How to Enable Unknown Sources on Android
A complete guide for every Android version so you can install APK files safely.
Why Do You Need to Enable Unknown Sources?
By default Android only allows installation of apps that come from the Google Play Store. This is a security measure to protect users from harmful software.
When you want to install an APK file downloaded from a website you need to tell Android that you trust that source. This setting is called “Unknown Sources” or “Install Unknown Apps” depending on your Android version.
You only need to do this once for each browser or file manager you use to download APK files.
Android 8.0 and Above (Oreo, Pie, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
Most modern Android phones run Android 8.0 or higher. Follow these steps:
- Download the APK file using your browser
- When prompted tap Settings in the warning message, OR go to Settings → Apps
- Tap Special App Access or tap the three-dot menu and look for it
- Tap Install Unknown Apps
- Find your browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) or file manager in the list
- Tap it and toggle Allow from this source to ON
- Go back and try installing the APK again
Note: On Android 8 and above the permission is granted per app rather than system-wide. This means you only allow your specific browser or file manager to install APKs, which is more secure.
Samsung Galaxy Devices (One UI)
Samsung uses a slightly different interface:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Biometrics and Security
- Scroll down and tap Install Unknown Apps
- Select the app you use to download files (usually Chrome or Samsung Internet)
- Toggle Allow from this source to ON
Xiaomi / MIUI Devices
Xiaomi adds an extra security layer:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Privacy Protection or Special Permissions
- Tap Install Unknown Apps
- Select your browser or file manager
- Toggle the permission ON
Some MIUI versions also require you to:
- Open Security app
- Tap Permissions
- Find and enable Install Unknown Apps
Huawei / EMUI Devices
- Go to Settings
- Tap Security
- Tap More Settings or Additional Settings
- Toggle Allow installation of apps from unknown sources to ON
- Confirm by tapping OK
Android 7.0 and Below (Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop)
Older Android versions use a single global toggle:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Security (or Privacy on some devices)
- Find Unknown Sources
- Toggle it ON
- Tap OK on the warning dialog that appears
How to Disable Unknown Sources After Installing
Once you have installed the APK it is good practice to turn off the unknown sources permission to keep your device more secure.
Android 8.0 and above:
- Go to Settings → Apps → Special App Access → Install Unknown Apps
- Find your browser and toggle Allow from this source to OFF
Android 7.0 and below:
- Go to Settings → Security
- Toggle Unknown Sources back to OFF
Troubleshooting
I cannot find the Unknown Sources option The location varies by manufacturer. Try searching for “unknown” or “install” in your Settings search bar.
The option is grayed out Your device may have a security policy (common on work phones) that prevents enabling this setting. Contact your device administrator.
I enabled it but the APK still will not install Make sure you enabled the permission for the correct app. If you downloaded the APK using Chrome, the permission needs to be enabled for Chrome specifically.
Google Play Protect is blocking the installation Tap More details then Install anyway. Google Play Protect flags all apps not from the Play Store but this does not mean the file is harmful.
Is It Safe?
Enabling installation from unknown sources does not automatically make your device vulnerable. The key is to only download APK files from trusted websites.
Always:
- Download only from reputable sources
- Scan APK files with antivirus software before installing
- Disable the unknown sources permission after installing if you do not plan to install more APKs soon
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