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Every Android app publishes a ``targetSdkVersion`` (the target API level) that tells Android how your app is intended to run. Google Play enforces a minimum target API level to keep the Play Store ecosystem current with Android security, privacy, and behavior changes. This guide explains the current requirements, what breaks if you miss them, and how to raise your target safely.
Current requirements
Requirements differ for new apps and existing apps, and they are tied to Android version milestones. The key dates and targets are below.
In practice: if your app targets API 34 and a user on Android 16 visits your store listing, Google Play tells them this app is not available on your device because it was made for an older version of Android. Users who already installed your app are unaffected and can still reinstall on newer devices.
Per-device / form-factor requirements
| Form factor | New apps & updates by Aug 31, 2026 | Existing apps by Aug 31, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile / tablet / foldable | API 36 (Android 16) | API 35 (Android 15) |
| Wear OS | API 35 (Android 15) | API 34 (Android 14) |
| Android TV | API 34 (Android 14) | API 33 (Android 13) |
| Android Automotive OS | API 35 (Android 15) | API 32 (Android 12L) |
| Android XR | API 34 (Android 14) | API 34 (Android 14) |
Exceptions
What target API level, compileSdk, and minSdk mean
Three Gradle properties are frequently confused. They control different things.
| Term | What it does | Who enforces it |
|---|---|---|
| minSdkVersion | Lowest Android version your app can install on | Android OS at install |
| targetSdkVersion | Newest API your app assumes; opts into Android behavior changes | Android OS + Google Play publishing |
| compileSdk | API level the build tools compile against | Build time only (no runtime effect) |
compileSdk only affects which APIs you can use at build time and which warnings you get — it does NOT change runtime behavior. targetSdkVersion is the one Google Play checks. You should usually compile against the latest stable compileSdk, but only raise targetSdkVersion after testing.
How to check your app's target API level
In Android Studio
Open build.gradle (module: app) and read the defaultConfig block: compileSdk, minSdk, and targetSdk. Alternatively, Build > Analyze APK/AAB to inspect a built artifact's AndroidManifest.xml targetSdkVersion attribute.
On the command line
Inspect build.gradle / gradle.properties for targetSdk, or read the AndroidManifest.xml attribute android:targetSdkVersion. (./gradlew :app:properties can also surface the resolved value.)
How to change it
Raise the target
In build.gradle (module: app), update targetSdk in the defaultConfig block: ``` defaultConfig { minSdk 24 targetSdk 35 // raise this compileSdk 36 // keep at latest stable } ``` Then rebuild. Google's migration guide for the specific Android version lists the behavior changes you opt into.
What to test after raising targetSdk
Each new target API level enables behavior changes. Do not assume your app works — test.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Does compileSdk need to match targetSdk?
No. compileSdk can be higher than targetSdk (and usually should be, to get the latest lint warnings). compileSdk does not opt your app into behavior changes.
Will raising targetSdk break my app for existing users?
It can change behavior (stricter permissions, new splash screen, storage changes). Test on the new target before releasing an update.
My app depends on an old library — can I defer the requirement?
No. The target API level requirement applies per app regardless of libraries. Update or replace the library before raising the target.
What if I do nothing on Aug 31, 2026?
New apps/updates submitted after the deadline that do not target API 36 (or API 35 for existing apps) are rejected. Existing apps targeting API 34 or below stop being discoverable to new users on newer Android devices.
Sources & references
Official Google documentation- Target API level requirements for Google Play appssupport.google.com
- Set different API levels for build variantsdeveloper.android.com
These links open Google's official Play Console Help pages used to verify this guide. AppsTestLab guidance is independent and not affiliated with Google.
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