Google Raises Bar on Android Sideloading with One-Day Waiting Period
Google's new Android sideloading rules have begun rolling out worldwide. The changes aim to protect users from malware by introducing a one-day waiting period between enabling installs from unverified developers and installing an app.
This 'advanced' flow is designed to increase friction for users trying to install apps from non-verified sources, which are the number one cause of malware on Android devices. To sideload an app, users must first enable the option in Developer Options and then navigate through a warning page before starting the 24-hour waiting period.
The 'Android Developer Verified' app will allow developers to get verified, enabling users to skip these steps. Initially rolling out in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, it will become global by next year. Google has not specified an exact date for its global rollout but confirmed that it will happen in 2027.