After settling its lengthy antitrust battle over the Android app ecosystem earlier this month, Google said Thursday it will make it easier to install Android apps from outside the Play Store. The company shared new details about an “advanced flow” setting that will allow Android device owners to turn off a verification requirement, which otherwise prevents users from sideloading apps.
The tech giant announced last year that it would require all Android apps to be registered by verified developers to be installed on certified Android devices. By doing so, the company aimed to limit the ability of bad actors to distribute malware, conduct financial fraud, and steal users’ personal data through apps outside the Play Store.
While additional security mechanisms can help reduce those risks, some Android users want the freedom to install unverified apps and accept the responsibility if those apps turn out to be unsafe.
With the new “advanced flow” setting, users will be able to go through a one-time process to disable these additional protections while still helping to prevent scams.
The process begins by enabling developer mode in Android’s system settings, a step designed to prevent any accidental triggers or “one-tap” bypasses that bad actors often use in high-pressure scams. Google notes that scammers tend to exploit fear to create a sense of urgency in their victims, using tactics like threats of financial ruin, legal trouble, or harm to a loved one. They also often stay on the phone with the victim and guide them through the process of disabling security protections on their device.
Globally, 57% of adults experienced a scam in 2025, according to a report by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), cited by Google.
Image Credits:Google
After enabling developer mode, there’s a quick check designed to make sure that no one is coaching the user to turn off their security protections. Users will then restart their phone and reauthenticate, a process that cuts off any remote access or active phone c …