Android developer verification helps ensure the apps you install come from verified sources. This extra layer of security requires apps to be registered by verified developers before they can be installed on certified Android devices. This helps protect you from scams, malware, and bad actors who use anonymity to repeatedly spread harmful apps.
If you try to install an app from an unverified developer, you’ll get a notification and you won’t be able to install the app. However, you can choose to bypass this block by completing a one-time advanced flow in your settings.
By requiring developers to verify their identity, Android improves accountability and user safety and helps ensure a safer app ecosystem.
Starting in September 2026, apps downloaded from participating stores on certified Android devices in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand must be registered by a verified developer to be installed and receive updates. It will start by verifying app installations from the following app stores:
- Google (Google Play)
- Honor (HONOR App Market)
- OPlus (OPPO App Market)
- Samsung (Galaxy Store)
- Transsion (Palm Store)
- vivo (V-Appstore)
- Xiaomi (GetApps)
A global rollout across all install sources is planned for 2027.1
If the app you want to install was blocked because the developer’s identity isn’t verified, contact the developer to request that they complete verification.
Important: This initiative applies to certified Android devices running Android 8 and up.
Understand the Android Developer Verifier service
To support this initiative, a Google system service called Android Developer Verifier (package name: com.google.android.verifier) is installed on your device. The service validates that an app is registered to a verified developer. You can accept the risks of installing unverified apps by completing a one-time advanced flow in your phone settings, which includes security checkpoints and a protective waiting period to ensure you are safe from coercion scams.
If you're a developer and want to verify your identity to unblock your apps, click here to learn more.
¹ Requirements apply only to Certified Android devices. Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and non-certified devices are exempt from this requirement. Additionally, this requirement does not apply in regions where Google Mobile Services are unsupported or in territories subject to applicable trade sanctions.