Google starts testing new sideloading process for installing unverified Android apps
Sideloading isn’t dead, but Google is adding a 24-hour waiting period.
Image by Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto/Getty Images
- Google is testing a new Android sideloading process with a 24-hour wait for unverified apps.
- Developers must verify with Google to offer apps outside Google Play by September 2026.
- Power users can still install unverified apps after enabling Developer Mode and waiting 24 hours.
- Google says sideloaded sources have over 90 times more malware than Google Play.
Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
Google has launched an experiment that allows Android users to install unregistered apps from developers who haven’t authenticated themselves with Google.
In an attempt to prevent malicious developers from distributing malware-infected apps, Google announced its plan to restrict sideloading on Android devices back in August 2025.
“Our recent analysis found over 90 times more malware from sideloaded sources than on Google Play. So as an extra layer of security, we are rolling out Android developer verification to help prevent malicious actors from hiding behind anonymity to repeatedly spread harm,” Matthew Forsythe, Google’s Director of Product Management and Android App Safety, explained.
In April 2026, Google introduced Android Developer Verification for all developers, requiring them to identify themselves with Google to offer apps outside the Google Play Store. Since then, millions of apps have already been registered. By September 2026, all developers must be registered to enable sideloading.
“Most users’ experience of installing Android apps will not change at all. However, we recognize that some developers are choosing not to undergo verification and that some power users want the option to install apps from these developers, so we’re rolling out the first version of the advanced flow to provide this additional option,” Mishaal Rahman, Community Engagement Expert for Android, says on Reddit.
Enabling advanced flow is a one-time process. To activate this option, users must enable Developer Mode by tapping the software build number in the “About phone” settings menu 7 times.
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Once this is done, they have to dive into Settings > System > Developer Options, and scroll down to “Allow Unverified Packages.” Next, they have to enter their PIN or password, restart their device, and wait 24 hours.
Lastly, users must return to the “Allow Unverified Packages” menu and enable sideloading.
“If for whatever reason you need to temporarily disable the advanced flow, you have a 10-minute window to re-enable it without going through the 24-hour waiting period again,” Google reassures.
Android Developer Verification expands globally in 2027.
The change follows a lengthy competition lawsuit between Google and Fortnite developer Epic Games over excessive Play Store commissions. In a settlement, Google promised to drop its Play Store commissions to 20% on in-app purchases, while developers who use Google’s billing system will pay an extra 5% fee.
