Quick take: Go to Settings → Apps → Special app access → Install unknown apps → [choose source app, e.g., Chrome or Files] → Allow from this source (On). Then open the .apk to install. Revoke the permission afterward for safety. Google Help Verizon

⚠️ Safety first

• Enable this only for trusted sources and only the app you’ll use to open the APK (e.g., Chrome, Files). You can re-enable it after installation. Verizon

• Play Protect continues to scan sideloaded apps and may warn or block those that are harmful; keep it enabled. Google Help

What “Unknown Sources” means on modern Android

Since Android 8.0 (Oreo), the old global “Unknown sources” switch has been replaced by a per-app permission (“Allow from this source”). You grant it to the installer app (browser, file manager), not system-wide. Android Developers Gadget Hacks

Steps (Stock Android / Google Pixel)

1. Open Settings → Apps.

2. Tap Special app access → Install unknown apps.

3. Choose the app you’ll use to open the APK (Chrome, Files, etc.).

4. Turn on Allow from this source.

5. Install the APK (then consider turning the switch off again). Google HelpVerizon

Samsung (One UI 6/7)

1. Settings → Security and privacy → More security settings → Install unknown apps.

2. Pick the source app (e.g., Chrome) → toggle Allow. Samsung+1

Xiaomi (HyperOS / recent MIUI)

1. Settings → Privacy protection → Special permissions → Install unknown apps.

2. Select the source app → enable Allow from this source. (Wordings may vary slightly by model/region.) XiaomiTechBone

Older Android versions (pre-8.0)

You may still see the legacy global toggle under Settings → Security → Unknown sources. Newer devices use the per-app model described above. Applivery

Troubleshooting

• “Allow from this source” is greyed out

  • The device may be managed (via work profile/MDM) or under Family Link/parental controls; admins can restrict sideloading. Check management policies or ask the admin. Google HelpReddit

• Install fails on Xiaomi/HyperOS.

  • Some builds introduce additional security/optimization quirks; community reports have noted issues with package installer behavior. As a temporary check, ensure the correct source app is allowed and try installing from the Files/Downloads section. (Behavior can vary by ROM/version.) GitHubF-Droid Forum

• Play Protect blocks or warns

  • Review the warning carefully. You can proceed only if you fully trust the APK. Play Protect guidance is here. Google for Developers

Best practices

• Prefer first-party or reputable sources; verify file integrity when possible. Keep Play Protect on. Google Help

• After installation, revisit Install unknown apps and turn off the permission for the source app you enabled. Appaloosa

FYI: Upcoming changes to sideloading (2026–2027)

Google announced a Developer Verification program, starting in some countries in September 2026 (Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand), where apps installed outside Play will need to come from verified developers, with a broader rollout expected later. Day-to-day steps above remain the same for now, but policies may tighten over time. Android CentralTechRadar

FAQs

Do I need to enable this for both Chrome and Files?
Please enable it for any app you’ll use to open the APK. If you download in Chrome but install from Files, you may need to allow both. Verizon

Will enabling it expose me to malware?
It increases risk if you install untrusted APKs. Keep Play Protect enabled and only sideload apps from trusted sources. You can revoke the permission right after installing. Google Help

Where did the old “Unknown sources” toggle go?
Replaced in Android 8.0+ with per-app “Install unknown apps” permissions. Android Developers