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how to disable APK sideloading
- Thread starter Year1917
- Start date
Depending on your android version you can turn off the "install from unknown sources" setting (default = off anyway) or, for newer versions of Android, deny any apps other than the Play Store the permission to install apps (again, this permission is not granted by default).
If you want to ensure that nobody else can turn these things on, maybe try using an app to lock access to the Settings.
Without root you can do nothing more. With root you could, but only at the cost of making all app installations or updates impossible.
If you want to ensure that nobody else can turn these things on, maybe try using an app to lock access to the Settings.
Without root you can do nothing more. With root you could, but only at the cost of making all app installations or updates impossible.
how?
Remove the relevant system components, such as the package installer.
But at this point you require root (not possible on all devices), you don't have the ability to install or update anything, and you'll also not receive system updates and will have to repeat the procedure if you update the ROM manually. And of course if the person using the device knows even slightly what they are doing they can use the access a rooted device has to undo this. If your motivation is "security" in some way don't forget that root also makes it easier for any malware you get onto your device to really screw things up.
Your call, of course.
But at this point you require root (not possible on all devices), you don't have the ability to install or update anything, and you'll also not receive system updates and will have to repeat the procedure if you update the ROM manually. And of course if the person using the device knows even slightly what they are doing they can use the access a rooted device has to undo this. If your motivation is "security" in some way don't forget that root also makes it easier for any malware you get onto your device to really screw things up.
Your call, of course.
RobertHarrison
Newbie
A simple way to disable APK sideloading is to turn off the "Unknown Sources" settings on your Android phone (if you're using Android 7 or lower). If you're using Android 8 and higher, you can deny access to download app from sources outside Google Play. Consult the instruction in the article, you might find this helpful.