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.