How-To Duration: 3m 6 steps

Configure Google Play Protect correctly (Android)

In 3 minutes, check Google Play Protect, enable app scans and raise the sideloading guard.

By Lightnet Multimedia GmbH Reviewed on 16.05.2026

Play Protect ships on every Android device with Google services and provides solid baseline protection. This guide shows the key settings.

Steps

1 Open the Play Store On your phone, open the Google Play Store.
2 Tap the profile icon Top right, tap the profile icon → "Play Protect".
3 Run a manual scan Tap "Scan". Play Protect checks all installed apps. Risky apps appear with a recommendation to uninstall.
4 Review settings Settings gear top right → enable "Scan apps with Play Protect" and "Improve harmful app detection". The second option sends anonymised app data to Google.
5 Check sideloading permissions Android Settings → Apps → Special app access → "Install unknown apps". By default only the Play Store is allowed – keep it that way.
6 For higher risk: a dedicated suite If you sideload regularly, do mobile banking on Android, or your device no longer receives updates: consider an extra suite like <a href="/en/software/bitdefender">Bitdefender Mobile Security</a>.