Android isn't killing sideloading, but it's making it a lot harder

Google has confirmed that Android will not retire app sideloading, but the company is implementing measures that make the ...
CNX Software

Certified Android devices won’t let users sideload APK app files anymore, or at least it won’t be straightforward

Google won't allow people to (easily) sideload apps through APK files on certified Android devices starting in September 2026. It will still be possible, ...

Google will still let you sideload apps, but there’s a catch now

Google says sideloading isn't going away, but a new multi-step "advanced flow" will make installing unverified apps slower and more secure.