GOOGLE has announced Advanced Flow to let Android users install apps from unverified developers more safely, addressing a long-standing security weakness in sideloading. The feature introduces an extra set of steps, including enabling developer mode, a quick safety check, a device restart, and a one-day wait before final confirmation with biometrics or a device PIN. After that delay, users may install from unverified developers for seven days or indefinitely, with a warning that remains visible.
In addition, Google is offering free, limited distribution accounts for students and hobbyists to share apps with small groups without ID verification or fees. The change comes amid research cited as showing scams caused an estimated 442 billion US dollars in losses last year, and Advanced Flow is designed to make sideloading safer without eliminating it altogether, rolling out in August 2026 according to Malwarebytes.