Posted by Matthew Forsythe, Director Product Management, Android App Safety

Android proves you don't have to choose between an open ecosystem and a secure one. Since announcing updated verification requirements, we've worked with the community to ensure these protections are robust yet respectful of platform freedom. We've heard from power users that they want to take educated risks to install software from unverified developers. Today, we're sharing details on a new advanced flow that provides this option.

Advanced flow safeguards against coercion

This flow is a one-time process for power users – but it was designed carefully to prevent those in the midst of a scam attempt from being coerced by high pressure tactics to install malicious software. In these scenarios, scammers exploit fear – using threats of financial ruin, legal trouble, or harm to a loved one – to create a sense of extreme urgency. They stay on the phone with victims, coaching them to bypass security warnings and disable security settings before the victim has a chance to think or seek help. According to a 2025 report from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), 57% of surveyed adults experienced a scam in the past year, resulting in a global consumer loss of $442 billion. Because the consequences of these scams that use sophisticated social engineering tactics are so severe, we have carefully engineered the advanced flow to provide the critical time and space needed to break the cycle of coercion.

How the advanced flow works for users

• Enable developer mode in system settings: Activating this is simple. This prevents accidental triggers or "one-tap" bypasses often used in high-pressure scams.

• Confirm you aren't being coached: There is a quick check to make sure that no one is talking you into turning off your security. While power users know how to vet apps, scammers often pressure victims into disabling protections.

• Restart your phone and reauthenticate: This cuts off any remote access or active phone calls a scammer might be using to watch what you’re doing.

• Come back after the protective waiting period and verify: There is a one-time, one-day wait and then you can confirm that this is really you who’s making this change with our biometric authentication (fingerprint or face unlock) or device PIN. Scammers rely on manufactured urgency, so this breaks their spell and gives you time to think.

• Install apps: Once you confirm you understand the risks, you’re all set to install apps from unverified developers, with the option of enabling for 7 days or indefinitely. For safety, you’ll still see a warning that the app is from an unverified developer, but you can just tap “Install Anyway.”

A secure Android for every developer

We know a "one size fits all" approach doesn't work for our diverse ecosystem. We want to ensure that identity verification isn't a barrier to entry, so we’re providing different paths to fit your specific needs.

In addition to the advanced flow we’re building free, limited distribution accounts for students and hobbyists. This allows you to share apps with a small group (up to 20 devices) without needing to provide a government-issued ID or pay a registration fee. This ensures Android remains an open platform for learning and experimentation while maintaining robust protections for the broader community.

Limited distribution accounts and advanced flow for users will be available in August before the new developer verification requirements take effect.

The ChromeOS Beta channel is being updated to OS version 16581.37.0 (Browser version 146.0.7680.152) for most ChromeOS devices.

1. File a bug

2. Visit our ChromeOS communities

1. General: Chromebook Help Community

2. Beta Specific: ChromeOS Beta Help Community

3. Report an issue or send feedback on Chrome

4. Interested in switching channels? Find out how.

Luis Menezes

Google ChromeOS

  Hi, everyone! We've just released Chrome 146 (146.0.76380.153) for Android. It'll become available on Google Play over the next few days. 

This release includes stability and performance improvements. You can see a full list of the changes in the Git log. If you find a new issue, please let us know by filing a bug.

The Stable channel has been updated to 146.0.7680.153/154 for Windows/Mac  and 146.0.7680.153 for Linux, which will roll out over the coming days/weeks. A full list of changes in this build is available in the Log

Interested in switching release channels? Find out how here. If you find a new issue, please let us know by filing a bug. The community help forum is also a great place to reach out for help or learn about common issues.

Srinivas Sista