Protect Your Android Fleet from Unauthorized APK Installations

Android devices have become business-critical tools across industries—from retail and healthcare to logistics and education. But when used in the field or by frontline workers, unauthorized app installations can be a serious problem.

One major contributor to this problem in 2025 is sideloaded apps, which are found on 23.5% of enterprise devices.

The Risks of Unrestricted App Installs

Employees downloading personal apps or sideloading APK files can hurt productivity, create security risks, and violate compliance policies.

If Android devices are being used for business tasks, allowing users to install any app can result in:

How Apps Are Installed on Android

There are three main ways users can install apps:

• Google Play Store – Downloading apps directly from the Play Store using a Google account.
• Sideloading – Manually installing .apk files from sources like USB, email, or web downloads using the Android Package Installer (also referred to as APK Installer).
• “Install Unknown Apps” Setting – Apps like browsers or file managers can request permission to install unknown apps. If this setting is enabled for such apps, users can use them to download and install APKs from outside the Play Store.

To keep your devices secure, you need to block all methods—especially sideloading, which bypasses Play Store restrictions.

What is the Package Installer on Android?

The Package Installer (com.google.android.packageinstaller) is a system component in Android responsible for installing, updating, and uninstalling apps. Whether a user tries to install an app from the Google Play Store or sideload an APK, the installer and the app download setting configured controls it.

That’s where controlling the Android Package Installer and controlling app download settings becomes essential. And solutions like SureLock by 42Gears offer powerful ways to block app installation.

How to Restrict or Block App Installation on Android Devices

1. Use SureLock to Disable APK Installation

SureLock is a powerful kiosk lockdown solution for Android that helps businesses prevent unauthorized access to apps and maintain control over device usage.

With SureLock, you can:

• Block the Android Package Installer to prevent APK sideloading
• Restrict access to Google Play, file explorers, and settings
• Allowlist approved apps so users see and use only what’s necessary
• Prevent app removal and other system modifications
• Restrict access to browsers 
• Prevent downloads from ‘unknown sources’

SureLock also supports device lockdown (kiosk mode), making it easy to enforce a focused, controlled user experience.

Admins can also disable or block USB Ports or SD Cards block to prevent APKs from being copied over USB.

You can also use SureMDM MTD to detect malware and malicious apps and take immediate actions. 

2. Use OEM-Specific Tools for Extra Control

Some Android device manufacturers offer additional restrictions:

• For example, Samsung Knox provides a “Disable Application Installation and Uninstallation” feature.
• SureLock integrates with Samsung Knox to apply these deeper restrictions on supported devices.

Together, OEM policies and SureLock can fully prevent users from installing, updating, or removing apps.

Lock Down Your Android Devices the Smart Way

Whether you're managing five devices or five thousand, blocking unauthorized app installations is a simple but powerful step toward stronger security and better productivity.

With SureLock, you can:

• Stop APK sideloading
• Disable the Package Installer
• Control which apps are visible and accessible
• Enforce compliance across every device

Frequently Asked Questions