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

Android customers who ceaselessly sideload apps have a cause to rejoice. Google Play Shield, the built-in safety characteristic that scans apps for malware, is getting a much-needed improve. The software, which performs security checks on all Android apps earlier than obtain, has lengthy been a double-edged sword for many who set up apps from exterior the Google Play Store.

Whereas it’s important for retaining units secure, it could possibly generally intrude with third-party app installations. Now, Google is rolling out a new characteristic that lets customers briefly pause Play Shield, making sideloading simpler with out compromising long-term safety.

For the uninitiated, Play Shield is Android’s first line of protection in opposition to malicious apps. It scans apps earlier than and after set up, guaranteeing they’re secure to use. Nonetheless, when sideloading apps, i.e. putting in them from sources aside from the Google Play Store, customers want to disable Play Shield to bypass its restrictions. Many overlook to flip it again on afterward, leaving their units weak to malware or social engineering assaults. Final November, we uncovered hints that Google is engaged on a answer to this drawback, and it appears the characteristic is lastly right here.

The newest model of the Google Play Store (model 42.2.19-31) introduces a new “Pause” button for Play Shield, sitting proper subsequent to the prevailing “Flip off” possibility. When paused, Play Shield stops scanning apps from exterior the Google Play Store for malware, permitting customers to sideload apps with out problem. One of the best half about this characteristic is that Play Shield robotically reactivates the subsequent day, guaranteeing customers don’t by accident depart their units unprotected for too lengthy.

Google can also be being proactive about potential scams, displaying a further cautionary message: “Requests to pause or flip off Play Shield could also be a rip-off.” This nudge serves as a reminder to keep vigilant, particularly when coping with third-party app sources. In the event you ceaselessly sideload apps, this new characteristic may make your life simpler whereas retaining your machine safer. Nonetheless, even with Play Shield, it’s all the time a good concept to obtain apps solely from trusted sources.