Google has announced a shift in its plans regarding the verification of Android developers, even those outside the Play Store. Critics had expressed concern that mandatory verification would eliminate the ability to sideload apps altogether. Now, the company states it will create a process that allows “experienced users” to install apps from developers who aren’t verified.
Originally, Google unveiled its verification requirement in August, demanding that developers provide their legal name, address, email, and phone number, and in some instances, even upload a government ID. This move faced backlash from groups like the Keep Android Open campaign and the open-source app repository F-Droid, which contended that it undermines users’ freedom to choose the software they use on their own devices.
Although the verification plan is moving forward, with early access to the scheme initiated yesterday, Google has made a significant concession. The company has stated it’s developing an “advanced flow” that enables experienced users to accept the risks associated with installing unverified apps. This process will offer safeguards to protect against coercion or scams, as well as provide “clear warnings” to ensure users understand the associated risks.
Additionally, Google is creating a new type of developer account tailored for students and hobbyists that won’t require “full verification.” However, this account will permit app installations on a “limited number of devices.”
“Keeping users safe on Android is our top priority,” stated Sameer Samat, Android’s president, on X. “Scammers rely on anonymity to scale their attacks. Right now, if we block a bad app, they can often just create a new app and try again. Verification stops this ‘whack-a-mole’ cycle by requiring a real identity—making it much harder and costlier to repeatedly distribute harmful apps. This is an important change, but we announced it early to get input. Some really good feedback has been received: students need a path to learn, and users, especially power users, want to take more risks in what they install. We’re making changes to address both.”
The rollout of developer verification is set for 2026 in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a global expansion planned for 2027. This isn’t the only significant update on the way for Android: Google has reached an agreement with Epic to resolve their lawsuit, which would lead to lower developer fees, relaxed payment method rules, and the introduction of official “Registered” third-party app stores, though this deal is still awaiting approval from the presiding judge.
