Tech Desk 
Oct 01, 2025
Google has clarified its stance on sideloading apps on Android in one of its blog posts, which is not going away due to new developer verification rules.
According to the company, the upcoming verification system, which means that developers need to link apps to a verified identity, will provide security to Android and hopefully protect users and developers from potential impersonation or malware.
Google reiterated that the rules are not to reduce user choice or block the sideloading of apps from being installed outside of the Google Play Store.
The clarification comes after pushback from independent platforms like F-Droid, which noted that the verification process may create a tougher time for open-source app repositories.
In response to these grievances, Google said that "sideloading is core to Android, and it is not going away." Moreover, the company suggested that verified developers may distribute apps freely, via direct downloads or third-party stores.
To inform smaller developers, hobbyists, and independent creators, Google is launching a free developer account type. This would remove the requirement to do full ID verification and allow apps to be shared with a limited number of users.
In these cases, users will need to share their device identifier with the developer, who can then confirm the app utilisation.
However, those aiming for a wider audience will still need to go through full verification, including government ID submission.
