Target API and minimum SDK version

[Herlehos]

Hello there!

I've been developing mobile games on Unreal Engine 5 for 2 years, and I always had this question in my head.

There is something I don't understand about API levels and target SDK.

I know that target API must be 33+, but what about minimum SDK? Can it be lower?


As required by Google, my apps only target Android 13, but they are compatible with older devices.

The thing is, even when I set "minimum SDK" to 26 (or any number lower than 33), the Play Console keeps telling me that it is not compatible with other devices than the ones on Android 13. I have no special features or authorization that could force a higher API version.


Is it really impossible to make my apps compatible with older versions than Android 13?

Then why so many games are available on the Play Store and are compatible with Android 5, 6, 7...?


Thanks for your help!

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! I moved this to the Software Development forum for more specific traffic.