How to remove the lock of applications on Xiaomi: all the ways for MIUI 14/15

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their strict security policies, which often block the installation of applications from unknown sources or limit background processes. This protection can prevent users who want to test beta versions of programs, use alternative stores like APKMirror or run automation through Tasker. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable locks, from basic settings to advanced methods using ADB and superuser rights.

It's important to understand that disabling system constraints can affect your device's security. MIUI blocks applications for a reason: it's anti-malware, data leaks, and unoptimized software that can drain your battery or overheat your processor. But if you're aware of the risks and willing to take responsibility for security, our instructions will help you bypass the restrictions without harming your system.

Why Xiaomi is blocking apps: 3 main reasons

Before we start unlocking, it's worth figuring out why MIUI is restricting applications, not just a whim of developers, but a set of measures to protect the user and optimize the smartphone.

  • 🛡️ Security of data: MIUI scanner APK-Blocking unknown sources reduces the risk of installing spyware or Trojans.
  • 🔋 Battery savings: Background activity of some apps (especially social networks and instant messengers) can consume up to 30% of the charge per day. MIUI automatically suspends such processes.
  • ⚡ System performance: Xiaomi smartphones are often equipped with mid-level processors (Snapdragon) 6xx/7xx, Dimensity 700/900). Limiting background tasks prevents lags and overheating.

Interestingly, in recent versions of MIUI 14/15, the locking algorithms have become “smarter”: the system analyzes not only the source of the installation, but also the behavior of the application after launch. For example, if a program requests access to contacts immediately after installation (before the user starts using it), MIUI can block it as suspicious.

📊 What version? MIUI installed on your Xiaomi?
MIUI 12/13
MIUI 14
MIUI 15 (HyperOS)
I don't know.
other

Method 1: Allowing installation from unknown sources

The easiest and safest method is to enable installation APK-This is a method that is suitable for most users and does not require root rights or technical knowledge. MIUI 14/15 (including HyperOS):

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Special Access.
  3. Go to Install Unknown Applications section.
  4. Select the application you plan to install APK through (such as File Manager or Chrome).
  5. Activate the switch Allow installation from this source.

After that, you can install apps that are not downloaded from Google Play. Note: in MIUI 15 (based on HyperOS), the path to settings has changed a little – now you need to go through Settings → Privacy → Special Access.

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If, after the installation permit, APK-The file still won’t open, try moving it to the Download folder on the internal drive. MIUI Sometimes blocks the launch of files from external sources (for example, from the SD-map).

Method 2: Disabling Battery Optimization for Individual Applications

A common problem with Xiaomi is that apps are shutting down in the background or not sending notifications, and this is due to aggressive battery optimization.

  1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
  2. Select No Limits mode (if there is none, tap on Settings in the upper right corner and activate Show All Apps).
  3. Find the desired application in the list and set the No Limits mode for it.
  4. Go back and open Settings → Applications → Application Management, select your app and activate the AutoRun option.

For instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) and navigators (Yandex.Maps, Google Maps), it is also recommended to disable Background Activity Limitation in the Battery Consumption section for a particular application.

Charge your phone at least 50% |Close all background apps |Check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone |Close backup of important data

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Method 3: Using ADB for deep unlocking

If standard settings don't work, you can use USB debugging (ADB), which allows you to disable system restrictions without root permissions, but requires a connection to a computer.

  1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools (includes adb.exe).
  2. On the phone, activate Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
  3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
  4. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line in the adb.exe folder and execute: adb devices (your device should appear).
  5. Enter the command to disable installation check: adb shell settings put global install_non_market_apps 1

To disable battery optimization via ADB, use:

adb shell dumpsys deviceidle whitelist +com.example.app

(Replace com.example.app with your app’s batch name, such as org.telegram.messenger for Telegram).

How to find out the package name of the application?
Open Google Play, find the app you want, and copy text from the browser's address bar after id=. For example, for Telegram, it's org.telegram.messenger. Alternatively, you can use the App Inspector app from the Play Market.

Method 4: Unlocking through Developer Settings

The developer menu contains options that allow you to turn off the background check of applications and speed up their work.

  • 🔓 Disable the check MIUI (In some versions, it is called to miss authentication. MIUI) — allows you to set up any APK without warning.
  • ⚡ Do not save actions – disables the limit on the number of background processes (useful for multitasking).
  • 📱 Background Processes – Set a maximum value (e.g., 4 processes) so that applications do not close.
  • 🔄 Windows animation, transition animation - reduction to 0.5x speed up the opening of applications.

Note: Disable MIUI Check option may not be available on new devices (e.g. Xiaomi 13/14 with HyperOS) or require unlocking the bootloader. If it isn't on your menu, try the ADB or root method.

Method 5: Getting root rights to unlock completely

If the previous methods didn't work, you'll have to unlock the bootloader and get root permissions, which will give you full control of the system, but you'll lose your warranty and can lead to update problems.

  1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool (requires a binding Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
  2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox) via fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
  3. In TWRP, you can file Magisk (download the latest version from GitHub).
  4. After restarting, install Magisk Manager and activate modules: 🔧 MIUI Optimizations – Disables restrictions MIUI. 🛡️ Universal SafetyNet Fix – Masks Root for Banking Apps.

With root rights, you can:

  • 📁 Remove system applications (Mi Browser, Mi Music, etc.).
  • ⚙️ Modify files in /system (for example, to disable advertising in MIUI).
  • 🔋 Customize the processor core for better performance.

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Remember, once root rights are granted, some features (such as contactless payment or banking apps) may stop working. Use modules like MagiskHide or SafetyNet Fix to get around the restrictions.

Table: Comparison of unlocking methods

MethodDifficultyPC requiredRoot is required.Risks.Efficiency
Resolving Unknown Sources⭐❌ No.❌ No.MinimumModerate (installation only)
Disabling battery optimization⭐⭐❌ No.❌ No.Average (battery consumption)High (for background work)
ADB-team⭐⭐⭐✅ Yes.❌ No.Low.High (system settings)
Developer settings⭐⭐❌ No.❌ No.Medium (instability)Moderate.
Root rights⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✅ Yes.✅ Yes.High (loss of warranty)Maximum

The choice of method depends on your goals. If you just need to install APK from a third-party source, the first method will suffice, for advanced users who want complete control of the system, unlock the bootloader and root will do.

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Before any manipulation of the system, back up via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. In the event of a failure, you can recover the data.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you turn off locks, users often encounter problems, and here are some common mistakes and solutions:

⚠️ Warning: If after disabling the battery optimization, the phone began to discharge quickly, check the applications in the Settings section → Battery → Battery use. Often the fault is messengers or games that are actively used. GPS and mobile data in the background.

  • 🚫 Error "Cannot install package": Cause: Damaged APK-Solution: Download the file again, check the hash amount (for example, through Hash Droid) and release it. 1-2 GB memory.
  • 🔒 The application is blocked after the update MIUI: Reason: Newer versions of firmware reset some resolutions.Solution: Reconfigure battery optimization and auto-start for the app.
  • 📱 ADB Does not see the device: Reason: Drivers are not installed or debugging is not enabled USB. Solution: Install Mi PC Suite or drivers manually through the official Xiaomi website.

If after all the manipulations the application still does not work, try:

  1. Clear the cache and application data in Settings → Apps.
  2. Install an older version of APK (sometimes newer versions conflict with MIUI).
  3. Check the error log through Logcat (requires ADB).
Can I turn off the lock without a computer?
Yes, methods 1, 2 and 4 (resolving unknown sources, optimizing the battery, and setting up the developer) do not require a PC connection, but deep unlocking (such as uninstalling system applications) will still require a computer and an ADB.
Why are applications blocked again after the MIUI update?
Firmware updates often reset user security settings. After the update, re-check the permissions to install unknown sources. Set up battery optimization for critical applications. ADB-commands, repeat them. MIUI 15 added Reset security settings, which can be activated after major updates.
How to unlock an application if it is removed by the system?
If MIUI has removed an application as "malicious", try: Download APK again from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror). Rename the file (e.g. add v2 at the end), sometimes this bypasses the check. Install the name file.apk via ADB: adb install If nothing helps, check the file for viruses through VirusTotal - perhaps the blocking is justified.
Will Google Pay work after blocking?
Standard methods (allowance of unknown sources, ADB) do not affect Google Pay. However, if you get root rights, the service will stop working due to a violation of SafetyNet. To fix this: Install Magisk and activate MagiskHide. Sweep through the Universal SafetyNet Fix module. Check SafetyNet status through the YASNAC application. Even after that, some banks can block payments - it all depends on their security policy.
Can you roll back changes if something goes wrong?
Yes, in most cases: For ADB-Commands: run the reverse command (e.g. adb shell settings put global) install_non_market_apps 0). For Developer Settings: Reset Settings through Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset application settings. For root rights: reflash the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (you will need an unlocked bootloader). In extreme cases, you can make a full reset via Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Reset all settings (data will be deleted!).