Put the pitchforks down, Google isn’t entirely getting rid of sideloading. Google is going to ease the Android verification rules to still allow for some sideloading.
The new rule was first announced back in August, which would make it nearly impossible to sideload apps from smaller developers. That started a lot of backlash towards Google, especially with Apple opening up sideloading in some regions. But Google has heard the feedback and is making a small change that would allow advanced users to install apps from unverified third-party sources.
Google is building a new “advanced flow” that is going to make it easier for users to download and install apps from unverified developers.
1/6 Keeping users safe on Android is our top priority. Today, we’re sharing an update on our new developer verification requirements – why they are critical to fighting modern scams, and how we’re adjusting our approach based on community feedback.
— Sameer Samat (@ssamat) November 13, 2025
Why is Google making this change to sideloading?
Currently, you can sideload anything, pretty easily too. Just download the APK, and hit install. When it gets blocked, there’s a pop-up telling you its blocked and that you need to allow the app to install apps from unverified sources. Then you can install it. All said, it’s pretty simple, and straightforward. Which makes it pretty easy for bad actors to get in there and spread malware. That’s what Google is trying to curtail.
There are some bad actors out there that bait victims into sideloading malware-infected apps on their devices on the pretext of security or verification. These types of scams have become very popular in Southeast Asia, and will only become more common.
Some Chinese OEMs have already made this a bit harder, by forcing you to wait 10 seconds before you can hit “OK” to start sideloading. But that hasn’t helped that much.
So, by making it more difficult to sideload APKs onto your device, Google is fighting back against these scams. But obviously, the ability to sideload is still needed. As there are a number of apps that aren’t in the Play Store, including two apps I use all the time – DJI Mimo and Antutu.
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