Google is implementing new security measures for Android side-loading, requiring users to activate developer mode and complete identity verification before installing apps outside the Play Store. The company says this 'advanced flow' will arrive in August, addressing concerns about scam apps while preserving Android's open ecosystem.

Previously, Google considered eliminating side-loading entirely, but reversed course after user backlash. The new system requires a one-time setup where users must confirm they're not being coached by scammers - a response to research showing 57% of adults experienced scams in 2025. Users will need to reboot their device and wait 24 hours before verification via biometrics or PIN.

This approach lets Google maintain Android's openness while adding security layers. The verification process cuts off remote access during setup, protecting users from real-time manipulation. Alongside these changes, Google will introduce limited distribution accounts for students and hobbyists to share apps with up to 20 devices without full registration. The company frames this as balancing user choice with safety, acknowledging that everyday users who stick to the Play Store won't notice any changes.