Google wants you to scan apps before you sideload them

Android allows you to sideload apps that aren’t from the Google Play Store, and it’s one of the best features of the operating system. However, sideloading comes with its dangers. You run the risk of downloading some sort of malware. However, according to a new report, Google will actually give you the ability to scan apps before sideloading them.

Sideloading an app is when you download and install an app from somewhere other than the Play Store. It lets you download and relive apps that have been taken down from the Play Store. Sideloading also lets you play older versions of your favorite apps in case you don’t like the result of a new update.

Google will let you scan apps before sideloading them

While Google’s operating system lets you sideload apps, we can tell that the company isn’t too happy with it. Google has measures in place to discourage you from sideloading apps onto your phone. You’re not allowed to sideload apps without digging into the settings and enabling it. Also, when installing apps, the software reminds you that the file could potentially harm your system. This is misleading, as it could make people think that every APK file they download is malware.

However, people are able to sideload apps. Well, if you’re worried that the app you’re downloading could be malware, Google has a new method to keep you safe. One main reason to download apps from the Play Store is because Google Play Protect scans the apps to ensure that they’re safe. You don’t get that when sideloading apps.

However, Google has a new app scanning technique that will scan the apps on a code level to determine if they’re a threat. If you are trying to sideload an app that hasn’t been scanned before, you’ll get a prompt that will ask you to scan the app before installing. The only other option is to cancel the download. So, there isn’t an option to bypass the scanning.

After Google scans the app, Google will let you know if the app is safe to install. So, it will do a detailed scan of the app before you can install it. This is great, as it lets you know if the app is dangerous before it can do damage.