Google starts making APK installation on Android harder: 24-hour pause introduced for unverified apps

Google has started gradually rolling out a new security system called Advanced flow for the Android operating system. The mechanism still allows installing APK files from third-party sources, but introduces a mandatory one-time 24-hour pause when you first enable the option to run software from unregistered developers.

The update is delivered to users’ devices through the Android Developer Verifier system service.

How the 24-hour timer works and why a reboot is required

The 24-hour timer doesn’t start with every app installation. Instead, it runs once, when you try to enable the system option Allow apps from unverified developers in the developer options menu.

After you confirm your intent, the system forces a smartphone reboot. Google says this is to protect against social engineering: rebooting can interrupt a potential phone call from scammers or an active remote screen-control session.

Exactly 24 hours later, you must confirm the action again using a fingerprint, face scan, or PIN. After that, you can allow installation of unverified apps for seven days or indefinitely. When you launch the installer, Android will show a security warning that you can skip with the Install Anyway button.

Protection against scammers and the verification program

According to the official Android Developers blog, the reform aims to combat phone scammers who convince victims to urgently download malicious banking or spyware APKs. According to the company’s internal statistics, malicious code appears in third-party packages 90 times more often than in Google Play.

However, the restrictions won’t affect developers who have completed the Android Developer Verification program. Verified developers can distribute their APK files directly through their own websites, GitHub repositories, or alternative app stores without triggering 24-hour delays for users.

For beginner programmers and students, there are free Limited Distribution profiles that allow testing apps on a group of up to 20 devices without providing an ID.

Installing via ADB and rollout schedule

For experienced users and enthusiasts, it’s still possible to instantly install any third-party APK without the 24-hour wait using a computer via the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) interface.

Starting September 30, 2026, the developer verification requirement will become mandatory in four countries: Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. The global rollout of the rules in all other regions is scheduled for 2027.