Install APK file built for old Android version in new version

17 Feb 2025

Sometimes, the Android applications we love using become unsupported or unavailable after upgrading to a newer version of Android. This leaves us with two options: Either abandon the app we enjoy or keep an old Android device as a backup to continue using it.

Recently, I came across a quick way to install any APK on a target Android OS.

  1. Install the Shizuku app from the Play Store
  2. Follow the prompt within the app to enable Developer Settings and allow wireless debugging
  3. Disable permission monitoring (required in certain devices)
  4. Then install the "InstallWithOptions" APK from https://github.com/zacharee/InstallWithOptions. This enables you to use Android Debugger(ADB) commands from your device and proceed with advanced install options.
  5. Follow the instructions to pair with the Shizuku in wireless debugging mode.
  6. After successful setup, you can select your old APK file, force it to ignore "Allow Downgrade", "Bypass Low Target SDK block" and install.

Viola! Now you can enjoy your old app in your new Android OS.

Note:
* You can disable  Shizuku as it is not required to run that app.
* If your app is simple and does not use any version-specific software or hardware features - then your app should be running flawlessly.
I was able to get a songbook app - up and running with this method.

Share your experience in the comments.