Let's talk security: Answering your top questions about Android developer verification Posted by Matthew Forsythe, Director, Product Management, Android App Safety — 30 September 2025 --- Overview Android recently introduced developer verification, a new security layer designed to deter bad actors and enhance trust by ensuring the developer identity behind apps is verified. This move aims to protect users and developers, making it harder for malicious actors to cause harm. Key Points: Developer verification announced more than a year before enforcement, providing ample lead time for adaptation and feedback. Regular updates and resources are provided via Developer Verification Guides and FAQ. A deeper discussion is available in the Android Developer Backstage episode. --- Frequently Asked Questions Will sideloading go away on Android? No. Sideloading remains a fundamental Android feature. Developer verification ensures the authenticity of apps regardless of distribution channel. Verified developers keep full freedom to distribute apps via sideloading or app stores. How does developer verification affect Android Studio usage? Verification will not impact the daily workflow or the Android Studio IDE experience. Developers can continue building, debugging, and testing apps locally on emulators or physical devices. Tools like adb continue unaffected and allow local app deployments even without verification. Testing APK Distribution Distributing APKs to testers through methods other than adb or via Google Play Internal Testing, Firebase App Distribution, or similar, requires developer identity verification and app registration. Is it necessary to register apps when distributing to a limited user group? Registration is recommended for easy app installation. A new free developer account option is available for limited distribution (e.g., teachers, students, hobbyists) without government ID requirements. Feedback is welcomed to help shape this limited distribution experience via the verification feedback survey. How to prepare for developer verification? Sign up for early access to receive updates and invitations starting October. Participation is advised since verification is required to distribute apps on certified Android devices. Apps on managed devices deployed via enterprise management tools won't require registration. --- Additional Resources Developer feedback and questions: Provide feedback here Developer verification official site: developer.android.com/developer-verification Video discussion: Android Developer Backstage on Developer ID --- Summary Android's new developer verification is an important security enhancement that confirms developer identities to protect all users from malicious apps. While sideloading and Android Studio workflows remain unchanged, verification is mandatory for app distribution on certified devices and many testing scenarios. Developers are encouraged to prepare early, register their identities, and provide feedback to shape the process.