When I try to install an app from the Google Play Store, ``Your device is not compatible with this version'' is displayed and I cannot proceed further. If you buy a used smartphone or continue to use an old device, you may encounter this error.

As of February 2026, many apps, such as LINE, radiko, and game apps, have upgraded their compatible OS versions. In this article, we will explain why this error occurs in an easy-to-understand manner, and introduce 5 solutions that you can do yourself.

Why is "Not supported" displayed? There are four main causes

Roughly speaking, the cause of this error is that the contents of your smartphone are too old and cannot keep up with the demands of the app. Specifically, there are the following four patterns.

1. Android OS version is old

This is the most common cause. The app has a condition (minSdkVersion) that states that it must run on at least this version of Android or higher. For example, Radiko recommends Android 8.0 or higher as of February 2026, LINE will end support for versions 13.20.0 and below in November 2025.

In other words, the latest versions of these apps cannot be installed on smartphones running Android 7 or earlier.

2. Device specifications (RAM/resolution) are insufficient

Even if the OS version is sufficient, if the memory (RAM) is less than 1GB or the screen resolution is too low, it may be determined as "not compatible". Game apps in particular have strict spec requirements.

3. Cache problem on Google Play Store side

Even though the specs of your smartphone are fine, errors may occur because the Play Store cache is holding old information. This is a case that can be resolved with a workaround.

4. Country/region restrictions

Some apps are only available in certain countries. If you buy a second-hand overseas version of the device, apps for Japan may not be displayed.

First thing to do: Check your Android version

Before proceeding to the solution, first check the Android version of your smartphone. The steps are as follows:

  1. SettingsOpen app
  2. Tap About phone or About device
  3. Check the number for "Android version"

If the number displayed here is, for example, "7.0" or "6.0", there is a high possibility that it is not supported by many major applications. As of February 2026, the minimum compatibility of major apps is roughly as follows.

ApplicationMinimum AndroidNotes
LINE8.0 or higherSupport scope changed in November 2025
radiko8.0 or higherOfficial recommended environment
YouTube8.0 or higherRaised after 2025
PayPay8.0 or higherPayment apps should be especially careful

In short, Android 8.0 (released in 2017) is the current borderline. If your device is older than this, the number of unusable apps will increase rapidly.

Try 5 solutions

After checking your Android version, please try the following solutions in order.

Solution 1: Delete the Google Play Store cache

If you get an error even though your OS version should be compatible, try this first.

  1. Select Settings → Apps → Google Play Store
  2. Tap Storage
  3. Tap Clear cache
  4. If it doesn't improve, try Delete data

There are surprisingly many cases that can be fixed with just this. The Play Store caches old device information, which may be inconsistent with the actual specifications.

Solution 2: Update Android OS

If updates are still available, update to the latest version.

  1. Settings → System → System Update
  2. Tap Check for updates
  3. If updates are found, download and install them

However, as stated in Google's official help, you cannot update the version of your device any further if the manufacturer has stopped distributing updates. Most models from 2019 and earlier are no longer available.

Countermeasure 3: Use the browser version/web version

Even if you cannot install the app, you may be able to use the same service from your browser. For example, the following services can be accessed from a web browser.

  • radiko: You can listen to the radio by accessing radiko.jp with a browser such as Chrome
  • YouTube: Visit m.youtube.com in your browser
  • Gmail/Google Maps: Basic functions available in browser version

However, there are services that can only be used in the app version, such as LINE and PayPay. If you have trouble not being able to use these, consider buying a new device as described in Solution 5.

Solution 4: Install the old version using the APK file (for advanced users)

This is a method to download and install an older version of an app (APK file) from a source other than the Google Play Store.

  1. Settings → Security → Turn on "Unknown sources"
  2. Find older versions for your OS version on sites like APKPure and APKMirror
  3. Open and install the downloaded APK file

⚠️ Caution: This method has risks.

  • Older versions may not have security updates applied
  • Since it is installed from a source other than the Play Store, the risk of malware contamination is not zero
  • Never do this with bank apps or payment apps (PayPay, Mobile Suica, etc.). Big security risk
  • Does not update automatically, so manual update is required

APKMirror is not a site operated by Google, but it has a tampering check function and is considered relatively safe. However, please remember that installation from sources other than the official store is at your own risk.

Countermeasure 5: Consider replacing your device

If you cannot update the OS and the browser version is not compatible, the most reliable solution is to replace the device.

You may think, "But new smartphones are expensive..." but in fact, there are models of Android smartphones that can be used for just 20,000 to 30,000 yen.

  • When buying a used device: If you choose a model with Android 12 or higher, you are likely to be able to use major apps until around 2028
  • When buying a new cheap smartphone: We recommend models that can be purchased for the 20,000 yen range, such as the Google Pixel a series and OPPO A series
  • When using carrier discounts: Take advantage of campaigns where you can get a big discount on the device fee by switching MNP (switching)

The point is to choose a device with the latest Android version as possible. If you have Android 13 or higher, you won't have to worry about apps being out of compatibility for a while.

How to use your old smartphone as a sub device

There's no need to throw away your old smartphone that no longer supports apps. You can still use it if you use it like this:

  • Wi-Fi-only music player: Play music using the browser version of Spotify or YouTube Music
  • Alarm clock/timer: The pre-installed clock app works without problems
  • Surveillance cameras/baby monitors: Apps that reuse old smartphones as cameras (such as Alfred Camera)
  • Video viewing device for your child: Just watching YouTube on a browser is sufficient

However, Avoid online banking or shopping on devices for which security updates have been completed. It is safe to limit it to uses that do not involve handling personal information.

FAQ

Will I be unable to use LINE on a smartphone running Android 7 or lower?

Support for LINE app versions 13.20.0 and below will end in November 2025. If you are using Android 7 or lower, you cannot update to a newer version of LINE, so it may become unusable due to server-side changes in the future. If you are using it as an important means of communication, please consider replacing your device.

Is it illegal to install apps from APK files?

Downloading APK files itself is not illegal. However, downloading paid apps from sites that distribute them for free may violate copyright laws. Use sites such as APKMirror that redistribute official APKs as they are.

Where can I check the Android version when buying a used smartphone?

If it is not listed on the product page of a used shop, you can search for the device model number (e.g. Galaxy A23 SC-56C) and check the manufacturer's official website for the OS version and update compatibility at the time of shipment. We recommend choosing a model with Android 12 or higher.

Does the same problem occur on older iPhones?

Yes, the same error message "This app requires iOS 16 or later" may appear on iPhone as well. However, iPhone tends to be compatible with OS updates for a longer time than Android, and even models from 5 to 6 years ago are often compatible with the latest iOS.

Can I no longer use apps that are not displayed on the Play Store?

Even if a service is displayed as "not supported" on the Play Store, you can still use it via the browser if the service has a browser version. First of all, please try to see if you can access it from your browser.

References