Fix: Can’t Use APK Sideloading, USB Debugging in Samsung Phone

If you are using a Samsung Galaxy smartphone and you are unable to use many advanced features such as app sideloading, USB debugging, screen mirroring to PC, etc, this article will help you in fixing these issues and performing these tasks without any problem.

PROBLEM: Unable to Install Apps from APK Files and Use USB Debugging Features

Recently many Samsung smartphone users started having a strange and very annoying issue. Users were unable to perform many advanced tasks such as following:

• Sideloading Apps: Install 3rd party apps using APK files
• USB debugging
• Screen mirroring to PC
• Install firmware updates using PC software
• Running ADB command from PC
• Accessing hidden secret service menu or engineering menu

Sideloading apps refers to installing 3rd party apps directly using APK (Android Package Kit) files. Actually all apps available for Android operating system support APK file format and expert users install many apps directly by downloading their APK files from websites. Most of the times, app sideloading is used when an app is not available on Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store.

USB debugging is an advanced feature that allows expert users and technicians to connect an Android mobile phone to computer and perform advanced tasks such as updating phone firmware, running ADB commands, etc.

Many people use screen mirroring to PC feature to cast their Android smartphone screen to their Desktop or laptop and control it using keyboard and mouse.

Related: [Tip] How to Mirror or Cast Android Mobile Phone Screen on PC

People who repair mobile phones, generally use *#0011# and other codes in Samsung dialer app to access hidden secret Service Menu that helps them in testing mobile hardware and other features.

Related: Hidden Secret Codes for Samsung Galaxy Mobile Phones

Suddenly all these advanced features stopped working in many Samsung smartphones.

REASON: New Auto Blocker Security Tool Blocks Advanced Features in Samsung Phones

Auto Blocker is a new security feature introduced in the One UI 6.0 (Android 14) of Samsung Galaxy smartphones. This security feature has been developed to protect user’s smartphone from unauthorized commands, apps and software updates.

When a Samsung smartphone is updated to new firmware containing One UI 6.0, 6.1.1 or later, users might face above mentioned issues due to the restrictions implemented by this tool.

Following are a few features and restrictions that are applied by Auto Blocker tool in Samsung phones:

• Block or prevent installation of applications from unauthorized sources (apk sideloading)
• Block malicious activities
• Block ADB commands by USB cable. Might come very handy when you use chargers available at public places.
• Samsung Message Guard that blocks malware images in messaging apps
• Block software update by USB cable
• App protection that scans installed apps for malicious activity
• Block device admin apps, auto-download attachments, hyperlinks and previews, shared albums
• Remove location information when sharing images

In older firmware (One UI 6.0), the Auto Blocker tool was disabled by default and interested users were required to manually enable it.

But in newer firmware (One UI 6.1.1+), the Auto Blocker tool is enabled by default and that’s why many people are having issues while using these advanced features.

SOLUTION: Disable or Turn Off Auto Blocker Tool in Samsung Smartphones

If you are an expert user and you need to use the above mentioned advanced features in your Android phone, you can disable or turn off Auto Blocker tool in your Samsung phone and you’ll be able to use the blocked features again.

Following steps will help you in deactivating Auto Blocker feature in Samsung Galaxy smartphones:

STEP 1: Open Settings app in your Samsung phone and search for Blocker word. You’ll see Auto Blocker option in the search results section. Tap on the option.

If you don’t want to search for the option, you can manually go to Settings -> Security and Privacy page.

STEP 2: Now tap on Auto Blocker option present on the Security and Privacy screen.

STEP 3: By default, the Auto Blocker feature is enabled. Set the option to OFF by tapping on the toggle button given next to the option.

That’s it. It’ll immediately deactivate and disable the Auto Blocker security feature in your Samsung device.

Now you can use the advanced features such as app sideloading, USB debugging, etc again in your Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

Also Check:

Secure Your Samsung Smartphone Using Maintenance Mode before Sending for Repair

[Tip] Run Two WhatsApp Accounts on Your Samsung Galaxy Mobile Phone

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