App Store RejectionGuideline Google Play — Target API Level — Target API Level Requirement

Your app targets an Android API level Google no longer accepts.

Every year Google raises the minimum target API level for new submissions and updates. If your app targets an older Android version, it will be rejected from new submissions and eventually removed from existing listings. Here's how to update it.

What Apple said

“Your app targets API level 31, which does not meet the Google Play target API level requirement. New apps must target Android 14 (API level 34) or higher. Please update your app's targetSdkVersion and resubmit.”

What this actually means

Google requires apps to target recent Android API levels to ensure users get modern security and privacy protections. Each year Google sets a deadline for new submissions and existing app updates to reach the current minimum. Falling behind means your app can't be submitted and eventually stops showing to new users on newer Android versions.

What Apple needs to see

  • targetSdkVersion set to at least the current Google Play minimum (check Play Console for the current requirement)
  • App tested on the target Android version to ensure no behavioral regressions from API changes
  • Updated permissions handling using the runtime permission model appropriate for the target API level
  • Any deprecated APIs replaced with their modern equivalents for the new target SDK
  1. 1Open your app's build.gradle file and update targetSdkVersion to the current Google Play minimum — check the Play Console or Google's API level requirement page for the current number
  2. 2Build the app and run it on an emulator matching the target API level, testing all features systematically
  3. 3Fix any deprecation warnings or behavior changes introduced by the new target level — pay particular attention to storage permissions, background location, and notification channels
  4. 4Update any third-party SDKs that haven't been updated to support the new target API level
  5. 5Run the app through Google Play's pre-launch report by uploading to an internal test track before submitting to production review

While you're at it — Apple also requires these pages for every app.

Fix this rejection, then make sure you're covered on the compliance side too. Apple requires every app to link to a hosted Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, Support page, and Data Deletion page. No link means another rejection — just for a different reason.

Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Support Page
Data Deletion Page
Generate my compliance pages — $9

Common questions

My app uses a React Native or Flutter framework — does this still apply?
Yes. The targetSdkVersion in your AndroidManifest.xml or build.gradle applies regardless of the framework you used to build the app. Update your framework to a version that supports the required API level, then update your build config accordingly.
Will updating the target API level break anything in my app?
It can. Each major Android version introduced behavior changes — especially around storage access, background processing, and exact alarms. Test thoroughly on the target API level emulator and on a physical device. Common breakage areas are file access (scoped storage), background location, and notification permissions.
Is there a deadline for existing apps or just new submissions?
Both. Google sets separate deadlines for new app submissions and for updates to existing apps. Existing apps that fall below the minimum also stop being available to users on newer Android versions, effectively reducing your potential audience even before Google enforces removal.