Written by admin
Android’s reputation for flexibility is being tested. In a major policy change, Google is expanding its developer identity verification program. This move, originally announced earlier this year, affects everyone who creates Android apps—including those who distribute them outside the Play Store.
But after heavy pushback from developers, students, and privacy advocates, Google has slightly adjusted its course. In response to the concerns, new options are being introduced for students, hobbyists, and “experienced users” who prefer sideloading apps.
According to Google, sideloaded apps are 50 times more likely to contain malware than those in the Play Store. The company claims these apps are often used in scams, especially in parts of the world where mobile banking is growing fast.
One example involves scammers convincing victims to install a fake VPN/Streaming App that embeds a data stealing trojan onto your device. These incidents are difficult to stop because scammers keep pushing out new malware using fresh developer accounts.
By forcing developers to verify their identity before distributing apps—whether through Google Play or direct downloads—Google hopes to slow down these attacks. Requiring real names and contact information makes it harder for bad actors to disappear and reappear with new apps.
When Google first announced this verification plan, it drew immediate criticism (even on the. The new policy would require all developers—Play Store or not—to submit their legal name, physical address, phone number, and, in many cases, a government-issued ID.
Groups like the Keep Android Open campaign, as well as privacy-focused platforms like F-Droid, pushed back. Critics argued the policy would discourage small developers, students, and hobbyists who rely on sideloading to share tools and learn coding. Many feared it would put an end to open-source and independent app distribution.
Google is sticking with the core idea: apps from unverified developers won’t work on certified Android devices starting in 2026. But there are new workarounds designed to reduce the impact.
For Students and Hobbyists
A lighter verification tier will allow non-commercial developers to share apps with a limited number of devices without submitting full personal documentation. This helps students and hobbyists continue experimenting without facing the same scrutiny as big-name developers.
For Advanced Users
Google is also developing a special installation flow for “experienced users” who still want the ability to sideload apps from unverified developers. This will include multiple warnings and risk acknowledgments, as well as protections against scams or coercion. The goal is to make sure users know what they’re doing—without making sideloading impossible.
The newest change allowing “experienced users” to install third-party apps marks the most important shift in Google’s verification rollout.
Users on Android TV and Google TV devices will still be able to sideload apps, custom launchers, and other tools—but only after accepting clear warnings about the risks involved.
This update rolls back part of the original plan, which initially left sideloading open only to devices running unofficial Android builds like BuzzTV, Formuler, and Ugoos.
With this adjustment, advanced users on certified devices can now approve unverified installs, but they’ll first be shown detailed alerts about possible threats such as malware or scam apps.
Early access to the Android Developer Console for external app distribution began on November 12, 2025. Developers can start submitting verification now if they want their apps to continue working in the future.
This process includes:
Google made it clear: they will not review the app’s content, only who’s behind it. That leaves some flexibility, but it also means those unwilling to go through verification could see their apps blocked completely.
This gives developers some breathing room but also sets a firm deadline for anyone relying on sideloaded apps.
You can watch a video about the new Android Developer Verifcation below:
This article was originally published on the Android Developers Blog.
We want to know what you think of the latest change to Anroid’s sideloading policies. Let us know in the comments below!
Be sure to stay up-to-date with the latest streaming news, reviews, tips, and more by following the with updates weekly.
This page includes affiliate links where TROYPOINT may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Many times, visitors will receive a discount due to the special arrangements made for our fans. Learn more on my Affiliate Disclaimer page.
© IPTVSub is Proudly Owned by win-design