Establish the actual toolchain
Run the project's wrapper from the project root:
./gradlew --version
./gradlew help --stacktrace
Record Gradle, JVM and operating-system details. Android Studio can use a different Gradle JDK from the shell's JAVA_HOME; the JDK configuration guide explains that distinction.
Classify the first error
| Error family | First check |
|---|---|
| Unsupported JVM or class-file version | JDK compatibility with Gradle and AGP |
| Plugin cannot be resolved | Plugin ID, version and plugin repositories |
| Dependency download failure | Repository availability, credentials and network policy |
| Unknown DSL property | Plugin version and script language/context |
| SDK path or platform missing | Installed SDK and local configuration |
Do not combine five unrelated fixes at once. Change one relevant input and preserve the before/after error so the cause remains clear.
Check compatibility rather than “latest everything”
The AGP compatibility reference specifies supported toolchain relationships. A new Gradle version may be newer than the minimum without being the right choice for an older plugin. Follow the selected plugin's documented range and migration notes.
Use the Gradle Wrapper so local and CI builds run the intended distribution rather than a globally installed version.
Treat cache deletion as a diagnosis, not a ritual
A corrupt download can justify a targeted retry or cache repair. A syntax error or incompatible JDK will not be fixed permanently by deleting the entire Gradle cache. Broad deletion also removes useful evidence and makes every dependency download again.
Verify the fix outside the IDE
Once sync succeeds, run the relevant build and tests through the wrapper. APKLint's Build Analyzer can help review pasted configuration and errors, but it cannot reproduce private repositories or your machine's JDK setup. Retain the exact error and toolchain tuple with the fix.
Sources and further reading
- Android Developers: Java versions in Android builds
- Android Developers: Current Android Gradle plugin release notes
- Gradle: Gradle Wrapper
Reference review: 22 September 2026. Examples illustrate the workflow; check your installed versions, release artifact and account-specific Console requirements before applying them. This guide is not a claim that APKLint executed your project or verified your private account.
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