Google Is Changing How Sideloading Works on Android: Sideloading is what we call it when you install apps on your phone from outside the official app store. On Android, that’s been one of the biggest perks compared to iPhones – you’ve always had more freedom to grab apps from different places. But soon, Google will change the rules.
Google is changing the rules – Identity Verification Will Be Required
In a post on the Android Developers Blog, Google announced that it will start blocking unverified apps from being installed through sideloading. What this means is that if you’re an app developer, you’ll have to verify your identity with Google even if you never put your app on the Play Store.
Now, it’s worth noting: Google says it won’t be checking what these apps do or what’s inside them. It’s purely an identity check, not an approval process like the Play Store.
Timeline for the Rollout
The rollout starts with testing in October, then expands in March 2026, and by 2027, Google wants this to be a global requirement.
More Security, Less Freedom?
From Google’s point of view, this is all about protecting users. The company argues that it’ll reduce the risk of downloading harmful apps, since shady developers might think twice if they know Google has their details.
But not everyone is happy about it. Over on Reddit, many users are calling it a step in the wrong direction. Comments include: “awful decision”, we’re “close to a very dark place”, and “I guess I will be buying an iPhone as my next upgrade.”
Why Some Users Are Concerned
A lot of the frustration comes from the idea that Google is slowly locking things down – more like Apple’s “walled garden” approach. Some people also suspect this could be a sneaky way to block apps that get around YouTube ads. That said, Google insists it’s only about identity checks, not policing app content, so that might not actually happen.
What This Means for Most People
At the end of the day, whether this feels like a good move or a bad one really depends on your perspective. For most people who only download apps from the Play Store anyway, nothing will really change.
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