Here’s How Google’s “safer” Installation of Third-Party Apps Works on Android.
While Google plans to significantly limit Android users’ ability to download apps from sources other than the Google Play Store, the company is implementing a new process that will allow apps from third-party sources to be installed after a mandatory 24-hour waiting period. This new “enhanced process” setting is designed to prevent the installation of malware distributed by attackers through untrusted sources, while still allowing users to install apps from legitimate developers.
Android will introduce restrictions on installing apps from third-party sources.
Last year, Google announced that installing apps from third-party sources on Android would eventually be limited to verified third-party app stores and developers. This change has a clear purpose: to combat malicious apps posing as legitimate ones found in the Google Play Store. These restrictions, which will take effect in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand later this year and will roll out globally in 2027, will ultimately require developers to register certain data with Google to distribute their apps, as well as pay a fee. (Students and hobbyists will still be able to share apps on up to 20 devices without registering or using the new workaround.)
This move has generated significant criticism from both developers and users, who have expressed concerns about privacy violations (developers are now forced to share information they weren’t previously required to provide) and difficulties accessing modified or stripped-down versions of apps. Therefore, Google is implementing a compromise that it believes will protect most users from malware while allowing advanced users to install apps from third-party sources at their own discretion.
Google is introducing a workaround for installing apps from third-party sources.
The new advanced setup process will add multiple barriers to installing unverified apps, reducing the sense of urgency often exploited by scammers to distribute malware. Users will be required to complete a one-time disabling process—meaning they won’t have to repeat it every time they want to install an app from third-party sources—but you’ll still see a warning when attempting to install an app from an unverified developer.
If you’re interested in this workaround, you’ll first need to enable Developer Mode in the Settings app on your device and ensure you’re not being pressured into disabling security features (a common scam tactic). Next, you’ll need to reboot your phone, which will disable calls and remote access tools that scammers could use to contact you or control your device. Afterward, you’ll need to wait 24 hours before you can return and confirm the settings change using biometrics or your device’s PIN. Finally, you’ll need to confirm that you understand the risks, after which you’ll be able to install apps from unverified developers for seven days or indefinitely.
This workaround will be available starting in August, before developer registration requirements take effect.