Google wants to make sideloading harder for your own good
New Android security changes add friction to app installs.
Google is making it a bit harder to install apps from outside the Play Store, dubbing the new process "high friction" on purpose. The goal isn't to stop you from doing it, but to make sure you really know what you're getting into before you install unverified apps.
If you enjoy grabbing apps from places other than the Google Play Store, you should know that Google is tweaking how that works. In a new report, we learned that the company is preparing an "Install without verifying" option for what they call experienced users. However, Google’s own Matthew Forsythe recently clarified that this new path is designed to be "high friction."
Basically, Google wants to add what they're calling an "Accountability Layer." This means you can still install apps that haven't been checked by Google, but the phone is going to make you jump through a few hoops first.
You might be wondering why Google would want to make things harder for us. The reality is that sideloading has been a favorite tool for scammers who trick people into downloading malicious software. By adding this friction, Google hopes to stop users who are being coerced or tricked into bypassing safety checks.
This matters because Android has always been praised for its openness compared to the competition. Google is trying to walk a fine line here. They want to keep that openness for tech-savvy folks who know what they are doing, while protecting the average user who might click a bad link in a text message.
Honestly, I think this is a smart move. As much as I love the freedom to install whatever I want on my phone, I have seen too many non-techie friends almost fall for scams asking them to download a "support" app manually. If adding a few extra warning screens saves someone from getting their bank account drained, I am all for it.
It might be a slight annoyance for power users who sideload apps frequently, but I’m willing to deal with a few extra taps for the sake of the ecosystem's safety. It is certainly better than Google removing the option entirely, right? I expect we will see this roll out more broadly soon, and I’m curious to see just how "high friction" it really is in practice.
Making app installation safer but slower
If you enjoy grabbing apps from places other than the Google Play Store, you should know that Google is tweaking how that works. In a new report, we learned that the company is preparing an "Install without verifying" option for what they call experienced users. However, Google’s own Matthew Forsythe recently clarified that this new path is designed to be "high friction."
The system will likely show you clear warnings about data risks and might require an internet connection to verify the developer. It is not about blocking you completely (like some other phone manufacturers might), but rather making sure you pause and think before clicking install. The strings found in the code suggest warnings that explicitly tell you that unverified developers could put your device at risk.
Why the extra steps matter
It’s not a sideloading restriction, but an "Accountability Layer." Advanced users will be able to"Install without verifying," but expect a high-friction flow designed to help users understand the risks.
— Matthew Forsythe (@matt_w_forsythe) January 16, 2026
This matters because Android has always been praised for its openness compared to the competition. Google is trying to walk a fine line here. They want to keep that openness for tech-savvy folks who know what they are doing, while protecting the average user who might click a bad link in a text message.
If you are the type of person who just downloads apps from the Play Store, you likely won't notice a thing. But for those of us who like to tinker, this is Google saying "proceed with caution."
A necessary speed bump
Honestly, I think this is a smart move. As much as I love the freedom to install whatever I want on my phone, I have seen too many non-techie friends almost fall for scams asking them to download a "support" app manually. If adding a few extra warning screens saves someone from getting their bank account drained, I am all for it.
It might be a slight annoyance for power users who sideload apps frequently, but I’m willing to deal with a few extra taps for the sake of the ecosystem's safety. It is certainly better than Google removing the option entirely, right? I expect we will see this roll out more broadly soon, and I’m curious to see just how "high friction" it really is in practice.
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