Android’s 24-Hour Sideloading Delay Isn’t as Painful as It Sounds

Google recently explained how its new advanced flow for sideloading on Android will work. It requires a 24-hour wait before installing APKs from unverified developers, which has annoyed many power users. But as more details emerge, it now looks like this may not be as inconvenient as it first seemed.

Advanced flow brings a step that slows sideloading

For the uninitiated, Google is gearing up to introduce new rules for installing apps outside the Play Store. While downloading apps from the official store will remain unchanged, manually installing APK files will now become harder. As part of the new system, developers will need to verify their identity through the Android Developer Console. This applies even if they do not publish their apps on the Play Store.

If an APK comes from an unverified developer, you will not be able to install it unless you join an advanced flow. This will help reduce the risk of scams and malware that often spread through unofficial app downloads. In this advanced flow, you will need to go through a few steps. First, you must confirm that no one is pressuring you to install the app.

Next, the device will need to restart, and you must reauthenticate. Then comes the painful change — a mandatory 24-hour wait before you proceed with the installation. Of course, this could break urgency-based scams, but it can also feel frustrating if you already know what you are doing.

In a video, Google’s Matthew Forsythe shared more details about how this system will work in practice. He confirmed that while the 24-hour delay remains in place, you will not have to deal with it repeatedly. Once you complete the advanced flow, this can carry over to your next device. This means that if you upgrade your phone, you won’t have to repeat the same process. The new system will begin rolling out for Android users this August.