One UI 9 makes it easier to identify sideloaded apps

Samsung is releasing the first One UI 9 beta for the Galaxy S26 series, and it has some security features. Auto Blocker is getting a new security report feature, and it gets the entire USB connection blocking setting back in maximum restriction mode. One UI 9 has another new security feature that allows you to keep an eye on “unknown” apps.

In its One UI 9 beta press release, Samsung notes that “One UI 9 also introduces advanced protection against suspicious apps and potential threats: When new high-risk apps are detected, it now warns users, stops execution and installation, and recommends removal through security policy updates.”

First in One UI 9 beta, Inside Settings > Security & Privacy > More security settingsnow there is a new entry Manage unknown apps.

As the screenshot shows, the Manage Unknown Apps section lists apps you’ve installed on your phone that aren’t from an “approved” source, such as the Google Play Store or Galaxy Store. The idea here is to show all the sideloaded apps on your phone in one place, so users can uninstall apps they don’t trust or don’t recognize.

Users can achieve similar results by scanning their list of installed apps for suspicious apps. However, this list can run into tens and hundreds of apps, making it difficult to scan. The Manage Unknown Apps section delegates some security responsibilities to the Play Store and Galaxy Store (since apps listed there must follow those stores’ security and privacy policies), so you get a smaller list to scan and manage.

The Manage Unknown Apps section is live in One UI 9 beta. This feature should ideally be included in the stable release of One UI 9 as well.

Thanks for the tip, Dylan H.!