Blocked by Play Protect

If the screen says Blocked by Play Protect or Harmful app blocked, Play Protect is holding the install. An unknown signature can land there too. That does not always mean the file is a virus.

Do not install a file from a site you do not know. The warning is sometimes right. If you know the file, try Install anyway first. Turning the scan off is the last step, and you turn it back on when you are done.

• The install window may show More details, or Install anyway. You can continue from there. If the button is missing, the block is hard.
• Open Play Store, go to Play Protect from the account picture at the top, and turn off the install scan from the gear. Install the file, then turn the scan back on.
• On a Samsung the same path is inside Play Store. The security menu does not replace Play Protect.
• On a Xiaomi the Security app can keep its own scan. Turning Play Protect off does not open that scan. Check the file there too.
• Leaving the scan off for good leaves the phone open. Turn it off for one file, then turn it on again.

If you do not know who sent the file, do not turn the scan off.