[FIXED] Target API30 while blocking Android 11+ devices on Google Console

Issue

Is it possible to target API30 while at the same time disallowing access to my app from Android 11+ devices. The Google Console forced an API30 targeting standard on updates and I do not want Android 11+ devices to have access to my app yet.

Thanks.

Solution

You can use maxSdkVersion.

The element is ignored by the android OS itself but apparently the Google Play Store still uses it to filter devices for apps:

Future versions of Android (beyond Android 2.0.1) will no longer check or enforce the maxSdkVersion attribute during installation or re-validation. Google Play will continue to use the attribute as a filter, however, when presenting users with applications available for download.

Source: https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/manifest/uses-sdk-element

You can add it in your app module's build.gradle file:

android {
    compileSdkVersion 30

    defaultConfig {
        ...
        maxSdkVersion 29
        targetSdkVersion 30
        ...
    }
}

Answered By - Alexander Hoffmann
Answer Checked By - Senaida (JavaFixing Volunteer)