Google rolls out Android Advanced Flow for sideloading

Google has begun the gradual rollout of ‘Advanced Flow,’ a new security process for Android users who wish to sideload applications from unverified developers. The system is designed to introduce intentional friction to prevent scammers from tricking users into installing malware via phone calls or social engineering.

To use the feature, users must enable ‘Apps from unverified developers’ within the Developer Options menu, authenticate their identity, and restart their device. Once completed, a mandatory 24-hour waiting period is enforced before the user can proceed with the installation. After this period, users can grant permission for seven days or indefinitely. This flow also applies to app updates; if the flow is disabled, updates for unregistered apps will fail.

Google plans to enforce developer verification starting September 30, 2025, initially in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. This enforcement will cover apps from Google Play and several third-party marketplaces, including HONOR App Market, OPPO App Market, Galaxy Store, Palm Store, V-Appstore, and GetApps, before expanding globally by 2027. Users can expedite access by manually installing the ‘Android Developer Verifier’ system service from the Play Store. Notably, sideloading via Android Debug Bridge (ADB) remains exempt from these new restrictions.