Google will still let you sideload apps, but there’s a catch now

Google says sideloading isn't going away, but a new multi-step "advanced flow" will make installing unverified apps slower and more secure.
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Certified Android devices won’t let users sideload APK app files anymore, or at least it won’t be straightforward

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 adds ‘Advanced Flow’ for safe APK sideloading on Android

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.