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Google Will Disable Sideloading During Calls To Prevent Scams

By / Tech / May 17, 2025

Google is taking scam protection seriously by introducing features like restricted sideloading during calls. Here’s what you need to know.

New design for BugDroid, the Android Mascot (Image via Google)
New design for BugDroid, the Android Mascot (Image via Google)

Over the years, scams have become a lot more sophisticated. These scammers pretend to be associated with some company and probably use that company’s influence to get you to install malicious apps on your phone during a call. Using such sophisticated methods, they could dupe you into paying them thousands of dollars.

Google is finally taking matters into its own hands by developing a new feature that prevents users from sideloading apps on their phones during calls. In this article, we will look into these new safety features and explain how they can prevent scammers from robbing you financially.

Note: Some aspects of the article are subjective and reflect the writer’s opinions.

Android 16 Brings Advanced Safety Features

Here are some Advanced Safety features in Android 16 that are designed to thwart scammers:

1) Sideloading Will Be Disabled During Calls

The Pin Layout screen is enhanced (Image via Google)
The Pin Layout screen is enhanced (Image via Google)

Scammers often target unsuspecting users and trick them into sideloading potential malware apps that can be used for all sorts of malicious activities. Google is developing a new feature in Android 16 as part of its advanced safety features to prevent scams. You cannot sideload any app or software on your phone during an active call. This prevents scammers from installing malware or spyware on your phone.

2) Banking Apps Won’t Launch During Screen Sharing

This is another advanced safety feature designed to prevent you from launching banking apps during screen sharing, which happens more than you realize. Scammers often arrange for a screen-sharing system with the false premise of fixing your phone, only to launch the banking apps and gather your financial information. This safety feature stops potential scammers from collecting sensitive information from your banking apps, which could have been used to target your financials.

When Will These Advanced Safety Features Arrive?

The sideloading restrictions will launch with the release of Android 16 at the end of May or early June. However, the banking app safety feature will arrive later in the UK only as a pilot program and expand to more countries later. Both features will be exclusively available on Android 16 and future releases. Therefore, if your phone doesn’t receive the Android 16 update, you will miss out on these safety features.

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