Here’s why new Samsung Galaxy phones are blocking sideloading by default

There’s been a lot of hype around Samsung’s latest foldables – the recently launched Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Flip6. The devices have received several upgrades this year, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which brings on-board AI capabilities to the devices, an IP48 dust resistance rating, screens that fold out completely flat, and more.

However, another, lesser-known feature on the devices, which are the first to come running on Samsung’s Android 14-based OneUI 6.1.1 skin straight out of the box, is Auto Blocker. This feature essentially blocks users from downloading applications from sources other than Google Play Store and the Samsung App Store.

What is the Auto Blocker feature and what does it do?

As per reports, the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 are equipped with an Auto Blocker feature which prevents users from downloading and installing apps from third-party sources. This is also referred to as sideloading.

ALSO READ: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Flip6 foldable phones launched with updated design, IP48 protection

When a user tries to sideload an app on their device, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 show a pop-up saying “Unknown app blocked. To keep your phone and data safe, Auto Blocker prevents the installation of unknown apps. You can only install apps from authorised sources such as the Play Store or Galaxy Store.”

The feature ensures users don’t accidentally allow any malware or virus to enter their phone, such that their data is stolen or compromised, or in a few cases, even allowed for their device to be controlled remotely.

How to disable Auto Blocker on your Samsung Galaxy device

The Auto Blocker feature had first appeared on OneUI 6. However, seasoned Samsung users would know that sideloading could earlier be enabled on their devices with a single click. Now though, users will have to enable it in their device’s settings app, by heading to the ‘Security and Privacy’ sub-menu and turning the ‘Auto Blocker’ toggle off. The phone will then ask you to authenticate yourself to turn it off.

Bear in mind this setting may also be disabled by default on your phone running OneUI 6.1.1, if you’re setting it up using the data and settings from a previous device running OneUI, wherein it had been disabled.

ALSO READ: How to install third party apps (APKs) on Android devices

That said, while turning off the Auto Blocker may certainly come in handy, we highly recommend leaving it turned on and sticking to downloading apps only from the Google Play Store and Samsung App Store. This will help ensure your phone is protected against any malware attacks, data and identity theft, and fraud at all times.