TechingToday

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 Hard to Side-Load - But There is a Workaround

General

One of the great things about Android is that you are not always tied to the apps available in Google Play or other app stores. Sideloading can be quite risky if you're not careful, but it's optional and usually very easy to do. However, some devices, such as Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, impose special restrictions.

On typical Android phones, sideloading is blocked by default and requires enabling the “Install apps from unknown sources” toggle in the settings. Samsung's OneUI 6.1.1, which is available on newer foldable devices, includes an “Auto Blocker” feature that blocks the installation of all third-party apps.

Auto Blocker is not new; it debuted in OneUI 6.0, but this is the first time it has been turned on by default. This essentially means that as long as Auto Blocker remains active, you can only install apps from Google Play and the Samsung Galaxy store. Thankfully, this can be turned off.

If you're getting the Z Fold 6 or Z Flip 6, which officially launches today, disabling Auto Blocker is as simple as heading to the Settings menu. Go to Settings > Security and Privacy and scroll down until you find Auto Blocker and toggle it off.

The phone will ask you to authenticate its decision with a fingerprint or password, but once that has been switched off the sideloading experience should be back to normal again.

According to Android Police, upgrading an existing Samsung phone to One UI 6.1.1 will leave Auto Blocker turned off. The same is apparently true when a device running the software is restored.

It makes sense that Samsung would turn this feature on by default as an additional security measure. Sideloading is very convenient, but also quite dangerous. Therefore, unless you absolutely need to sideload or regularly install apps from third-party app stores, it is best to leave Auto Blocker on.

You never know when someone might trick you into installing something you don't want. If you leave this blocker on when you intentionally want to sideload third-party apps, you don't have to worry as much.