Regardless of the Android device brand, to install applications like Binance that are not available in the default application store, the "Install unknown apps" (or "Unknown sources") permission must first be enabled. This is a fundamental security setting within the Android system and is disabled by default. Without enabling it, APK files cannot be installed. This article compiles the methods to enable this permission across various brands and Android versions. First, obtain the Binance APK download link from the Binance Official Website, or directly download the Binance Official App installation package. Apple users should refer to the iOS Installation Guide.
What is "Install Unknown Apps"
Basic Concept
The Android system categorizes application installation sources into two types: "Known sources," such as the Google Play Store or the device manufacturer's built-in application store; and "Unknown sources," which include APKs downloaded via browsers, transferred from computers, or downloaded through third-party applications.
By default, the system only permits installations from "Known sources." Installing Binance via an APK file constitutes an "Unknown source" installation, necessitating manual permission enablement.
Differences Between Newer and Older Android Versions
Android 7.0 and Below:
The "Unknown sources" installation is a global toggle. Once enabled, all applications can install APKs.
Android 8.0 and Above:
The permission model has transitioned to a "per-app authorization" system. Users must specify which application is permitted to install APKs. For example, if an APK is downloaded using Chrome, the installation permission must be granted to Chrome; if opened via a file manager, the permission must be granted to the file manager.
This modification enhances security by allowing precise control over which applications possess installation privileges, rather than a blanket authorization.
Configuration Methods for Stock Android
For devices utilizing near-stock Android, such as Pixel or Motorola devices.
Android 12/13/14/15
- Open "Settings".
- Tap "Apps".
- Tap "Special app access".
- Locate and tap "Install unknown apps".
- Find the application to be authorized in the list (e.g., Chrome).
- Enable "Allow from this source".
Android 8.0 to 11
- Open "Settings".
- Tap "Apps & notifications".
- Tap "Advanced" or "More".
- Locate "Special app access".
- Tap "Install unknown apps".
- Select the application and enable the permission.
Android 7.0 and Below
- Open "Settings".
- Navigate to "Security".
- Locate "Unknown sources".
- Toggle the switch to enable.
- Confirm via the pop-up dialogue.
Configuration Methods for Various Phone Brands
Different phone brands have modified the settings paths. Detailed instructions for each are as follows.
Xiaomi/Redmi (MIUI/HyperOS)
MIUI 12/13/14:
- Settings → Privacy protection.
- Special permissions.
- Install unknown apps.
- Select the browser → Enable.
HyperOS:
- Settings → Apps → Permissions.
- Install unknown apps.
- Select the browser → Enable.
If unable to locate: Search for "unknown" or "install" in the search bar at the top of the Settings menu.
Huawei (HarmonyOS)
In addition to enabling unknown sources, Huawei devices require disabling "Pure Mode":
- Disable Pure Mode: Settings → System & updates → Pure Mode → Exit.
- Enable Permission: Settings → Security → More security settings → Install unknown apps.
- Select the browser → Enable.
OPPO (ColorOS)
ColorOS 13/14:
- Settings → Password & security → System security.
- Installation sources.
- Select the browser → Enable.
ColorOS 11/12:
- Settings → Privacy → Installation sources.
- Select the browser → Enable.
vivo/iQOO (OriginOS)
OriginOS 3/4:
- Settings → Apps & permissions → Permission management.
- Install unknown apps (or Special app access → Install unknown apps).
- Select the browser → Enable.
Funtouch OS:
- Settings → Security → More security settings.
- Unknown sources → Enable (Global toggle).
Honor (MagicOS)
- Settings → Security → More security settings.
- Install external apps.
- Select the browser → Enable.
If the "App Pure" feature is present, it must be disabled first.
Samsung (One UI)
- Settings → Biometrics and security (or Security and privacy).
- Install unknown apps.
- Select the browser → Enable.
OnePlus (OxygenOS/ColorOS)
ColorOS-based versions: Path identical to OPPO.
Pure OxygenOS: Path identical to stock Android.
realme (realme UI)
Path essentially identical to OPPO's ColorOS:
- Settings → Password & security → System security.
- Installation sources.
- Select the browser → Enable.
Meizu (Flyme)
- Settings → Security.
- Install apps (or Unknown sources).
- Enable.
ZTE/Nubia
- Settings → Security & privacy.
- Install unknown apps.
- Select the browser → Enable.
Solutions When Settings Cannot Be Found
Method 1: Utilizing the Search Function
Virtually all Android device settings pages feature a search bar at the top. Search for the following keywords:
- "Unknown"
- "Install"
- "External sources"
- "Unknown apps"
The system will navigate directly to the corresponding setting.
Method 2: Long-Pressing the App Icon
For Android 8.0 and above, a shortcut exists:
- Locate the browser's icon.
- Long-press the icon.
- Select "App info" or "Application details".
- Locate "Install unknown apps" within the App info page.
- Enable.
Method 3: Redirection During Installation
Many devices provide a "Go to Settings" button when attempting to install an APK is blocked. Tapping this button directs the system straight to the permission settings page.
Which Applications Require Permission
Identify the Download Tool
Determine which tool is utilized to download and install the APK, and grant permission exclusively to that tool:
- Chrome Browser: If the APK is downloaded via Chrome.
- System Browser: If the APK is downloaded via the device's built-in browser.
- File Manager: If the APK is opened via the file manager.
- QQ/WeChat: If the APK file is received through chat applications (this method is not recommended).
Principle of Least Privilege
Security best practices dictate granting installation permission only to trusted applications and disabling it immediately after use. Granting this permission to all applications increases security risks.
Additional Steps After Enabling
Extra Configurations for Domestic Phones
Enabling unknown sources installation is merely the first step. Domestic Chinese phone brands frequently impose additional security layers that require attention:
- Huawei: Pure Mode must be disabled.
- Xiaomi/Redmi: Security Guard interception prompts must be bypassed.
- OPPO/OnePlus/realme: App installation security checks must be disabled.
- vivo/iQOO: iManager installation monitoring must be disabled.
- Honor: App Pure feature must be disabled.
Stock Android and Samsung
For these devices, enabling the unknown sources permission is generally sufficient without additional operations. Handling Google Play Protect prompts may be the only requirement.
Security Recommendations Post-Installation
Revoke Unnecessary Permissions
Following the installation of Binance, it is advised to revoke the previously granted installation permission:
- Return to the "Install unknown apps" settings page.
- Locate the application that was previously authorized.
- Disable "Allow from this source".
Revoking this permission does not impact already installed applications; it merely prevents that source from installing new APKs in the future.
Rationale for Revocation
Maintaining the "Install unknown apps" permission in an active state poses security vulnerabilities. Should a browser be hijacked by a malicious website, it could automatically download and install a malicious APK without user awareness. Revoking the permission eliminates this possibility at the source.
Re-enabling for Updates
When an update for the Binance App is required, simply repeat the process of enabling the permission, installing, and subsequently revoking the permission. While slightly more involved, it guarantees enhanced security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unable to Install After Enabling Permission
Potential causes:
- The APK file is corrupted or incompletely downloaded.
- Insufficient device storage space.
- The Android system version is too low and incompatible.
- Additional security mechanisms on domestic phones remain active (e.g., Pure Mode, Security Guard).
Cannot Find the "Install Unknown Apps" Option in Settings
In exceedingly rare instances, this may be due to:
- An excessively old system version (below Android 6.0), resulting in a different option name.
- Enterprise management policies restricting the option (on company-issued devices).
- A system bug; restart the device and check again.
Is It Necessary to Re-enable Before Every Installation?
No. As long as the permission is not manually revoked, it remains active. However, from a security standpoint, it is recommended to disable it after each use.
Does Enabling Unknown Sources Cause Malware Infections?
Enabling the permission itself does not cause malware infections. The risk resides in the security of the APK file being installed. Provided the APK is obtained from a trusted source (such as the official Binance website), there is no issue.
Summary
Enabling unknown sources installation is the initial and most fundamental step to installing Binance on an Android device. While the configuration paths vary across different brands and Android versions, the core logic is identical: locate the "Install unknown apps" setting and authorize the download tool. Utilize the search function if the setting cannot be readily found. Remember to revoke the permission after installation, as this constitutes a solid security practice.