Sideloading has always been a core feature of Android, but depending on where you’re sourcing APK files from, you might be inviting malware into your smartphone. This is why it’s not something that’s allowed straight out of the box, but something you need to authorize after being aware of the risks. Now, Samsung seems to be taking things a step further by actively blocking sideloading.

The company’s latest update, One UI 6.1.1 (a minor update to the larger One UI 6.1 upgrade), introduces a stronger “Auto Blocker” feature that prevents users from sideloading Android apps. The Auto Blocker feature was initially designed to protect against malware and USB hijacking, but its latest update extends to blocking sideloading entirely. This change affects new devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6, which ship with this restriction enabled by default.

While you can disable the Auto Blocker during the initial setup process or later in the device’s settings, you also need to be aware that this is part of a wider security feature that also does other more useful stuff other than blocking sideloading.

Samsung claims that the Auto Blocker aims to enhance security by preventing the installation of potentially harmful apps from unauthorized sources. However, this can also inconvenience those who rely on sideloading for legitimate reasons, such as testing beta apps or accessing apps unavailable on the Play Store. Personally, I’ve found myself often in situations where I’ve had to sideload apps, not because I was trying to grab harmful apps and put them on my phone, but because a specific build or app was not available from the Google Play Store and I needed to use it.

The Auto Blocker’s impact will likely extend to other Samsung devices running One UI 6.1.1, so if you don’t want to have your sideloading privileges blocked, you’ll likely have to disable it at some point.

Source: 9to5Google