Google is rolling out an additional verification step in the Play Store to make users more aware of the risks of downloading apps from outside sources. The move comes as the company continues to discourage sideloading on Android devices while allowing advanced users some flexibility. This change follows last year’s push for mandatory developer verification, which faced backlash from users relying on sideloaded apps.
Code in the latest Play Store version 49.7.20-29 reveals that Google plans to verify the app developer before installation. The new system requires an active internet connection, otherwise the message, “No internet, can’t verify app developer. The app can’t be verified at the moment,” will appear. Users can still bypass this verification, but only after receiving a warning that says, “If you install without verifying, keep in mind apps from unverified developers may put your device and data at risk.”
Matthew Forsythe, Chief Product Explainer for Developers at Google, clarified in a social media post, “Advanced users will be able to ‘Install without verifying,’ but expect a high-friction flow designed to help users understand the risks.” This approach differs from the original plan in August 2025, which intended to make developer verification mandatory. The change appears to accommodate power users and students who often rely on sideloaded apps.
The Play Store already includes an educational layer through Play Protect, which blocks apps from untrusted sources. Users can bypass this only by manually pausing Play Protect in Settings. The new verification step is an extension of this educational approach, aiming to alert users about potential risks while keeping installation options available for those who understand the implications.
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