# Google is making it tougher to download apps from outside of the Play Store.

*semiconductor · news · 2026-04-14 · GB News*

## Key points

- Google is introducing a 24-hour waiting period for sideloading apps from unverified sources.
- The new 'advanced flow' process aims to slow down and protect sideloading on Android devices.
- This stricter sideloading rule is not enabled by default and must be manually activated by users.
- Hobbyists and students can bypass verification with a free limited distribution account for up to 20 devices.

**Companies:** Google
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on GB News](https://www.gbnews.com/tech/google-android-sideload-download-rules)

---

Canonical: https://newsio.io/n/059e4fb2-8bbe-4bb6-880b-997ac6d714e3/google-is-making-it-tougher-to-download-apps-from-outside-of-the-play-store-the
Summarized by Newsio from GB News. https://newsio.io/how-it-works