Fix the 16KB Compatibility Issue on Android 15+
Google Play now enforces a 16KB page size alignment for Android 15+. We help Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP) and native teams update toolchains, inspect JNI/NDK code, and pass compatibility checks without surprises.
What is the Android 15 16KB Requirement?
Android 15 introduces a compatibility rule that requires native binaries to satisfy a 16KB memory page alignment. In practice, this affects apps with NDK/JNI code or bundled .so libraries (including third-party SDKs). Keeping your toolchain current and rebuilding native artifacts generally resolves it.
Why this change?
It improves performance, security hardening, and consistency across devices. Google Play uses compatibility checks to enforce the new baseline.
Who is affected?
Apps with native code (NDK/JNI), KMP projects targeting Android with third-party .so files, games, and apps shipping 3P SDKs with prebuilt .so files.
Outcome
Once binaries are rebuilt with the correct alignment and you pass pre-launch tests, your app meets the policy and is future-proof for Android 15+.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix the 16KB Issue
Upgrade Your Toolchain
Update AGP, Gradle, NDK, and the SDK build tools. For KMP, update to the latest stable Kotlin and Kotlin Gradle Plugin and re-sync Gradle.
Rebuild Native Libraries
Recompile .so artifacts with updated flags/ABI settings. Ensure page size alignment targets 16KB. Replace any legacy prebuilt binaries.
Audit Third-Party SDKs
Identify dependencies that bundle native code. Update to versions that declare Android 15 compatibility or request vendor rebuilds.
Run Compatibility Tests
Use Android 15 emulator/physical devices. Validate via Play Console pre-launch reports. Add CI checks for aapt/readelf verification.
Ship & Monitor
Roll out a staged release, monitor ANRs/crashes, and keep toolchains pinned to supported versions across your CI/CD.
Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP) & Native
KMP projects targeting Android may include native code via NDK/JNI or bundled third-party SDKs with .so files. Update dependencies, rebuild native artifacts, and ensure correct page sizes and ABIs.
CI/CD Ready
We provide Gradle tasks and CI snippets to validate binary alignment on every build, preventing regressions before they reach Play Console.
Vendor Coordination
Using closed-source SDKs? We handle vendor communication, version pinning, and rollout planning to keep your timelines on track.
FAQ
Does this affect apps without any native code?
Pure-Java/Kotlin apps with no bundled native libraries are usually unaffected. However, many popular SDKs include .so files — verify your dependency tree.
What versions of Android are impacted?
The enforcement targets Android 15+ compatibility. Updating now ensures smooth operation on modern devices and in Google Play checks.
How do I verify my binaries?
Use tools like readelf/objdump and Gradle tasks to inspect alignment. Our CI snippet automates this on every build.
We use Kotlin Multiplatform — what’s different?
Keep Kotlin and the Kotlin Gradle Plugin updated, refresh dependencies, and rebuild native artifacts. We provide a dependency audit to catch outdated .so files.
Get a Free Compatibility Check
Tell us about your stack (KMP/Native), CI, and Play Console status. We’ll reply with next steps and an estimate.