Android’s new, multi-step rule for sideloading apps is now officially live in four countries.
If you are using a device running Android 7 or later in Brazil, Thailand, Singapore, or Indonesia, installing unregistered apps is no longer a simple quick process.
You now have to head into your Developer Options, turn on the setting, complete an authentication step, restart your phone, and then wait 24 hours before you can actually sideload anything. Once enabled, you can choose whether to keep sideloading unlocked for seven days or indefinitely.
Google says these changes are meant to protect users by stopping scammers from coercing people into downloading malicious software on the fly.
If you stick to official sources, nothing changes. The approved list of app stores currently includes the Google Play Store, Samsung Galaxy Store, Honor App Market, Oppo App Market, Xiaomi GetApps, vivo V-Appstore, and Transsion Palm Store.
However, if you regularly grab apps outside of these authorised stores and happen to live in one of the affected countries, you will simply have to jump through these new hoops to keep installing your apps. Google added that they will rollout this new rule to more countries starting 2027 and beyond.