Android API level chart & minSdk picker
Look up any Android version's API level, and see what each release changed for apps built with an Android app maker.
| Android | API | Codename | Year | What changed for apps | Your app |
|---|
minSdk, targetSdk and compileSdk
| Setting | Meaning |
|---|---|
minSdk | Oldest Android your app installs on. Lower = more phones, fewer modern APIs. |
targetSdk | The Android behaviour your app opts into. Google Play requires a recent one for new apps and updates. |
compileSdk | The SDK version used to compile. Usually the newest. |
Picking a minSdk for a web-based app
Apps made with a URL or HTML to APK maker rely on Android System WebView, which updates through Google Play on Android 5.0 (API 21) and newer. A minSdk around 24 (Android 7.0) is a common balance — it covers the vast majority of active phones and gets you the network security config.
Why the year matters
Each August, Google Play raises the minimum targetSdk for new apps and updates, roughly to the previous year's release. App makers update their templates for you; if you build in Android Studio, plan a yearly update.
How to check a phone's Android version
Settings → About phone → Software information (Samsung) or Settings → About phone → Android version (Pixel and most others). Then find it in the chart above to see its API level.
Questions people ask
What API level is Android 14?
API 34 (Upside Down Cake). Android 15 is API 35, Android 13 is API 33.
What minSdk should I use?
For most new apps, 24 (Android 7.0) or 26 (8.0, adaptive icons) is a sensible floor.