Google won't allow people to (easily) sideload apps through APK files on certified Android devices starting in September 2026. It will still be possible, ...

Google has announced a new mechanism in Android called Advanced Flow that will allow sideloading APKs from unverified developers for power users in a more secure way.

Google says sideloading isn't going away, but a new multi-step "advanced flow" will make installing unverified apps slower and more secure.

Google went back to the drawing board on its plans to limit sideloading, implementing a new system that looks to strike a balance between security and openness.

While Google is restricting app downloads from sources other than the Google Play Store, the company will allow sideloading ...