Google to block sideloading of unverified Android apps

Google has announced the implementation of a new safety feature that will require verification of developer identity.

Courtesy: Android Developer

An additional security feature is to be rolled out

In a recent analysis, the company found over 50 times more malware from internet-sideloaded sources than on apps available through Google Play.

We've seen how malicious actors hide behind anonymity to harm users by impersonating developers and using their brand image to create convincing fake apps, Google said.

To better protect users, Google is adding developer verification to make installing apps safer for everyone.

Starting next year, Android will require all apps to be registered by verified developers in order to be installed by users on certified Android devices. This creates crucial accountability, making it much harder for malicious actors to quickly distribute another harmful app after we take the first one down.

Think of it like an ID check at the airport, which confirms a traveler's identity but is separate from the security screening of their bags. Google will confirm who the developer is, not reviewing the content of their app or where it came from.

This policy will start in select countries specifically impacted by these forms of fraudulent app scams, often from repeat perpetrators.

By October 2025, early access begins, wherein invitations will be sent out gradually. Verification opens for all developers in March 2026.

In September 2026, these requirements will go into effect in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. At this point, any app installed on a certified Android device in these regions must be registered by a verified developer.

By 2027 and beyond, Google will continue to roll out these requirements globally.

Developers who distribute apps on certified Android devices are encouraged to sign up for early access. This is the best way to prepare and stay informed.

Early participants will also get:

• An invitation to an exclusive community discussion forum
• Priority support for these new requirements
• The chance to provide feedback and help us shape the experience

Google clarified that developers will still have the same freedom to distribute their apps directly to users through sideloading or to use any app store they prefer.

Android continues to show that with the right design and security principles, open and secure can go hand in hand, the company said.

Source: Android Developers