How to remove the application lock on Xiaomi: the full guide 2026

Why Xiaomi is blocking apps and how to fix it

Xiaomi smartphones based on firmware MIUI They actively protect users from potentially dangerous software, but sometimes this protection becomes excessive. APK-Files from unknown sources, shuts down background processes, or removes applications without your knowledge:

1) MIUI protection is an inbuilt antivirus and activity monitoring that by default limits the operation of “suspicious” programs. 2) Battery optimization that aggressively closes background tasks. 3) Google Play Protect policy, integrated into Google services on all Android devices. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable locks on Xiaomi in 2026, including hidden settings and methods for advanced users.

It’s important to understand that some limitations are at the Android kernel level, and completely disabling them may require unlocking the bootloader or obtaining root rights. However, in 90% of cases, standard MIUI tools are enough, which most users do not even know about.

Method 1: Allowing installation from unknown sources

The most common problem is the inability to establish APK-A file that is not downloaded from Google Play, and the system produces an error, "Installation blocked" or "No application from this source is allowed to install." The solution is on the surface, but it has nuances depending on the version. MIUI.

For MIUI 12/13/14, do:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Slip on the three points in the upper right corner and select Special Access.
3. Go to Install Unknown Applications
4. Select the browser or file manager you are trying to install APK through.
5. Activate the switch Allow from this source

Nana MIUI 11 and older way different: Settings → Additionally. → Confidentiality → Special permits → Install unknown applications. If the desired application is not on the list, first try to open APK-file - the system itself will offer to issue permission.

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Once an unknown APK is installed, it is recommended to turn off the permission for that source again, which will reduce the risk of accidental installation of malware through phishing sites.

Method 2: Disable MIUI Optimization (Hidden Setting)

MIUI Optimization is responsible for aggressively optimizing applications in the background, which is often to blame for the fact that messengers do not receive notifications, and games suddenly close, and you can only turn it off through the developer settings.

Step instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times)
2. Return to the main settings menu and open More →
3. Find the MIUI Optimization option (could be called MIUI Optimization)
4. Turn off the switch and confirm the action.
5. Reset the device

After disabling this function, you will notice:

• 📱 Applications work longer in the background
• 🔔 Notifications are received on time
• 🔄 The number of spontaneous restarts of programs will decrease
• ⚠️ Possible increased battery consumption (for the 5-10%)

Method 3: Setup Autostart and Background Activity

Even after MIUI Optimization is disabled, some applications may be blocked due to auto-run limitations. MIUI has a separate menu to manage these permissions, but it's well hidden.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Select the desired application from the list
3. Slip on Permissions → Autostart
4. Activate the switch and set the checkboxes: 🔄 Auto-start 🔔 Secondary Launch (for notifications) 📱 Showing notifications

Battery

No restrictions.

To set up multiple applications, use the path: Settings → Battery and Performance → Application Battery Management. Here you can select the No Limits mode for mission-critical programs.

Make sure the application is allowed to auto-start|Check if the secondary start is on|Disable battery optimization for the app|Reboot your phone after the changes-->

Method 4: Disable the built-in MIUI protection (for experienced)

If previous methods didn't work, you can completely disable the built-in security, which is a radical solution that you should only use if you understand the risks, and you should be careful, because it will make your device more vulnerable to malware.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → PapaSSWORD safety
2. Go to MIUI Protection (or "Device Security")
3. Turn off the following options: 🛡️ Virus scanner 🔍 Verification of installed applications 🔗 Phishing protection 📦 Optimization of the system

Blocking of Unsolicited Messages

⚠️ Attention: After the protection is turned off MIUI manually check the installations APK-Files through services like VirusTotal. The risk of picking up a Trojan or spyware increases in the 3-5 once.

For full control of the system, you can go further and disable Google Play Protect:

1. Open the Google Play Store
2. Slip on the profile avatar → Play Protect
3. Turn off App Scanning and Improve Malware Detection

Method 5: Using ADB for deep customization (advanced)

For users willing to work with Android Debug Bridge, there is the possibility of fine-tuning restrictions through ADB commands. This method allows you to bypass even those locks that are not disabled through the standard interface.

Conditions required:

• 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB
• 📱 Included debugging by USB phone-on
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)

The main commands for removing restrictions:

Disable battery optimization for a specific package


adb shell dumpsys deviceidle whitelist +com.example.app




Auto-start authorization



adb shell cmd appops set com.example.app RUN_ANY_IN_BACKGROUND allow




Disable all MIUI restrictions for the application



adb shell cmd appops set com.example.app RUN_IN_BACKGROUND allow




adb shell cmd appops set com.example.app AUTO_START allow




adb shell cmd appops set com.example.app WAKE_LOCK allow

To apply these commands to all applications at once, you can use the script:

for package in $(adb shell pm list packages -3); do


adb shell cmd appops set ${package#package:} RUN_IN_BACKGROUND allow




adb shell cmd appops set ${package#package:} AUTO_START allow




done

⚠️ Note: Massive disabling of restrictions through ADB This method can cause system instability and battery discharge. Use this method only for mission-critical applications.

Additional advice and specific problems

Sometimes, the blockages don't show up in obvious ways, and here are some specific scenarios and solutions.

Problem: The app is installed but closes immediately after launch.

Solution: Check the CPU architecture of your device (Settings → About Phone → Full Specification). Many applications require ARM64, and older Xiaomi (like Redmi 4A) may have ARMv7, which they are not compatible with.

Problem: After the MIUI update, previously unlocked features stopped working.

Solution: This is standard behavior after major updates, and you need to repeat all the steps to disable the restrictions, because the settings are reset to factory settings, especially MIUI Optimization and auto-start permissions.

Problem: Some system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) cannot be disabled by standard means.

Solution: Use ADB-deactivation:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer

Replace com.miui.videoplayer with the application package you want, and you can find out the package via the App Inspector app or the adb shell pm list packages | grep miui command.

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Before use ADB-Remove system applications by backing up through adb backup or Mi Cloud. Recovering remote system components without resetting to factory settings is often impossible.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps on Xiaomi