How to Enable "Install Unknown Apps" on Android

To install apps like Binance that are not available in the official app store on an Android phone, you must first allow the installation of apps from unknown sources. This is a security mechanism in the Android system that is turned off by default. This article provides a detailed guide on how to configure this setting for various phone brands. After setting up the permissions, you can go to the Binance official website to download and install the Binance official app. iPhone users do not need this setting; you can directly refer to the iOS installation guide.

What are "Unknown Source Apps"?

In the Android system, "unknown source apps" refer to apps that are not installed through the phone's built-in app store (such as Google Play, Xiaomi App Store, Huawei AppGallery, etc.). APK files downloaded via a browser, transferred via WeChat/QQ, or moved from a computer to a phone all fall under "unknown sources."

Android disables the installation of unknown source apps by default to prevent users from accidentally installing malware. however, many legitimate apps are not listed in app stores for various reasons (such as Binance), requiring users to manually enable this permission for installation.

Differences Between Old and New Android Versions

• Android 7.0 and below: There is a global "Unknown Sources" toggle. Once turned on, APKs from all sources can be installed.
• Android 8.0 and above: The global toggle has been removed and replaced by per-app authorization. You need to grant permission individually to each app that might install an APK (e.g., browser, file manager).

Since most modern phones run Android 8.0 or higher, the following tutorial focuses on the per-app authorization method.

How to Set Up on Xiaomi/Redmi Phones

MIUI 14 / HyperOS

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Tap Manage apps.
4. Tap the three dots in the top right corner (More options).
5. Select Install unknown apps or Install apps from external sources.
6. Find your browser in the list (Chrome, Mi Browser, etc.).
7. Turn on Allow from this source.

Quick Method: Search for "unknown sources" or "install unknown apps" in the search bar at the top of the Settings page to jump directly to the setting.

Important Note

For Xiaomi phones, besides enabling the installation permission, you also need to turn off "Pure Mode." Even if permissions are granted, APKs cannot be installed if Pure Mode is active. To turn it off: Settings → Security → Pure Mode → Turn Off.

How to Set Up on Huawei Phones

HarmonyOS 3/4

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Security.
3. Tap More security settings.
4. Find Install apps from external sources.
5. Select the corresponding browser.
6. Turn on Allow from this source.

Important Note

Huawei phones also require turning off "Pure Mode." Path: Settings → Security → Pure Mode → Turn Off. Huawei's Pure Mode is stricter than other brands; if not disabled, the installation permission settings will be ineffective.

How to Set Up on OPPO Phones

ColorOS 13/14

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Password & Security.
3. Tap System security.
4. Find Installation sources or Install apps from external sources.
5. Select your browser.
6. Turn on Allow installation from this source.

ColorOS 11/12

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Security.
3. Find Install unknown apps.
4. Select the browser and enable it.

Important Note

OPPO's App Market has a separate installation detection feature that may need to be disabled. Path: OPPO Software Store → Me → Settings → Security Detection → Turn Off.

How to Set Up on vivo Phones

OriginOS 3/4/5

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Security & Privacy (or Apps & Permissions).
3. Tap More security settings.
4. Find Install unknown apps or Install apps from external sources.
5. Select the browser.
6. Turn on the permission to allow installation.

Funtouch OS

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Security.
3. Find Unknown sources.
4. Turn on the toggle (this is a global toggle).

Important Note

The vivo "iManager" app might block installations. It is recommended to temporarily disable the installation monitoring feature in iManager before installing.

How to Set Up on Honor Phones

MagicOS 7/8/9

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Security or Security & Privacy.
3. Tap More security settings.
4. Find Install apps from external sources.
5. Select the browser.
6. Turn on the installation permission.

Important Note

Honor phones also have a Pure Mode that needs to be disabled. Path: Settings → Security → Pure Mode → Turn Off.

How to Set Up on Samsung Phones

One UI 5/6/7

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Tap the three dots in the top right corner.
4. Select Special access.
5. Find Install unknown apps.
6. Select your browser.
7. Turn on Allow from this source.

Samsung phones usually do not have a "Pure Mode," making the setup relatively simple.

How to Set Up on OnePlus Phones

ColorOS (China Version)

The operation is the same as OPPO phones; please refer to the OPPO guide above.

OxygenOS (Global Version)

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Tap Special app access.
4. Select Install unknown apps.
5. Select the browser and turn it on.

How to Set Up on Google Pixel Phones

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Tap Special app access.
4. Select Install unknown apps.
5. Select the browser.
6. Turn on Allow from this source.

Pixel phones use the most standard Android system, making the setup very direct.

Universal Quick Setup Methods

If your phone brand or system version is not listed above, try these universal methods:

Method 1: Search Settings

1. Open Settings.
2. Type one of the following keywords in the search bar:
   • "unknown sources"
   • "install unknown"
   • "external sources"
3. Tap the search result to enter the setting.

This is the fastest method and works for all Android phone brands.

Method 2: Jump During Installation

1. Try to install the APK file directly.
2. The system will pop up a notification saying installation is not allowed.
3. The prompt usually includes a Settings button.
4. Tap Settings to jump directly to the permission settings page.
5. Enable the permission and go back to continue the installation.

Method 3: Via App Info

1. Long-press the browser icon on your home screen.
2. Select App info or the "i" icon.
3. Scroll to see the permission list.
4. Find the Install unknown apps option.
5. Enable the permission.

Which Apps Need Installation Permission?

You only need to grant permission to the apps you actually use to install APKs:

Recommended to Enable

• Chrome Browser: The most common browser for downloading APKs.
• Built-in Browser: Such as Mi Browser, Huawei Browser, etc.
• File Manager: If you open and install APKs via a file manager.

Not Recommended to Enable

• WeChat/QQ: While you can receive APKs via WeChat, it is recommended not to enable this for safety.
• SMS App: Not needed.
• Email App: Unless you frequently receive installation packages via email.
• Unknown Apps: Never grant installation permission to apps you do not know or trust.

Security Precautions

Disable Permission After Installation

After installing the app you need, it is recommended to immediately disable the installation permission for that app. This prevents malware from exploiting the permission to install items in the background.

Don't Enable for All Apps

Only grant permission to trusted apps you actually need. Do not enable installation permissions for all apps just for convenience.

Use with Pure Mode

For phones with Pure Mode, it is recommended to only disable Pure Mode and enable installation permissions when you need to install an APK, then restore them immediately after.

Verify APK Source

Once installation permission is enabled, you must judge for yourself if the downloaded APK is safe. Only download apps from official websites and avoid untrusted third-party sites.

Troubleshooting

Permission Enabled but Still Cannot Install

Possible reasons:

1. Pure Mode not disabled: Xiaomi, Huawei, and Honor require disabling Pure Mode as well.
2. Wrong app authorized: Ensure you granted permission to the specific browser you used to download the APK.
3. Restart required: Some phones require a restart for security setting changes to take effect.
4. APK file issue: The file might be corrupted or the version is incompatible.

Cannot Find "Install Unknown Apps" Setting

1. Use the search function in Settings with the keywords mentioned above.
2. Check for system updates; setting locations may change after an update.
3. Menu names may differ across system versions; try searching with different keywords.
4. Some very old Android versions might find it under Security → Device Administrators.

Setting is Grayed Out and Unclickable

Possible reasons:

1. Enterprise policy restriction: If the phone is company-issued, it might be locked by enterprise management policies.
2. Parental controls: If parental control is active, it needs to be disabled first.
3. Pure Mode influence: Some brands lock installation settings while in Pure Mode.
4. System bug: Restart the phone and try again.

FAQ

Is it unsafe to enable "Install Unknown Apps"?

As long as you are careful about the source of your downloads, it is not unsafe. This permission only allows you to install APK files from specific apps; it doesn't automatically install anything. The key is to only download apps from trusted official channels.

Will permissions be reset after a system update?

Possibly. Some brand system updates reset security-related settings, including "Install unknown apps" permissions. If you find you cannot install an APK after an update, re-check your settings.

Do I need to set it up every time I install?

No. As long as you have enabled installation permission for the browser and haven't manually disabled it, you don't need to set it up again for the next installation. However, if a system update resets the permission, you will need to re-enable it.

What is the difference between "Install Unknown Sources" and "Root"?

They are completely different. Allowing unknown sources only gives a specific app the permission to install an APK without changing any core system functions. Rooting is about gaining the highest system privileges, which affects phone security and warranty. Installing the Binance app only requires installation permission and does not need root at all.

Do I still need to turn off Pure Mode after setting the permission?

It depends on the brand. Brands like Xiaomi, Huawei, and Honor require you to both turn off Pure Mode and enable installation permission. Brands like OPPO, vivo, and Samsung usually only require the installation permission.

Can I enable installation permission for all apps?

Technically yes, but it is strongly discouraged. Only grant permission to apps you actually need for installation (usually your browser) and keep it off for others for better security.