Google is fundamentally changing how sideloading works on Android, especially for apps from unverified developers. Here's are the new rules.

Android's sideloading is not going away, but things are changing as Google has new requirements for developers.

Google is planning big changes for Android in 2026 aimed at combating malware across the entire device ecosystem. Starting in ...

The best source for Android OS news. Co-host on the Android Faithful podcast. Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap Ahead of the holidays, Google is pushing out the ...

Do you like writing software for Android, perhaps even sideload the occasional APK onto your Android device? In that case some big changes are heading your way, with Google announcing that they will ...

Google has confirmed that Android will not retire app sideloading, but the company is implementing measures that make the ...

Most Android phones today have a hidden Developer Options menu. Despite its name, it isn’t just for app developers. Android keeps certain advanced system controls here because they aren’t intended for ...

Sideloading has been a key part of Android since the beginning, not only delivering a lot of flexibility to Android, but also ...

Later this year, Google is introducing new developer verification. For power users, Android will offer an option to disable ...

Google has detailed how users will be able to sideload apps from unverified developers once it implements its more restrictive policy towards downloading software on Android. The company originally ...

Android 17's rumored Contact Picker is now official, and Google is pulling the curtain back on how it'll work to protect your privacy.

Jake Peterson is Lifehacker’s Tech Editor, and has been covering tech news and how-tos for nearly a decade. His team covers all things technology, including AI, smartphones, computers, game consoles, ...