Disclaimer: Policy summaries are overviews only; always refer to the full policy for compliance. The full policy takes precedence in case of conflict
Apps must target a recent Android API level to provide users with security and performance improvements. For new apps and app updates, you must target an API level within one year of the latest major Android release; otherwise, Google Play will prevent your new app or app update submission. Existing apps that are not updated need to target an API level within two years of the latest major Android release to be visible to new users on newer Android versions. For exact timelines and exceptions, please refer to the Help Center article.
Full Policy
To provide users with a safe and secure experience, Google Play requires the following target API levels for all apps:
New apps and app updates MUST target an Android API level within one year of the latest major Android version release. New apps and app updates that fail to meet this requirement will be prevented from app submission in Play Console.
Existing Google Play apps that are not updated and that do not target an API level within two years of the latest major Android version release, will not be available to new users with devices running newer versions of Android OS. Users who have previously installed the app from Google Play will continue to be able to discover, re-install, and use the app on any Android OS version that the app supports.
For technical advice on how to meet the target API level requirement, please consult the migration guide.
For exact timelines and exceptions, please refer to this Help Center article. Key Considerations
| Do | Don't |
| Target an Android API level within one year of the latest major Android release if you are submitting a new app or app update to Google Play. |
Don't ignore target API level requirements; non-compliance blocks new apps and app updates submission to Google Play and discoverability for new users with devices targeting newer Android versions, if the app is existing on Google Play. |
| Ensure your existing app targets an Android API level within 2 years of the latest major Android release to stay discoverable to users on newer Android OS versions. | Don't delay updating your app's target API level; Start the migration process at least 3 months before the deadline to give yourself enough time to test for and address any compatibility issues. |
| Request target API level extensions through Play Console. |
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