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limerod @reddthat.com

6h ago

Google Play Store gets a smarter way to handle sideloading third-party apps

www.androidauthority.com Google Play Store gets a smarter way to handle sideloading third-party apps

Google is taking the stress out of sideloading apps on Android phones with a new feature rolling out to Google Play Store.

TL;DR

Google Play Store has started rolling out a new “Pause” feature for Play Protect, allowing users to temporarily disable app security scans.
Unlike the previous “Turn off” option, the new feature automatically reactivates Play Protect the next day, reducing the risk of users forgetting to turn it back on.
This update should help protect Android users from malware and scams while still allowing them to sideload apps without long-term security risks.

17 comments

I hate this post so much, I unconsciously downvoted it (Already undo the downvote tho)

Fuck Google. If I sideload app I known what I'm doing. I never saw anyone getting malware from fdroid especially the official one. I don't use any Google services. And I never faced any issues

If I'm sideloading apps, it is usually because I want nothing to do with their storefront or nonsense.

I feel like its just the first step in completely removing the off option (like how on Windows you cant turn off Defender, only pause it). Am I being too cynical?
- I don't see that as a downside
- No, it's been coming

While it’s essential for keeping devices safe, it can sometimes interfere with third-party app installations.
That's... kind of biased language. I can't keep my device safe without Google playing sysadmin for me?
- Maybe don't install malware?
- Google's device, not yours. You don't own it unless you have sole root privileges.

People turn off Play Protect?
- I have it on. And I'm on Grapheneos and side load a bunch of shit from Grapheneos store, F-Droid, Aurora store, and apks. No issues.
  
  Same same!

I have it turned off. Is it bad?
- I would recommend not to. I have observed people somtimes get their phones infected and play protect warns about that. You won't know if that were to happen to you.
  
  Well you can stay safe without it if you don't download apks from random places.
- As long as you know what you're installing, not bad.

17 comments