What Does Requires Android Mean? How to Check Your Android Version
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Every Android app page lists a line such as Requires Android 8.0 and up. It is the single most useful compatibility check you can make before downloading anything, and it takes about thirty seconds. This guide explains what the line means, how to find your own version and what to do when your phone is too old.
What Requires Android 8.0 and up actually means
It states the minimum Android version the app can run on. The developer chose it when building the app. Anything at or above that version is supported and anything below it is not. Developers raise the minimum over time to use newer features and drop old code, which is why an update can suddenly stop working on an older phone.
How to check your Android version
- Open Settings and scroll to About phone (on some phones, About device).
- Tap Android version, or Software information on Samsung phones.
- Read the Android version number, such as 13 or 14.
Next to it you will see the security update date. That is the patch level, which is separate from the version. A phone can run a fairly recent version but have an old patch level if the manufacturer stopped sending updates.
Version numbers and API levels
Developers often talk about API levels instead of version names. The two map one to one:
| Android version | API level | Released |
|---|---|---|
| 5.0 Lollipop | 21 | 2014 |
| 6.0 Marshmallow | 23 | 2015 |
| 7.0 Nougat | 24 | 2016 |
| 8.0 Oreo | 26 | 2017 |
| 9 Pie | 28 | 2018 |
| 10 | 29 | 2019 |
| 11 | 30 | 2020 |
| 12 | 31 | 2021 |
| 13 | 33 | 2022 |
| 14 | 34 | 2023 |
| 15 | 35 | 2024 |
| 16 | 36 | 2025 |
If a page says minSdk 26, that means Android 8.0. The related terms targetSdk and compileSdk describe what the app was built and tested against, not what it needs to run. Only the minimum decides whether you can install it.
It is not only the Android version
Three other things can stop an app from installing even when the version is fine.
Processor architecture
Most phones today use 64-bit ARM processors (arm64-v8a). Older phones use 32-bit ARM (armeabi-v7a), and a few devices use x86. Some APKs contain code for only one type, which produces a no matching ABIs error on the wrong phone. If a listing offers several files, pick the one that matches your phone, or the universal build if one exists.
Screen density and size
Some APK variants include graphics for specific screen densities. A mismatched variant usually still installs, but a universal build removes the doubt.
Free storage and memory
Large games need room to unpack and may run poorly on phones with little memory. See how to free up storage on Android.
What to do if your phone is too old
- Check for a system update. Open Settings, System, System update. Many phones have an update waiting that nobody installed.
- Use an older version of the app. Older releases often support older Android. Make sure the file is still trustworthy, and check its safety as you would any other.
- Look for a lighter alternative. Many popular apps have a Lite version designed for older, slower phones.
- Consider upgrading. If your phone no longer gets security updates, a newer one is the safest long-term fix.
Why Google Play sometimes says Varies with device
For some apps the Play listing shows Varies with device instead of a number. It means the developer ships different builds for different devices and Play picks the right one for you. When you download an APK by hand you have to choose that build yourself, so read the page for the specific variant.
Quick checklist before downloading
- Your Android version is at or above the listed minimum.
- The file matches your processor type.
- You have more free storage than the stated file size, ideally several gigabytes more for games.
When all three are true, continue with our installation guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I upgrade an old phone to a newer Android version?
Only if the manufacturer releases the update for your model. Open Settings, System, System update to check. Custom firmware exists for some phones, but it can void warranties and needs technical care, so most people are better off using an older app version or moving to a newer phone.
Does a newer security patch mean a newer Android version?
No. The security patch date shows when your phone last received security fixes. The Android version is separate and changes only with a major system update.
What is the Go edition of Android?
Android (Go edition) is a lighter version of Android built for phones with little memory. Many popular apps offer a Lite version that runs better on those phones.
Why does an app work on a friend’s phone but not mine?
The two phones may differ in Android version, processor type, free storage or manufacturer restrictions. Check the three items in the checklist above, starting with the Android version.