

Tap here to head to the Play Store and download it. Download APKMirror Installer – This app helps you install APKs downloaded from APKMirror.Tap the About section, and you can find the Play Store version there. Check your current version (if updating) – Head into the Play Store, tap your profile picture, and enter Settings.Please note that you’ll also need Google Play Services installed for the Play Store to function properly. A block on old apps won't put an end to malware, but it could tighten the platform's overall security.This method only works on devices running Android 8.0 Oreo or later. Android malware writers frequently ( though not always) rely on sideloading precisely because there are fewer restrictions than in the Play Store. However, it's not surprising that Google is clamping down. For some, it's a reason to buy an Android phone instead of an iPhone - you're free to install apps that aren't available in the official store.

Still, it's notable that Google is limiting sideloading at all. If you sideload an old app on an Android 14 phone with this measure switched on, you likely know exactly what you're doing. The new policy is meant to stop people from unwittingly installing malware. It's up to device manufacturers to enable the cutoff, and there will still be a way to install apps through a command shell. This won't completely thwart you if there's a classic app you're determined to run. This update denies attempts to install vintage apps through the web or third-party stores. Google already requires that apps in the Play Store target at least Android 12. Malware writers can't just target old versions of Android to escape security measures in newer releases, Google says. The move is meant to boost security and privacy. It will stop the installation of particularly old software at first, but Google expects to "progressively" raise the bar to require at least Android 6.0 Marshmallow. 9to5Google has spotted a code change indicating that Android 14 will block users from sideloading apps (that is, installing them outside of the Play Store) that don't target a minimum version of the operating system. The next version of Android could bar you from installing ancient apps in some circumstances.
