Samsung has launched a new safety feature, the “Auto Blocker”, forbidding users from manually installing or sideloading Android apps onto their devices to beef up security. The feature is an attempt to thwart the installation of malicious apps that might endanger the user’s personal data and ensure all installed apps adhere to necessary standards and regulations.
However, one downside is that users can no longer install apps not available on Google Play Store. Notably, Samsung has yet to roll out an exception process allowing trusted third-party app installations.
This feature, initially rolled out with the Android 14 update, is aimed at combating malware and USB hijacking threats and has been generally well-received by the Android user community.
Samsung’s Auto Blocker strengthens app safety
The One UI 6.1.1 software update further heightened Auto Blocker’s effectiveness in all Galaxy devices running this version, specifically, the latest Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 models, where the sideloading restriction is activated by default.
The enhanced Auto Blocker scans and identifies sideloaded apps, ultimately halting their installation unless permitted by the user. However, it includes a thorough warning detailing potential risks involved. The robust design of this feature and its approach towards user safety has earned applauds from the user community.
Although it activates automatically during device setup, the Auto Blocker does provide an option for users to disable it then and permits them to toggle it back on through the settings – offering a more user-friendly experience by allowing users to customize blocking parameters per their requirement and preference.
Should the user decide to avoid the Auto Blocker to sideload an app, an error message will appear but the feature can be easily deactivated through the device settings to allow the sideloading operation.
This latest upgrade is a nod towards Samsung’s dedication to promoting safe smartphone usage. Despite its current availability for Samsung Foldable devices and Galaxy S models, it is not yet supported by older software versions.
