Android Sideloading Isn’t Going Anywhere Thanks to This Workaround

Last month, Google said that it would make sideloading apps safer through a new security measure. However, many tech enthusiasts have now criticized the move, saying that it could limit the freedom of app installs similar to iOS. Thankfully, there is still a potential workaround that bypasses the verification, allowing you to install apps from outside the Play Store.

You can continue sideloading Android apps using ADB

Starting in September 2026, Google will require all app developers to verify their identity through the Android Developer Console. This is a mandatory requirement that applies to all Android developers, whether they want to publish apps on the Play Store or distribute them outside as APKs. The goal is to better protect Android users from repeat bad actors spreading malware and scams.

However, many believe that the company wants to stop emulation on Android. In a post on X, Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem at Google, said, “Sideloading is fundamental to Android, and it’s not going anywhere. As we said in our blog, our new developer identity requirements are designed to protect users and developers from bad actors, not to limit choice”.

While Samat did not share how it will let users continue sideloading apps freely, folks over at Android Authority have spotted a workaround. On the Android Developers website’s FAQ page, Google says that users can still install apps without verification with ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This command-line tool allows advanced users to manually install APKs from a PC, making it possible to bypass the developer identity verification process.

The publication says that Google has asked its OEM partners to preload the Android Developer Verifier service on new devices launching with Android 16 QPR2 or later. It will check whether an application package comes from a verified developer before allowing installation on the device. Meanwhile, to prepare for the new verification requirements, the company has opened an early access program for developers.