Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
- Google Play Store has started rolling out a new “Pause” feature for Play Protect, allowing users to temporarily disable app security scans.
- Unlike the previous “Turn off” option, the new feature automatically reactivates Play Protect the next day, reducing the risk of users forgetting to turn it back on.
- This update should help protect Android users from malware and scams while still allowing them to sideload apps without long-term security risks.
Android users who frequently sideload apps have a reason to rejoice. Google Play Protect, the built-in security feature that scans apps for malware, is getting a much-needed upgrade. The tool, which performs safety checks on all Android apps before download, has long been a double-edged sword for those who install apps from outside the Google Play Store.
While it’s essential for keeping devices safe, it can sometimes interfere with third-party app installations. Now, Google is rolling out a new feature that lets users temporarily pause Play Protect, making sideloading easier without compromising long-term security.