Quick take: You can toggle Play Protect from the Play Store: Play Store → profile icon → Play Protect → Settings → “Scan apps with Play Protect” (off). Only do this temporarily, for a specific and legitimate purpose, then turn it back on. Google Help

⚠️ Legal & Safety Notice

• Use on devices you own or administer, with full, informed consent. Disabling Play Protect weakens security and can expose the device to malware. Keep it on by default and only switch it off temporarily for valid reasons (e.g., testing your own app, enterprise onboarding).

Before you start

• Know what Play Protect does: It scans apps from Google Play and from outside Play, warns about harmful behavior, and may block or remove dangerous apps. Google Help

• Why temporary is best: In 2024 alone, Play Protect’s real-time scanning blocked millions of harmful sideloaded apps; leaving it on is a significant protection layer. Google Online Security Blog, Android Police

Method A — Temporarily turn off Play Protect (standard way)

1. Open the Google Play Store app.

2. Tap your profile icon (located in the top right corner).

3. Tap Play Protect → Settings (gear icon).

4. Toggle Scan apps with Play Protect → Off. Google Help

Optional: Also toggle Improve harmful app detection → Off if you don’t want unknown apps sent to Google during your brief test. Re-enable it later. Google Help

Important: After you finish installing or testing, repeat the steps and turn Scan apps with Play Protect back on. Esper

Method B — If you only need to proceed with one blocked install

Sometimes Play Protect warns “Unsafe app” and offers Install anyway. Use this only if you fully trust the source, and still keep Play Protect on afterward. (UI text varies by device/Android version.) Reddit

Brand-specific notes (Samsung, Xiaomi/HyperOS)

• Samsung (One UI): You can also view Play Protect from Settings → Security and privacy → App security → Google Play Protect. Some Galaxy models feature an Auto Blocker, which can restrict sideloading. If you need to install a trusted app, temporarily disable the Auto Blocker, then re-enable it. SamsungNews.com.au

• Xiaomi / HyperOS / MIUI: Play Protect lives under Settings → Security status → Google Play Protect → Settings, but the quickest route is still via the Play Store, as in Method A. Xiaomi

Also required for sideloading: On many phones you must allow the install source (e.g., Chrome, Files) at Settings → Security & privacy → Install unknown apps → [choose app] → Allow. This is separate from Play Protect. Samsung

Troubleshooting

• The toggle is greyed out or keeps turning back on.

  • If your phone is work-managed (EMM/MDM) or has organization policies in place, turning Play Protect off may be restricted. You’ll need admin approval. Android Enterprise Community

  • On some devices, you can’t change the settings during an active call (on a phone or popular VoIP apps). Try again after the call ends. 9to5Google

Best practices (safer alternatives)

• Prefer keeping Play Protect on and use trusted sources (Play Store, verified vendor portals). Google Help

• For enterprises: distribute apps via managed channels rather than asking users to disable protections. (MDM/EMM can control app installs while leaving security on.) Android Enterprise Community

• Review an app’s Data safety section and requested permissions before installing. Google Help

FAQ

Is it safe to disable Play Protect?
Only briefly, and only if you fully trust the app and source. Re-enable immediately after. Play Protect is a major defense layer against harmful apps. Google HelpGoogle Online Security Blog

Will this stop all scans?
Turning off Scan apps with Play Protect reduces scanning, but other OS/vendor protections may still be in effect (e.g., Samsung Auto Blocker, Android’s permission and privacy controls). News.com.auAndroid

Why does my device still block installs?
You may also need to allow installs from unknown sources for the app you’re using to install the APK (e.g., Chrome). That’s a separate switch. Samsung

Reminder

Keep Play Protect ON by default. Please turn it off only temporarily, complete your legitimate task, and then turn it back on. Google Help