Fix Google Play API Level Rejection: Use Right Android Version
Start My Free App Setup

Google Play Console Alert: “Policy Violation – App Must Target a Newer API Level”

Written by: ShopApper Team
18.07.2025 - 4 mins read

Table of Contents

🧠 What Does the “Target API Level” Violation Mean?

Google Play mandates that apps target a recent Android API level to ensure security, performance, and compatibility with the latest devices. Apps not meeting this standard may:

  • Be rejected during submission

  • Lose visibility on newer Android devices

  • Receive enforcement warnings from the Google Play Console

Think of it as Android’s way of making sure your app evolves with the platform — or risks falling behind.

📊 Target API Level Requirements (At a Glance)

App Type
App Type Required Target API Level (as of 2025)
New apps
API 35 (Android 15)
Updates to existing apps
API 35 (Android 15)
Existing apps still on Play Store
Must target at least API 34 (Android 14) to remain available
Always check Google’s official policy page for the most up-to-date requirements.

🛠 Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Target API Level Rejection

✅ 1. Understand the Current Requirement

Google typically updates target API level requirements once a year. You can always find the latest details on Google’s developer support page.
As of now:
  • New apps and updates must target Android 15 (API 35) or above
  • Existing apps must target Android 14 (API 34) or higher to stay available to new users
But the exact version will change with time—so always check the current policy before each release.

✅ 2. Update Your App’s Target SDK

Open your build.gradle file and ensure this section is updated:

compileSdkVersion 35
targetSdkVersion 35
Make sure:
  • Your libraries and SDKs are updated to versions compatible with the target API
  • You resolve any breaking changes introduced in the new Android version
💡 Tip: Don’t just change the number—test the app on actual devices or emulators using that Android version.

✅ 3. Review Behavior Changes in the New Android Version

Each new API level brings changes that could affect your app. Common updates include:
  • Stricter permissions for accessing location, media, Bluetooth, and notifications
  • Background service limits
  • Changes to how user data is handled
  • Storage and file access restrictions
Always refer to the Android Behavior Changes documentation for the version you’re targeting.

✅ 4. Test on Real Devices and Emulators

Once you’ve updated:
  • Test your app on devices running the new Android version
  • Validate functionality, permissions, performance, and UI behavior
  • Fix any issues caused by new restrictions or behavior changes

✅ 5. Resubmit to Google Play

After testing and updating:
  • Submit your app update through the Google Play Console
  • If you’re not ready in time, check if Google offers an extension request (they usually allow a few months of grace time)

🔍 Common Compatibility Issues When Targeting a New API

Each API level comes with behavior changes. Here’s what you should review:
Area Affected
What May Change
Permissions
Location, notifications, Bluetooth
Background behavior
Service limits, battery optimizations
Storage access
Scoped storage enforcement
User data handling
Stricter tracking & privacy constraints

Refer to Android’s Behavior Changes page to stay ahead.

🚫 What Not to Do

❌ Mistake
⚠️ Why It Fails
Changing SDK version without fixing libraries
Likely to crash or fail submission
Ignoring Google Play warnings
Can lead to suspension or delisting
Delaying the update too long
Users on new Android devices won’t see your app
Assuming old behavior will persist
Each API update includes breaking changes

How Prepared Is Your Store for a Mobile App?

Find out with the App Readiness Score Test.

Answer a few quick questions and get a custom report on your app potential, missed opportunities, and where to level up.

Claim Your Free App Readiness Report →

✅ How We Help

Whether you’re maintaining a single app or a portfolio:
  • We monitor Play policy changes for you
  • We update target SDK and dependencies
  • We handle compatibility and behavioral changes
  • We submit updates that comply with the latest Android and Play Store standards

📲 Got a Google Play API Level Warning?

Don’t lose visibility — or get stuck in review.

Let ShopApper help you:

  • Update target API and fix all compatibility issues

  • Test and debug across Android versions

  • Resubmit your app with confidence

👉 Fix My Rejection with ShopApper

Start My Free App Setup

Features

  • Resources

Start By Industry

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
ShopApper vs. Mobiloud
ShopApper vs. AppMySite
ShopApper vs. AppPresser

Ece

Account Manager at ShopApper

I’m Ece, your Account Manager. I’m eager to learn about your business and assist you in achieving your goals.

Please share some info about your business so I can be fully prepared to answer your queries. I’ll reply within 15-20 minutes. Thanks!  :point_right:

Get All Your Questions Answered