English

Android Version to API Level Table & How to Find Yours

Comprehensive guide mapping Android versions to API levels, including a full table from Android 1.0 to 16 and steps to check your device's version.

The Android operating system has grown from a niche project into the world's most dominant mobile platform. One of the most critical aspects of this ecosystem is the relationship between Android version names and their corresponding API levels. For users, the version number (like Android 14) is what matters most. For developers and power users, the API level is the technical foundation that determines what features an app can use and which devices it can run on. Understanding this mapping is essential if you want to perform advanced tasks such as learning how to install an APK manually or if you need to downgrade to an older version due to compatibility issues.

What is an API Level?

In the Android world, an Application Programming Interface (API) level is an integer value that uniquely identifies the framework API revision offered by a specific version of the Android platform. Each new version of Android introduces new functionalities, security patches, and system optimizations. The API level allows the system and apps to communicate effectively, ensuring that a specific feature requested by an app is actually available on the device's operating system. As devices evolve, so does the level of the API, allowing for more complex operations and better privacy controls.

The Complete Android Version Mapping Table

Let us look at the complete history of Android versions and their associated API levels. In the early days, Android used dessert-themed code names in alphabetical order, a tradition that lasted for over a decade. Below is the definitive mapping of every major release:

Evolution of the Android Ecosystem

In the early development years, Android 1.0 was the beginning of it all, released in 2008. It carried API 1. Shortly after, Android 1.1 was released, which corresponded to API 2. These versions were the foundation of the mobile revolution. With Android 1.5, the dessert names began. Android 1.5 Cupcake was assigned API 3. This was followed by Android 1.6 Donut, which brought API 4. The platform was maturing rapidly, adding support for different screen sizes and better web browsing.

As Android gained popularity, versions 2.0 and 2.1 were released under the name Android 2.0/2.1 Eclair, spanning API 5–7. This era saw the introduction of live wallpapers and multi-touch support. Following Eclair was Android 2.2 Froyo (short for Frozen Yogurt), which used API 8 and introduced the JIT compiler for better performance. Android 2.3 Gingerbread was a massive success, remaining popular for years. It covered API 9–10. However, Google realized that tablets needed a different interface, leading to the tablet-only Android 3.0–3.2 Honeycomb, which occupied API 11–13.

Google unified the phone and tablet interfaces with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, mapped to API 14–15. The platform then entered a period of extreme refinement with Android 4.1–4.3 Jelly Bean, covering API 16–18. This version introduced "Project Butter" for smoother animations. Then came Android 4.4 KitKat, a highly optimized version that could run on low-end hardware, using API 19. The introduction of Material Design came with Android 5.0/5.1 Lollipop, which used API 21–22. This was followed by Android 6.0 Marshmallow at API 23, which introduced runtime permissions. Android 7.0/7.1 Nougat pushed the boundaries further with API 24–25, bringing split-screen mode and improved notifications.

Android 8.0/8.1 Oreo introduced Project Treble to speed up updates, mapped to API 26–27. The last version with a major public dessert name was Android 9 Pie, which used API 28. Starting with the tenth version, Google simplified the branding. Android 10 uses API 29. Following this, Android 11 moved to API 30. Android 12 introduced API 31, and a special tablet/foldable update, Android 12L, was assigned API 32. The progression continued with Android 13 mapping to API 33, and Android 14 mapping to API 34. Android 15 (2024) uses API 35 and Android 16 (2025) uses API 36.

How to Find Your Android Version

Knowing your API level starts with knowing which version of Android you are currently running. Most manufacturers hide the API level from the standard settings, but the version number is easy to find. If you are curious about your own device, the path to finding this information is consistent across most modern smartphones. To check your own version, follow the path: Settings → About phone → Android version.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the steps:

  1. Open the Settings app on your device. You can find this in your app drawer or by pulling down the notification shade and tapping the gear icon.
  2. Scroll down to the bottom of the list and tap on About phone. On some specialized builds of Android, this might be found under a "System" or "General Management" menu.
  3. Look for the entry clearly labeled Android version.
  4. Tap it once to see your version number, or tap it repeatedly to reveal the hidden Easter egg that Google hides in every release!

Once you have your version number, you can refer back to our mapping list to find your exact API level. On apkarsivi, every version page shows the Minimum Android it needs, and you can browse apps by Android version to see only what runs on your phone. This is extremely helpful when checking if an app is compatible with your hardware. Some apps require a minimum API level to function, and if your device is older than that level, you may not be able to install it without advanced modifications. Understanding these numbers helps you make informed decisions about your device's security and software longevity.

In conclusion, the mapping between Android versions and API levels is the roadmap of mobile innovation. From the humble beginnings of API 1 to the advanced capabilities of API 36 in Android 16, each step has brought new features that define our digital lives. Whether you are a developer targeting the latest SDK or a user trying to understand why a certain app won't install, this table serves as your primary reference for the Android ecosystem. By knowing how to check your version via Settings → About phone → Android version, you are better equipped to navigate the world of Android apps and system updates.

Guides