Google's developer verification now blocks unverified apps in four countries. Here's how it works and when the U.S. is next.
As of Sept. 30, certified Android phones in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand only install apps from verified developers.
Galaxy Store, Xiaomi GetApps, OPPO, vivo, HONOR and Palm stores are included, along with APKs downloaded from developer websites.
Legal name, address, email and phone number. Standard accounts cost a one-time $25; free hobbyist accounts reach up to 20 devices.
ADB installs stay exempt. The advanced flow works too: enable developer mode, wait 24 hours, then re-authenticate.
Google plans a global rollout in 2027 and beyond. U.S. phones see no change today, but this is the preview.
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