Changing API Level Android Studio

Changing API level Android Studio

When you want to update your minSdkVersion in an existent project...

1. Update build.gradle(Module: app) - Make sure is the one under Gradle Script and it is NOT build.gradle(Project: yourproject).

An example of build.gradle:

apply plugin: 'com.android.application'

android {
    compileSdkVersion 28
    buildToolsVersion "28.0.2"

    defaultConfig {
        applicationId "com.stackoverflow.answer"
        minSdkVersion 21
        targetSdkVersion 28
        versionCode 1
        versionName "1.0"
    }
    buildTypes {
        release {
            minifyEnabled false
            proguardFiles getDefaultProguardFile('proguard-android.txt'), 'proguard-rules.pro'
    }
}

dependencies {
    androidTestCompile 'junit:junit:4.12'
    compile fileTree(dir: 'libs', include: ['*.jar'])
}

2. Sync gradle button (refresh all gradle projects also works)

For beginners in Android Studio "Sync gradle button" is located in
Tools -> Android -> Sync Project with Gradle Files "Rebuild project"
Build -> Rebuild Project

3. Rebuild project

After updating the build.gradle's minSdkVersion, you have to click on the button to sync gradle file ("Sync Project with Gradle files"). That will clear the marker.

Updating manifest.xml, for e.g. deleting any references to SDK levels in the manifest file, is NOT necessary anymore in Android Studio.

Changing (lowering) minSDK (API level) for Android Studio (2020+)

Based on the comments by Ricky Mo.

The problem is that the default is the "Project View", which contains a build.gradle file that that defines the Kotlin version and the Android Studio Gradle plugin version.

The build.gradle file that defines the minSDK is found in the app folder (screenshot).

Alternatively you can switch from the "Project View" to Android. From the dropdown menu that open when you click "Project" (screenshot, highlighted).

Is it possible to change API level of mobile and test our app by using android app?

No deployed version of OS of any sort contains its previous releases (don't confuse this with OS backward compatibility). The simplest way to test on various versions of given platform is to use emulator(s).

For Android see either stock one or 3rd party ones like Genymotion or Blue Stacks.

change targets API level to 28 SDK

edit
use this in your dependencies

implementation 'com,android.support:support-v4:28.0.0'

try this and let me know if solved the problem.

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