Google Shares Timeline for Android Sideloading Protections

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Google has been preparing to implement new sideloading protections on Android for quite some time. The goal is to reduce the spread of harmful apps by verifying developers. The company has now shared when the changes will begin rolling out to users.

Major app stores will get Android’s developer verification system

Last year, Google introduced Android developer verification, requiring developers to verify their identities before distributing apps. The company says millions of apps have already been registered, covering nearly all app installs from Google Play and a large share of installs from other app stores.

Starting this month, Google is rolling out a new system service on Android to check whether an app is registered to a verified developer (via Android Authority). While the service may already show up on some devices, it will not affect app installations right away. The initial stage of enforcement will kick off on September 30, 2026.

Users in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand will be the first to experience the new sideloading protections. The company will verify app installations from a bunch of major app stores. These include Google Play, Galaxy Store, HONOR App Market, OPPO App Market, vivo V-Appstore, Xiaomi GetApps, and Palm Store.

Google will collect the feedback from partners, users, and the developer community after the initial rollout. The company plans to expand the protections for all apps on certified Android devices globally in 2027.

It is worth mentioning that Google has not designed the changes to stop sideloading. You will be able to install apps from outside official app stores under the new Advanced Flow. If you try to install apps from unverified developers, you will have to go through several steps with a mandatory 24-hour lock. If you are a developer and an advanced user, you can install such apps without any restrictions through Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

Written by

Binay Konwar

Binay Konwar started his blogging journey in 2014 and has since written plenty of tech articles. At present, he is working as a News Writer at SammyGuru, covering everything about Samsung. He holds a Master's degree in Mathematics, but his real passion lies in tech and writing. In his free time, he enjoys playing chess and watching movies.

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