Nowadays, almost every Android user must have faced a situation when an app is not available on the Google Play Store, or we need a specific version. In such a case, we download the APK file and install it ourselves. But when you try to install the APK file, the Android system gives a warning:
"For your security, your phone does not allow installing apps from this source."
This is the time when you have to enable Unknown Sources. If you are using this feature for the first time or are a new user, then this complete guide is written for you. I will tell you how to enable Unknown Sources in the 2025 Android version — that too in simple language, step by step.
🤔 What are Unknown Sources?
First, it is important to understand what is meant by unknown sources.
By default, the Android system only allows installing apps from the Google Play Store, because Google scans the apps there for viruses and malware. But when you download an APK from another website or file sharing service, it becomes an “Unknown Source” for Android, which the system blocks — unless you allow it yourself.
⚙️ Complete Way to Enable Unknown Sources (2025)
Security has become a little different in the new Android versions of 2025. Now you have to give separate permissions for each app source (such as Chrome, File Manager, UC Browser, etc.). Just turning on a button like before doesn’t work.
🔹 Step 1: Open Settings
First, open the Settings app on your phone. You can easily open it from the home screen or app drawer.
🔹 Step 2: Search for “Install Unknown Apps”
Go to the Apps or Security section in Settings. There you will find an option like:
Install unknown apps
(In some phones it is called "Special app access")
If you are having trouble finding it, you can also search for it by typing "unknown" in the Settings search bar.
🔹 Step 3: Select the app from which you want to install the APK
Now you will get a list of apps that can open APK files, such as:
- Google Chrome
- File Manager
- UC Browser
- Xender
Select the app from which you are going to open the APK.
🔹 Step 4: Turn on "Allow from this source"
When you click on the app, an option will appear:
Allow from this source
Turn it on. Now you can install the APK from that app.
🔁 Remember: You will have to repeat this step for each new app because each source is different.
⚠️ Enabling Unknown Sources – Is it safe?
This question often comes to mind for users, and it should. When you turn on Unknown Sources, you are essentially telling the system:
“I trust this source — and I am responsible.”
That's why it's important to remember these few things:
🛡️ Always follow these precautions:
- ✅ Always download APK files only from trusted websites
- ✅ Don't click on any suspicious or unknown links
- ✅ If an APK file was sent to you by a friend on WhatsApp or Telegram, it's best to scan it before installing
📋 Essential safety tips
- ✅ Scan the APK file with a website like VirusTotal or another tool
- ✅ Just turn off it "Allow from this source" after installing the APK
- ✅ Don't install MODs of system apps (like Contacts, Messages)
- ✅ Avoid MOD versions of sensitive apps like Banking, Shopping, Wallets, etc.
- ✅ Keep "Play Protect" turned on on your phone
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Is it dangerous to turn on Unknown Sources?
No, but caution is necessary. When you turn on Unknown Sources, you bypass Google's security wall. If you're downloading the APK from a safe source, like the websites I recommend, there's usually no risk. But if the file comes from an unsafe location, it could also contain a virus or hacking code.
❓ Will I have to give separate permissions for each app?
Yes. In Android versions 2025, "Allow from this source" has to be turned on separately for each app (like Chrome, File Manager, etc.). This is a security measure from the system so that no app can secretly install another app.
❓ Should Unknown Sources be turned off after the APK is installed?
Absolutely! When you're done, immediately go to Settings and turn off "Allow from this source". This will strengthen the security of your phone again.
❓ Is this method the same on all phones?
Approximately. Each company's interface is slightly different, but the method for enabling Unknown Sources is the same on most phones (Samsung, Vivo, Infinix, Xiaomi, etc.). Even if there are differences, you can easily reach this option by typing "Unknown" in the search bar in Settings.
✅ The last thing – discretion and simplicity
Turning on Unknown Sources is not a difficult task. But do it only if you really need a trusted APK. Nowadays, countless websites and groups share APK files, but not everywhere is safe. Therefore, it is better for you to:
- Trust only trusted sources
- Scan every APK
- Reset security settings immediately after installation
If you do not know whether an APK is safe or not, ask an experienced person. I also test every APK before installing it, which is why all the apps on my site are 100% verified.
💬 Final Note
If this guide was helpful to you, be sure to tell me in the comments. And if you have any questions, feel free to ask — I will answer as soon as possible.