It is well known that Android 's policies regarding downloading apps to devices are not that strict. This may appeal to many users. However, it comes at a cost: security . Unlike Apple , which prohibits downloading apps from third parties, Google Xiaomi is more “flexible” . The manufacturer of the Android operating system urges developers and users to prefer the Google Play Store for downloading apps, but the final decision is in the hands of the users themselves. is trying to help Google protect its users through MIUI Pure Mode , a feature that makes it more difficult to download Android apps from third parties (sideloading).
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According to Xiaomi, nearly 40% of apps installed on phones running MIUI have never passed the company's security checks. Furthermore, nearly 10% of these apps are considered malicious. To prevent the download of more malicious apps and enhance user security, Xiaomi is now testing Pure Mode in MIUI 12.5.
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In this way, the company adds additional protection on top of Android's security model. Android, by default, warns users about the dangers of installing third-party apps, but it's very easy to bypass the warnings. Xiaomi's MIUI Pure Mode will block the ability to sideload Android apps, although users will be able to disable the feature if they wish and at their own risk.
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Pure Mode will also have another important feature. It will block any installation process that happens in the background, which is very important given that malware developers and hackers often use this method to infect devices.
The feature is currently in beta testing in China and there is no word yet on whether it will reach the global MIUI version in the long term.
