Android is changing the rules for sideloading, but they won’t hinder your phone upgrade

Google will introduce an "advanced flow" for sideloading apps from unverified sources starting August 2026.

The process requires developer mode, manual security checks, a phone restart, and a mandatory 24-hour wait, but ADB installs are exempt.

Permissions granted via the advanced flow can transfer to a new device so upgrades are not affected.

To update sideloaded apps later you must keep the advanced flow active or repeat it after any temporary bypass expires.