Google may soon block sideloading apps on Android smartphones

Google’s Advanced Protection program is designed to protect you from targeted attacks and unwanted risks with a stronger set of protections. Users must use hardware security keys and sacrifice some freedom to achieve that level of security. Now, according to the latest Play Store APK teardown results, a new protection to ” prevent app sideloading” on Android smartphones could soon be announced as part of the Advanced Protection Program.

9to5Google recently examined the code in the latest version of the Play Store (#17.8.14) , which contained several references to app blocking features. When you try to install an app with this feature enabled, the Play Store returns a notification saying, “To improve your security, advanced protection does not allow apps from outside the Google Play Store.”

The code further clarifies that the Advanced Protection feature requires scanning APKs before they are sideloaded onto Android smartphones. This will be a precautionary measure for users who do not want to abandon the practice of sideloading. That means most of us reading this.

Now, before we ask Google to shut down a feature that many users love, we want to assure you that this restriction does not directly impact how Android works. The company is making its platform even more secure for users who opt in to additional security measures bundled with its Advanced Protection Program (available to all Android users, but optional). I’m just saying.

With the increasing use of malware and spyware, this is an essential measure for Google to protect users from random apps and malware that enter their devices via apps installed from outside the Play Store. . If you opt-in, the new feature will scan APKs before sideloading apps or completely block APKs installed on your Android phone for added security.