Android developer verification helps ensure the apps you install come from verified sources. This extra layer of security requires apps to be registered by verified developers before they can be installed on certified Android devices. This helps protect you from scams, malware, and bad actors who use anonymity to repeatedly spread harmful apps.
By requiring developers to verify their identity, Android improves accountability and user safety and helps ensure a safer app ecosystem.
The initial rollout includes Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. It will start by verifying app installations from the following app stores:
- Google (Google Play)
- Honor (HONOR App Market)
- OPlus (OPPO App Market)
- Samsung (Galaxy Store)
- Transsion (Palm Store)
- vivo (V-Appstore)
- Xiaomi (GetApps)
A global rollout is planned for next year.
Important: This initiative applies to certified Android devices running Android 8 and up.
Understand the Android Developer Verifier service
To support this initiative, a Google system service called Android Developer Verifier (package name: com.google.android.verifier) is installed on your device. The service validates that an app is registered to a verified developer. You can accept the risks of installing unverified apps by completing a one-time advanced flow that includes educational safety steps to help you understand potential risks before you proceed.