Google Play and minSdk: Device Availability Is Not the Target-API Deadline
Google Play's target-API deadline does not require setting minSdk to the same Android version. minSdk controls the oldest platform your app supports;.
Manifest & configuration
Min SDK / Compatibility Checker
Read the manifest's declared minSdk and targetSdk, with the Android version name for recognized minimum API levels. Device reach is not estimated.
Min SDK / Compatibility Checker is part of APKLint, an online toolkit for inspecting Android APK files. Read the manifest's declared minSdk and targetSdk, with the Android version name for recognized minimum API levels. Device reach is not estimated. Paste your AndroidManifest.xml in your browser to view the relevant details; results reflect what you paste.
Nothing is stored. What you submit is processed on our servers over an encrypted connection for this request only — it isn’t written to file or object storage, and never shared. No account required.
About Min SDK / Compatibility Checker
Read the manifest's declared minSdk and targetSdk, with the Android version name for recognized minimum API levels. Device reach is not estimated.
Min SDK / Compatibility Checker is part of APKLint’s manifest & configuration toolkit — Audit your AndroidManifest and security config. It’s free to use and needs no account.
Your privacy is the default: what you submit is processed on our servers over an encrypted connection for that request only — it isn’t written to file or object storage, and never shared.
What Min SDK / Compatibility Checker checks
- Reads minSdkVersion and targetSdkVersion
- Translates minSdk to the oldest Android version supported
- Reports SDK declarations without estimating device reach
- Flags an unusually low minSdk
Good to know: Reports manifest SDK declarations and recognized Android version names; device compatibility also depends on features, libraries and other app requirements.
When to use Min SDK / Compatibility Checker
- Best for
- Reading the manifest's declared minSdk and targetSdk and the recognized Android version associated with its minimum API level.
- Not the right tool for
- Use the Target SDK tool for the Play submission rule. This view does not estimate a percentage of compatible devices.
- What you get back
- The declared SDK levels and a known minimum Android version name, or an explicit unknown value. No device-coverage percentage is produced.
- How it differs from related APKLint tools
- Where the Target SDK tool checks a Play rule, this reports the declared minimum API level and its recognized Android version name.
- Limitations
- Manifest SDK levels alone cannot establish device coverage or complete runtime compatibility.
How to use Min SDK / Compatibility Checker
- Paste your file — Paste your AndroidManifest.xml.
- Send for analysis — APKLint checks it on our servers over an encrypted connection.
- Review the findings — Work through each result with a short explanation of why it matters.
- Nothing is stored — Your pasted text is processed for this request only — it isn't written to file or object storage, logged for analytics, or shared.
Why use APKLint
Always free
Every tool is free with no login and no paywall. Reasonable file and input limits keep the free service stable.
No on-page ad banners
A clean, focused interface with no third-party ad banners cluttering your results.
Privacy-first
What you submit is processed for the request only — it isn't written to file or object storage, and never shared.
How it runs
Parses the XML or text you paste with a hardened parser (defusedxml).
No sign-up
Start immediately — no account, login, or email required.
Works anywhere
Runs in any modern browser, on desktop or mobile.
Frequently asked questions
What does Min SDK / Compatibility Checker do?
Read the manifest's declared minSdk and targetSdk, with the Android version name for recognized minimum API levels. Device reach is not estimated.
What does minSdkVersion control?
It's the oldest Android version that can install your app. Lower reaches more devices but means supporting older, less secure APIs.
Is it free to use?
Yes. Every tool on APKLint is completely free, with no sign-up and no account.
How is my data handled?
What you submit is sent to our backend over an encrypted connection only to produce your result. It isn't written to file storage, used for analytics, or shared.
What should I paste in?
Paste your AndroidManifest.xml.
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