Google will add a 24-hour wait and extra checks before Android users can install apps from unverified developers.

If you have an Android phone, you'll have access to millions of apps on the Google Play Store. While many of these apps are legitimate, some are fake, and might even install malware on your device.

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One of the security updates baked into Android 14 is a feature that blocks you from installing some older apps built for Android 5.1 or earlier… kind of. If you’ve got a shiny new phone or tablet ...

Google’s new Android sideloading rules introduce a controversial 24-hour wait for unverified apps, sparking backlash from power users who say it undermines Android’s openness.

Android's new 2026 developer verification requirements introduce a one-time advanced flow for sideloading unverified apps. Here's what's actually changing, how the process works.