In a post on the Android Developers Blog, Google said that it will soon impose a mandatory “24-hour wait and verify” when installing apps from unverified sources or developers.
The goal is to help eliminate scams, phishing, and other possible online threats that Android users face. Sideloading apps from unverified developers will now require four steps, helping prevent anyone from installing potentially malicious apps on any Android phone.
As seen above, the steps include:
- Confirm you’re not being coached.
- Restart your phone and reauthenticate.
- Come back after 24 hours.
- Enable the settings.
Google said that this is a one-time process. Once you’ve completed the verification process, there’s no need to go through the waiting period, at least for an unspecified period of time.
Users will also be granted sideloading privileges for 7 days.
Google’s developer identity verification program will take effect starting in September. Unverified developers will have to share personal details with Google, which include their address, content details, and a copy of their ID. They are also required to pay a USD25 registration fee.
Students or hobbyists can skip the process and registration fee, but would only be able to share their apps with up to 20 people.