developer console Archives

AppWizard

November 17, 2025

Google to use Android developer verification to allow safe app sideloading

Google is introducing the Android developer verification program to enhance security and trust in app distribution. This program includes two significant updates: 1. A specialized account type for students and hobbyists, allowing them to share apps with a limited number of devices without undergoing the full verification process. 2. An advanced flow for experienced users, enabling them to download unverified applications while accepting the associated risks, accompanied by clear warnings to ensure informed decision-making. Google has released a video about the new Android Developer Console experience and is initiating early access invitations for developers distributing outside the Play Store, with plans to invite Play Console developers soon for feedback.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

Google U-Turns on Plan to Lock Out Unverified Android Developers

Google has revised its approach to mandatory identity verification rules for Android developers, which were initially announced in August. The rules required all Android developers to authenticate their identities through official identification and a fee, impacting app installations from unverified developers on certified Android devices. This announcement led to petitions and criticism from the developer community, including F-Droid, which argued that the rules aimed to consolidate power rather than enhance security. Google defended the initiative as a measure against Android malware, citing risks posed by malicious actors. In response to community feedback, Google announced plans for a "new advanced flow" allowing experienced users to accept risks associated with unverified software installations. The company also intends to create a dedicated account type for students and hobbyists to share their creations without full verification. Despite existing ID verification for Play Store developers, malware challenges persist in the Android ecosystem, highlighted by recent campaigns like ClayRat in 2025.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Google’s Android Identity Check: Fortifying Apps Against Malware in 2026

Google has introduced a developer verification program that will require all app creators to undergo identity checks by 2026 to combat malware and scams in the Android ecosystem. Developers must register through the Android Developer Console or Play Console, submitting government-issued identification and possibly paying a registration fee. The program will feature both free and paid tiers, with a focus on enhancing security while maintaining Android's open nature. Only applications from verified developers will be allowed on certified Android devices by 2026, starting in high-risk markets. The initiative aims to reduce malicious applications while ensuring that verified developers' identities are not publicly listed. Concerns have been raised about potential overreach and barriers for smaller developers, but supporters view it as a positive step toward improved security.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Google will allow ‘experienced users’ to sideload unverified Android apps

Google has initiated a rollout of a new safety feature for developers distributing apps outside the Play Store, requiring them to verify their identities for sideloading capabilities. Currently, select developers are invited to participate in the early access phase through the Android Developer Console. Experienced users will still have the option to sideload unverified apps, and Google is developing an “advanced flow” to allow these users to accept the risks associated with installing unverified software. The company is soliciting feedback to refine the process and emphasizes user awareness with clear warnings about potential risks. Google aims to complicate malware distribution by requiring verified identities from developers. Widespread implementation of this verification requirement is not expected until late 2026.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Google will let expert Android users to sideload all apps

Google has announced changes to its registration process for Android developers in response to feedback from the developer community. The company previously mandated identity verification for all Android app developers, which faced criticism from many developers. In response, Google is easing some of these requirements and introducing a new installation method for apps that includes clear warnings about potential risks. Google is also developing a less burdensome registration process for students and hobbyists, allowing them to distribute apps to a limited number of devices without full verification. Additionally, Google has started accepting invitations for developer verification in the Android Developer Console for developers distributing apps outside of the Play Store.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Android Will Allow Sideloading Unverified Apps With Clear Warnings

Google is implementing stricter security measures on its Android platform regarding the sideloading of applications from unverified developers. All Android app developers must verify their identities via the Android Developer Console, regardless of whether they distribute through the Play Store. This verification aims to protect users from malicious actors. Once mandatory, Android may restrict app installations from unverified developers. Google plans to maintain options for advanced users to sideload apps, introducing a new flow that includes explicit warnings about potential risks. The company is currently gathering feedback on this feature and has invited developers to an early access program for verification, which will continue until March 2026.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Breaking: Google is easing up on Android’s new sideloading restrictions!

Google announced plans to implement restrictions next year that will block users from installing apps created by unverified developers, prompting backlash from the Android community. In response, Google introduced an "advanced flow" for experienced users willing to accept risks associated with installing unverified software, which will include clear warnings about the risks involved. Additionally, Google is launching an early access program for developers who distribute apps outside of the Play Store, allowing them to verify their identity before the new requirements take effect. Further details on this feature are expected in the coming months.

AppWizard

October 2, 2025

We finally know how Android’s new app verification rules will actually work

Google will block the installation of apps from unverified developers starting next year, affecting both Play Store and sideloaded applications. An active internet connection will be required during installation for verification checks, facilitated by the new Android Developer Verifier service. This service will confirm developer credentials and check app packages against a trusted entity. Google will cache popular verified apps to allow installation without internet access. A specialized Android Developer Console account type will be introduced for student and hobbyist developers, with fewer verification requirements but strict distribution caps. Developers must prove ownership of app packages by signing them with the same key, and those distributing malware will face account restrictions. Developers will need a DUNS number for organizational accounts to deter fraudulent claims. Google will not disclose developer information publicly but may share it with government entities. Independent app stores like F-Droid may face challenges due to potential package name duplication issues. For enterprise use, apps installed via management tools can bypass verification, but offline distribution will require organizations to establish their own verification processes.

AppWizard

August 29, 2025

Google to make developer verification mandatory on Android

Google will implement mandatory identity verification for all Android app developers, starting in September 2026 in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with early access for registrations beginning this October. This initiative aims to combat the rising threat of malicious applications targeting users' financial data. The requirement will apply to all developers, including those not publishing on the Play Store, to enhance accountability and reduce the distribution of harmful apps. Google is also developing a new Android developer console for those distributing apps outside of the Play Store and has introduced data privacy labels to inform users about data collection practices.

AppWizard

August 28, 2025

Sideloading apps onto Android phones from random sources won’t be an option starting in 2026

Google will implement a new identity verification requirement for developers distributing apps outside the Google Play Store starting in September 2026, targeting regions like Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. A revamped Android Developer Console will be introduced to facilitate this process, including a lighter version for hobbyists and students. Developers will need to create accounts, verify their identities, and register app package names for apps outside the Google Play ecosystem. Developers using the existing Play Console will not be affected. Since the identity verification on the Play Store began in 2023, Google has seen a decrease in fraudulent applications and financial scams. The impact of this new policy may be minimal for average users but could lead to significant discussions among those who use third-party app stores or download directly from developers' websites.