Google Adds 5-Step Android Sideloading Flow With 24-Hour Delay
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jun 17
Google Adds 5-Step Android Sideloading Flow With 24-Hour Delay
3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jun 17
Summary
Google will require Android users to complete a five-step “Advanced Flow” before installing apps from unverified developers, including a forced phone restart, reauthentication and a 24-hour waiting period.
The company says the tighter process addresses security risks because internet-sideloaded apps generate 50 times more malware than apps distributed through Google Play.
Biometric or PIN verification will be required before installation, and users can enable sideloading access for seven days or indefinitely after clearing the new checks.
The restrictions will not apply to apps from verified developers or limited-distribution releases capped at 20 devices, and the feature will run through proprietary Google Play Services rather than open-source Android.
Google plans to begin rolling out the changes for apps in select regions in September 2026, tightening Android’s historically more open app-installation model without formally ending sideloading.