settings. Activate the AutoRun and Background Activity switch.
If the application is still blocked, check the Battery and Performance Partition β Battery Management and disable optimization for it.This method works for 80% of cases, but will not help if the lock is related to MIUI security policies (for example, for applications with Accessibility).
βοΈ Preparation for unlocking
Method 2: ADB commands to remove restrictions (advanced level)
If standard settings donβt work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to change system settings without root permissions, which is suitable for power users and requires a computer.
You'll need:
- π» Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
- π USB-cable (preferably original).
- π± Included debugging by USB (Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI β Tap 7 times β Developer settings β Debugging by USB).
Steps to unlock:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
- Connect the phone to the PC and in the command line (terminal) perform: adb devices Make sure that the device is determined (should appear its serial number).
- Enter the command to disable lock: adb shell cmd package set-install-location 0 Then: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.securitycenter Attention! The second command removes Mi Security Center for the current user, which can weaken the system's protection.
- Reset the device.
What if the ADB canβt see the device?
After this, most applications will be allowed to run, but some functions (such as Accessibility) may still be blocked. platform.xml (see method 4).
π‘
If the application is blocked after ADB commands, try clearing its cache and data in the settings (Settings β Applications β [program name] β Storage β Clear cache / data).
Method 3: Using Magisk (for devices with unlocked bootloader)
If your Xiaomi has an unlocked bootloader, you can install Magisk, a root-rights tool without changing the system partition, which will bypass all MIUI restrictions, including app blocking.
Advantages of the method:
- β Full control of the system (you can edit build.prop, disable services) MIUI).
- β Compatible with Google Pay and banking apps (with the right MagiskHide setup).
- β Ability to install modules for automatic application unlocking (e.g, MIUI Optimizations).
Instructions:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a binding Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
- Install Magisk via TWRP or Fastboot.
- Enable MagiskHide in Magisk Settings and add blocked apps to the Hide List.
- Install MIUI Optimizations from the Magisk repository to disable MIUI restrictions.
β οΈ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device! it can also lead to loss of warranty and problems with the device. OTA-On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), unlocking requires additional authorization through Mi Account.
Method 4: Edit platform.xml (power users only)
This method involves manually changing the system file responsible for application permissions, and is only suitable for devices with root rights or custom firmware.
What will be required:
- π± Root access (via Magisk or SuperSU).
- π System file editor (e.g. MiXplorer or Root Explorer).
- π§ Backup of the file platform.xml (situated /system/etc/permissions/).
Step-by-step:
- Open MiXplorer with root rights and go to /system/etc/permissions/platform.xml.
- Find a line: <permission name="android.permission.INSTALL_PACKAGES"> And add after it: <group gid="media_rw" />
- Save the file and restart the device.
This will allow applications to get extended permissions without blocking, but improper editing of platform.xml can lead to a bootloop!
π‘
Editing system files is a last resort, and if you are not sure what you are doing, use Methods 1-3 or consult a specialist.
Unlocking methods comparison: which one to choose?
To simplify the choice, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:
| Method | Difficulty | Root is required. | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special permits | β (simple) | β No. | 70% (does not help with system constraints) | Minimum |
| ADB-team | ββ (middle-of-the-road) | β No. | 85% (may require re-execution after updates) | Reset some security settings |
| Magisk | βββ (difficult) | β Yes. | 99% (full control) | Loss of warranty, risk of bootloop |
| Editing by platform.xml | ββββ (difficult) | β Yes. | 100% (removes all restrictions) | High risk of system damage |
For most users, the first two methods are sufficient. If you are a developer or use specific software (for example, Xposed Framework or Tasker with advanced scripts), you should consider Magisk. Editing platform.xml is recommended only in extreme cases.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to unlock apps, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
- π The application is blocked again after the reboot: This is related to the operation of the Mi Security service. Solution - disable automatic optimization in Settings β Battery β Battery management β Choice of applications.
- π« ADB Does not see the device: Make sure that debugging is enabled USB And the right drivers are installed. Windows may need to disable driver signatures.
- π You canβt get root on the new Xiaomi model: Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened its policy of unlocking the bootloader for flagship models (for example, Xiaomi 14.
- β οΈ After unlocking, banking applications stopped working: This is due to the SafetyNet trigger. Solution - install the MagiskHide Props Config module and pass the SafetyNet check.
β οΈ Note: On devices with HyperOS, the standard unlocking methods may not work, and these models require specialized software, such as the HyperOS Tool.