How to allow installing apps from unknown sources on a Xiaomi phone (HyperOS 3)

Device

Android

Shown on

Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G (25080RABDG), HyperOS 3.0.308.0, Android 16

App

Settings

Real screenshots

6 of 6 steps

Checked

October 2026

Sources

4 official, linked below

Step by step

1. 

   Search Settings for unknown

   Open Settings, tap the search bar and type unknown.

   Done

2. 

   Tap Install unknown apps

   The result shows its path: Privacy, Special permissions, Install unknown apps. Tap it. It opens Special permissions.

   Done

3. 

   Tap Install unknown apps again

   Scroll down the Special permissions list and tap Install unknown apps, below Unrestricted mobile data.

   Done

4. 

   Pick the app you download with

   Every app shows Not allowed. Tap the one that will open the APK: Chrome if you downloaded it in Chrome, File Manager if you open it from your files.

   Done

5. 

   Tap Allow from this source

   Tap the switch. Below it is the warning: Your phone and personal data are more vulnerable to attack by unknown apps, and you are responsible for any damage.

   Done

6. 

   Confirm the Danger box

   On ours a Danger box opened. It says this is a highly sensitive permission and lists what such apps may do. It has a tick box, I'm aware of the possible risks, and an OK button with a countdown. We tapped Cancel.

   Done

If you do not see this option

• Path different in Xiaomi's guide? Xiaomi's HyperOS 3 guide gives Settings, Security & privacy, More security & privacy, Special permissions. On our phone the search showed Privacy, Special permissions. Searching for unknown works either way. Source: Generic User Guide for HyperOS 3.0
• Under Privacy protection? Xiaomi's support page gives another route: Settings, Privacy protection, Special permissions, Install unknown apps. Source: How to download App?
• Older Xiaomi phone? Xiaomi's page about the prohibit installation message gives Settings, Additional settings, Privacy, Special app access, Install unknown apps. Source: Instructions for phone apps prompts "prohibit installation"

If this does not work

• Still blocked after allowing it? You allowed a different app. Allow the app that actually opens the APK, for example File Manager instead of Chrome. See also default apps.
• Can't tap OK in the Danger box? On ours OK showed a countdown before it could be used. Wait for it, tick I'm aware of the possible risks, then tap OK.
• Warned about an unverified developer? Google says certified Android phones need apps from verified developers. To install others you turn on Allow apps from unverified developers in Developer options, which has a 24-hour delay. Source: Allow app installs from unverified developers

About this guide

Android asks you to allow each app separately before it can install other apps, for example a browser that downloaded an APK file.

The screenshots are from our Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G with Xiaomi HyperOS 3.0.308.0 and Android 16, in Light mode. Every app on our list was Not allowed. We tapped Chrome's switch, stopped at the Danger box and tapped Cancel, so Chrome stayed Not allowed.

Good to know

Done installing? Go back and turn Allow from this source off again, so that app can't install anything else.

To remove apps you no longer want: uninstall or disable preinstalled apps.

In short: Settings search unknown, Install unknown apps, Install unknown apps, pick the app, Allow from this source on, confirm.