Sideloading remains the number one argument against moving to iOS, and for all the right reasons like updating apps to the latest version quickly or installing unreleased apps to satisfy curiosity. Unfortunately, it looks like Google is blocking sideloading on Android after the latest Google Play Integrity API update.
For those who are not familiar with Google Play Integrity, it is an API that allows developers to know through server requests whether the app and operating system the user is running is genuine or not. This API is used to fight against modified apps and prevent users from using them as they may be malicious.
According to Mishaal Rahman via Android Authority, developers can call the API at any time and receive an “integrity judgment.” This could block users from using the app. A recent Play Integrity update can determine whether an app is sideloaded instead of downloading it from the Play Store. It will then redirect users to the original app on the Play Store.
It's basically like checking for game licenses on Steam. When the platform detects that you've installed a game from somewhere else after adding it as a non-Steam game, it will prompt you to download it from Steam instead.
When you sideload an app using Play Integrity, when you launch the app, you'll see a "Get this app from Play" screen. You'll also see a Get app button that takes you to the app's landing page on the Google Play Store. Tapping Install from Play will remove the installed app and reinstall it from the Play Store.
This measure may protect general users from potentially malicious and modified apps, but it is a nightmare for power Android users, especially those who have rooted their devices. Many have expressed concerns about the loss of openness in Android due to these features, with some arguing that moves like this are antitrust.
Play Integrity has also received harsh criticism from Graphene OS developers. Most devices fail Play Integrity's CTS, but Google still accepts the tests.
It's up to app developers to implement the latest Play Integrity checks, but considering the apps and games that have already jumped on the bandwagon, it's safe to say Android enthusiasts are in for a treat. In fact, apps like ChatGPT have already blocked people from sideloading their apps.
For a long time, with the development and popularity of social networking platforms, the "blue tick" has gradually become one of the most powerful characters in the internet world.
Google's Chromecast line has long been a popular choice if you want to replace your smart TV experience or turn any TV into a smart TV.
Google is adding a small but long-awaited new feature to the Play Store.
After years of neglect, Google has finally decided to refocus its investment on extended reality (XR) devices like headsets and glasses.
While not as widely discussed as some of its competitors, Google's Gemini AI has a lot going for it — and here are five reasons why Gemini deserves your attention.
There are many Android manufacturers, but not all of them pay attention to software updates. Although the situation has improved over the past decade, not all smartphone manufacturers provide great software support.
Recently, some users noticed that Google Gemini has been giving repetitive text, weird characters, and complete nonsense in some responses.
The Google app for iPhone is about to become a little less useful as Google recently removed access to Gemini AI from that app.
Losing access to your Google account can have serious consequences beyond not being able to send and receive email.
Google has just announced that users can now create videos using artificial intelligence through its Gemini chatbot and the recently launched experimental tool Whisk.
Whether you're taking your first steps into the workforce or transitioning to a new industry, Google's experimental Career Dreamer is designed to connect you with compatible roles.
Last year, Google introduced an AI-powered shopping assistant in Search that allows users to get a visual idea of how a piece of clothing would look on a specific body type.
Google has been increasingly showing interest in the field of artificial intelligence applications in medicine.
After a few days of confusion, Google has officially confirmed the issue with both the second-generation Chromecast and Chromecast Audio.
On Monday, internal documents describing the factors Google Search considers when ranking and displaying web results were leaked.
Through your purchase history on the App Store, you will know when you downloaded that app or game, and how much you paid for the paid app.
iPhone mutes iPhone from unknown callers and on iOS 26, iPhone automatically receives incoming calls from an unknown number and asks for the reason for the call. If you want to receive unknown calls on iPhone, follow the instructions below.
Apple makes it easy to find out if a WiFi network is safe before you connect. You don't need any software or other tools to help, just use the built-in settings on your iPhone.
iPhone has a speaker volume limit setting to control the sound. However, in some situations you need to increase the volume on your iPhone to be able to hear the content.
ADB is a powerful set of tools that give you more control over your Android device. Although ADB is intended for Android developers, you don't need any programming knowledge to uninstall Android apps with it.
You might think you know how to get the most out of your phone time, but chances are you don't know how big a difference this common setting makes.
The Android System Key Verifier app comes pre-installed as a system app on Android devices running version 8.0 or later.
Despite Apple's tight ecosystem, some people have turned their Android phones into reliable remote controls for their Apple TV.
There are many reasons why your Android phone cannot connect to mobile data, such as incorrect configuration errors causing the problem. Here is a guide to fix mobile data connection errors on Android.
For years, Android gamers have dreamed of running PS3 titles on their phones – now it's a reality. aPS3e, the first PS3 emulator for Android, is now available on the Google Play Store.
The iPhone iMessage group chat feature helps us text and chat more easily with many people, instead of sending individual messages.
For ebook lovers, having a library of books at your fingertips is a great thing. And if you store your ebooks on your phone, you can enjoy them anytime, anywhere. Check out the best ebook reading apps for iPhone below.
You can use Picture in Picture (PiP) to watch YouTube videos off-screen on iOS 14, but YouTube has locked this feature on the app so you cannot use PiP directly, you have to add a few more small steps that we will guide in detail below.
On iPhone/iPad, there is a Files application to manage all files on the device, including files that users download. The article below will guide readers on how to find downloaded files on iPhone/iPad.
If you really want to protect your phone, it's time you started locking your phone to prevent theft as well as protect it from hacks and scams.
