Overview
- Users who want to install apps from unverified developers must enable Developer Mode, pass a coaching check, restart and re‑authenticate, wait 24 hours, then confirm to allow installs for seven days or indefinitely.
- The new advanced flow becomes available in August 2026, ahead of phased enforcement of developer verification that begins in September 2026 in four countries before a wider global rollout through 2027.
- Outside the Play Store, developers will be required to verify their identity by providing personal details, uploading signing keys and paying a $25 registration fee.
- Google will offer free limited distribution accounts that let students and hobbyists share apps with up to 20 users without submitting a government ID or paying a fee.
- The sideloading bypass is hidden in Developer Options rather than install prompts, and installs via Android Debug Bridge (ADB) are reported to be unaffected by the new 24‑hour delay.