Google has begun distributing the first version of its "advanced flow" for sideloading apps from unverified developers, ahead of the first developer verification checkpoint. The new process, which Google first teased in March, is rolling out gradually, so the new setting may not appear on every certified device immediately.
The rollout comes as Google prepares to enforce developer verification starting September 30 in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. That enforcement will initially cover apps distributed through Google Play, HONOR App Market, OPPO App Market, Galaxy Store, Palm Store, V-Appstore, and GetApps, before expanding to all regions and app installations in 2027.
The advanced flow gives power users a way to install apps from unverified developers on certified devices without resorting to ADB. Users won't need to keep Developer Options enabled after turning on the advanced flow, and disabling the flow temporarily grants a 10-minute grace period to re-enable it without triggering another 24-hour wait before sideloading.
The flow also applies to updates, not just fresh installs, meaning updates to apps from unregistered developers will fail while the flow is switched off.
ADB sideloading remains exempt, so users comfortable with that route can still install or update those apps without going through the advanced flow. Google is also introducing a new Android Developer Verifier system service, which users can install manually from Google Play and which may make the advanced flow appear sooner.
The changes haven't been universally welcomed. In a reader poll following the March announcement, 79% of more than 7,300 respondents said the new rules hurt Android's openness or understood the reasoning but called the approach overkill.
Commenters on Google's Reddit post have similarly questioned the extra friction and why updates to already-installed unregistered apps should also be blocked, though Google's Android Community Engagement Manager Mishaal Rahman noted that an app installed before verification takes effect could later receive a malicious update.
