Google says it’s softening its plan to require every Android developer — even those outside the Play Store — to verify their identity, a move that critics warn could kill sideloading forever. The company now says it is developing a workflow to allow “experienced users” to install apps from unverified developers.
Mandatory verification for developers even outside the official Play Store was first announced this August, and requires developers to provide their legal name, address, email, and phone number, and in some cases also upload a government ID. This drew criticism from groups such as the Keep Android Open campaign and open source app repository F-Droid, who argued that the move “eliminates the ability for individuals to choose what software they run on their devices.”
That plan is still moving forward, with early access to the verification scheme launching yesterday, but Google has made a significant concession. The company says it is now developing an “advanced flow that allows experienced users to acknowledge the risks of installing software that is not verified.” This installation flow will include safeguards to protect those who are being forced to install a dangerous app, or are being tricked by a scammer, as well as “clear warnings to ensure users fully understand the risks involved.”
Google is also working on a new developer account type for students and hobbyists, which will not have to undergo “full verification requirements” but will only be allowed to install apps on a “limited number of devices.”
“Keeping users safe on Android is our top priority,” Android president Sameer Samat wrote on X. Scammers rely on anonymity to enhance their attacks. Right now, if we block a bad app, they can often create a new app and try again. Verification prevents this “whack-a-mole” cycle by requiring a real identity – making it more difficult and expensive to distribute harmful apps again and again. This is an important change but we announced it early to get input. Received some really good feedback: students need a path to learn, and users, especially power users, want to take more risk in what they install, we’re making changes to address both.
Developer verification will be launched in 2026 for developers in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, before being rolled out globally in 2027. This isn’t the only big change on the horizon for Android: Google has struck a deal with Epic to end its lawsuit, under which Android will reduce its developer fees, relax rules on payment methods, and introduce official “registered” third-party app stores, though the deal is still pending approval from the judge handling the case.