Despite widespread criticism from the developer community, Google is moving ahead with its new Android developer verification policy. The change would effectively make it impossible to sideload apps from smaller developers outside the Play Store. Thankfully, based on early feedback, Google is making a small change to allow advanced users to install apps from unverified third-party sources.

In its announcement on the Android Developers BlogGoogle explains why it is mandating verification for developers.

With this move, it aims to clamp down on scammers who bait victims into sideloading malware-infected apps on their devices on the pretext of security or verification. Such types of scams have become increasingly common in Southeast Asia.

The only problem is that Google’s approach would have blocked sideloading for advanced users and developers as well. Following criticism and feedback received, the company is now making slight changes to its approach. It’s building a new “advanced flow” that will enable users to download and install apps from unverified developers.

“We are designing this flow specifically to resist coercion, ensuring that users aren’t tricked into bypassing these safety checks while under pressure from a scammer. It will also include clear warnings to ensure users fully understand the risks involved, but ultimately, it puts the choice in their hands,” says Google.

As previously detailed, the company will also introduce a dedicated account type for students and hobbyists. This will let them distribute their apps for sideloading to a limited number of devices without undergoing full verification.

Sideloading an APK on Android is already a multi-step process, with some Chinese phones displaying multiple warnings and even a 10-second countdown timer. Google will seemingly add further warnings and restrictions to this. It hasn’t finalized the flow yet, as it’s still gathering feedback.

Hopefully, the new flow will be restrictive enough to deter regular users while not being a major roadblock for advanced users when sideloading apps.

Early access to verification now rolling out

Google has also opened early access to developer verification in the Android Developer Console for developers who distribute their apps exclusively outside the Play Store.

While the company will enforce developer verification from next year, developers can get a head start on the verification process. Google will also roll out invites to developers who distribute apps through the Play Store starting November 25, 2025.