Samsung introduced a new version of One UI with the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 a few days ago. Besides new AI features, One UI 6.1.1 also brings better security, and one of those security features blocks the sideloading of apps by default.
One UI 6.1.1's Auto Blocker feature blocks app sideloading by default
With One UI 6.1.1, Samsung improved the Auto Blocker feature (via AndroidAuthority) to offer better privacy and security. However, it also blocks app sideloading by default. This is a great feature for users who are not tech-savvy and might not understand the risks involved in sideloading app and game APK files downloaded from untrusted sources.
While Android already blocks app sideloading (manual downloading of app installation files from sources other than Google and smartphone OEM), the Auto Blocker feature adds another restriction layer. So, it becomes pretty hard for less tech-savvy users to install apps and games from untrusted sources.
Watch One UI 6.1.1 features in our video below.
Auto Blocker debuted with One UI 6.0 last year, but it is was an optional feature. With devices that come pre-installed with One UI 6.1.1, Auto Blocker is turned on by default.
The good thing is, if you transfer your data using Smart Switch from your old Galaxy phone to a new phone running One UI 6.1.1 out of the box, the default Auto Blocker setting is carried forward from old phone to the new phone, which means you may not be affected by Auto Blocker's new behavior.
For those who are upgrading to a Galaxy Z Flip 6 or Galaxy Z Fold 6 from a non-Samsung phone, they might notice that app sideloading is turned off by default, and that could cause some frustration among users.
