Android enforces tougher sideloading in four countries

Google has begun rolling out a redesigned sideloading process for Android in Brazil, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia, a change the company first announced in spring. The update is now live on phones running Android 7 or later in those markets.

Under the new flow, users who want to install apps from unregistered developers or third-party stores must enable a specific option in Developer Options, authenticate, restart the device and then wait 24 hours before sideloading is allowed. Once enabled, the setting permits sideloading from unregistered developers and app stores for a period of seven days or indefinitely, depending on the choice the user makes.

The list of authorized app stores remains limited to Google Play, Samsung Galaxy Store, Honor App Market, Oppo App Market, Xiaomi GetApps, vivo V-Appstore and Transsion Palm Store.

Google says the new sideload flow is deliberately inconvenient to disrupt scammers. The company argues the additional steps will reduce pressure tactics that push people to install malicious software.

Users and commentators have reacted with mixed feelings since the change was first outlined in spring. Some welcome the extra friction as a safety measure. Others view the requirement as a potential first step toward a more closed, iOS-style app ecosystem.

For now, only Brazil, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia are seeing the new sideload process; other markets will start seeing the changes soon enough.