Google limits Android sideloading citing 50 times higher malware risk

Technology Jun 17, 2026

Google is making it harder to install Android apps from outside the Play Store, saying these sideloaded apps are 50 times more malware-prone.
Starting September 2026, new rules aim to keep users safer but still leave some room for those who want extra flexibility.

Sideloading requires developer mode, 24-hour wait

If you want to sideload apps, you'll need to turn on developer mode (yep, that tapping-the-build-number trick), prove you're not being pressured into disabling security features, and reboot your device.
There's also a 24-hour waiting period before you can install anything from unverified developers.
Apps from trusted developers with limited distribution won't be affected.