After detailing the “advanced flow” for sideloading earlier this month, Google is opening the Android developer verification process to developers today.
Google today provided a more detailed timeline of what’s to come:
- April 2026: Users will start to see Android Developer Verifier in their Google Systems services settings.
- June 2026: Early access: Limited distribution accounts for students and hobbyists.
- Aug 2026:
- Limited distribution accounts launch globally.
- Advanced flow for power users launches globally.
- September 30, 2026: Apps must be registered by verified developers in order to be installed and updated on certified Android devices in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Unregistered apps can be sideloaded with ADB or advanced flow.
- 2027 and beyond: We will roll out this requirement globally.
Starting today, Google is rolling out the actual Android developer verification process to all developers in both the Play Console and new Android Developer Console. The latter is for those who only distribute apps outside of the Google Play Store.
If you’re on Google Play, check your Play Console account for updates over the next few weeks. If you’ve already verified your identity here, then you’re likely already set.
Google previously told us that Play services will be leveraged to bring developer verification to all versions of Android. Starting in April, “Android Developer Verifier” will be installed on devices. This “Google system service” will be responsible for checking “if an app is registered to a verified developer.” It will presumably appear in Settings > Google services > All services > System services.
In June, Google will start offering early access/invites to limited distribution accounts for students and hobbyists that do not require a government ID. Apps on this account can be shared with up to 20 devices. You can sign up here.
Limited distribution accounts will see a global launch in August, with the advanced sideloading flow also coming then.
By the end of September, the end-user protections will go live in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.
This is coming to the rest of the world in 2027, with no specific timeline just yet.
Updating…
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
