How to Fix the Kotlin Gradle Plugin Version Error?

In Android development, encountering build issues related to Kotlin version compatibility can be quite frustrating. One common error message developers face is: The android Gradle plugin supports only Kotlin Gradle plugin version 1.5.20 and higher. The following dependencies do not satisfy the required version: project ':image_gallery_saver' -> org.jetbrains.kotlin:kotlin-gradle-plugin:1.3.72 In this article, we’ll explore why this error occurs and provide a step-by-step guide to resolve it effectively. Understanding the Kotlin Version Error The error indicates that your project specifies a Kotlin Gradle plugin version that’s incompatible with the Android Gradle plugin you are using. Specifically, the image_gallery_saver library is asking for Kotlin version 1.3.72, while your project is set up with Kotlin version 1.6.10. Despite having a newer version of Kotlin, certain dependencies may still rely on older versions, leading to compatibility issues. Why Does This Happen? When Android projects have dependencies, those libraries can enforce specific versions of plugins and libraries to ensure stability. When your project’s Kotlin version is higher than the one requested by a dependency, you'll often receive warnings or errors during the build process. The Gradle plugin aims to maintain consistent behavior across the project and ensures all libraries are compatible with the defined Kotlin version. Resolving the Kotlin Gradle Plugin Version Issue Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you fix the Kotlin version error: Step 1: Verify Your Plugins First, check your main build.gradle file (usually located in the project root directory) to determine which Kotlin version is specified. Make sure your Kotlin Gradle plugin version is correctly applied: buildscript { ext.kotlin_version = '1.6.10' repositories { google() mavenCentral() } dependencies { classpath "com.android.tools.build:gradle:7.0.0" classpath "org.jetbrains.kotlin:kotlin-gradle-plugin:$kotlin_version" } } Step 2: Update or Downgrade the Plugin Version If you cannot find a version of the library compatible with your current Kotlin version, consider downgrading the image_gallery_saver or the related dependency. Open your module-level build.gradle file (app-level) and update the dependency to a version compatible with your Kotlin version. Here’s an example: dependencies { implementation 'com.github.yourlibrary:image_gallery_saver:latest_version' } Step 3: Use the resolutionStrategy You can enforce the Kotlin version across your dependencies by adding a resolutionStrategy in your build.gradle file. configurations.all { resolutionStrategy { force 'org.jetbrains.kotlin:kotlin-gradle-plugin:1.6.10' } } This approach tells the Gradle build to use your specified Kotlin version instead of the one required by the outdated libraries. Step 4: Clean and Rebuild Your Project Once you’ve made these changes, ensure you clean and rebuild your project to clear any cached states. In Android Studio, you can do this by navigating to: Click on Build Select Clean Project Then, select Rebuild Project Step 5: Sync Gradle Ensure that your Gradle files are synced by clicking on Sync Now at the top of the editor. This will ensure that all dependencies and settings are updated with the latest configurations. Frequently Asked Questions What if the problem persists? If you still encounter issues, revisit the library’s documentation or issue tracker for known compatibility issues with Kotlin. Should I always use the latest Kotlin version? Using the latest Kotlin version is generally recommended due to performance improvements and new features. However, be cautious about compatibility with existing libraries. Can I ignore this error? Ignoring this error can lead to runtime exceptions or unexpected behavior in your application. It’s always best to resolve dependency version issues for stability. Where can I find compatibility information for libraries? Most libraries document their compatible versions in their GitHub repository or official documentation. Always check there before making changes to version numbers. Conclusion In summary, fixing the Kotlin Gradle plugin version error involves verifying your Kotlin version in project files, ensuring dependency compatibility, and using Gradle’s resolution strategy to enforce versions across your project. By following these steps, you can resolve such issues and avoid potential build conflicts in your Android application development. Remember that while it’s essential to upgrade your Kotlin version for improvements, maintaining compatibility with your dependencies is equally crucial.

May 7, 2025 - 12:13

How to Fix the Kotlin Gradle Plugin Version Error?

In Android development, encountering build issues related to Kotlin version compatibility can be quite frustrating. One common error message developers face is:

The android Gradle plugin supports only Kotlin Gradle plugin version 1.5.20 and higher.
The following dependencies do not satisfy the required version:
project ':image_gallery_saver' -> org.jetbrains.kotlin:kotlin-gradle-plugin:1.3.72

In this article, we’ll explore why this error occurs and provide a step-by-step guide to resolve it effectively.

Understanding the Kotlin Version Error

The error indicates that your project specifies a Kotlin Gradle plugin version that’s incompatible with the Android Gradle plugin you are using. Specifically, the image_gallery_saver library is asking for Kotlin version 1.3.72, while your project is set up with Kotlin version 1.6.10. Despite having a newer version of Kotlin, certain dependencies may still rely on older versions, leading to compatibility issues.

Why Does This Happen?

When Android projects have dependencies, those libraries can enforce specific versions of plugins and libraries to ensure stability. When your project’s Kotlin version is higher than the one requested by a dependency, you'll often receive warnings or errors during the build process. The Gradle plugin aims to maintain consistent behavior across the project and ensures all libraries are compatible with the defined Kotlin version.

Resolving the Kotlin Gradle Plugin Version Issue

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you fix the Kotlin version error:

Step 1: Verify Your Plugins

First, check your main build.gradle file (usually located in the project root directory) to determine which Kotlin version is specified. Make sure your Kotlin Gradle plugin version is correctly applied:

buildscript {
    ext.kotlin_version = '1.6.10'
    repositories {
        google()
        mavenCentral()
    }
    dependencies {
        classpath "com.android.tools.build:gradle:7.0.0"
        classpath "org.jetbrains.kotlin:kotlin-gradle-plugin:$kotlin_version"
    }
}

Step 2: Update or Downgrade the Plugin Version

If you cannot find a version of the library compatible with your current Kotlin version, consider downgrading the image_gallery_saver or the related dependency. Open your module-level build.gradle file (app-level) and update the dependency to a version compatible with your Kotlin version. Here’s an example:

dependencies {
    implementation 'com.github.yourlibrary:image_gallery_saver:latest_version'
}

Step 3: Use the `resolutionStrategy`

You can enforce the Kotlin version across your dependencies by adding a resolutionStrategy in your build.gradle file.

configurations.all {
    resolutionStrategy {
        force 'org.jetbrains.kotlin:kotlin-gradle-plugin:1.6.10'
    }
}

This approach tells the Gradle build to use your specified Kotlin version instead of the one required by the outdated libraries.

Step 4: Clean and Rebuild Your Project

Once you’ve made these changes, ensure you clean and rebuild your project to clear any cached states. In Android Studio, you can do this by navigating to:

Click on Build
Select Clean Project
Then, select Rebuild Project

Step 5: Sync Gradle

Ensure that your Gradle files are synced by clicking on Sync Now at the top of the editor. This will ensure that all dependencies and settings are updated with the latest configurations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the problem persists?

If you still encounter issues, revisit the library’s documentation or issue tracker for known compatibility issues with Kotlin.

Should I always use the latest Kotlin version?

Using the latest Kotlin version is generally recommended due to performance improvements and new features. However, be cautious about compatibility with existing libraries.

Can I ignore this error?

Ignoring this error can lead to runtime exceptions or unexpected behavior in your application. It’s always best to resolve dependency version issues for stability.

Where can I find compatibility information for libraries?

Most libraries document their compatible versions in their GitHub repository or official documentation. Always check there before making changes to version numbers.

Conclusion

In summary, fixing the Kotlin Gradle plugin version error involves verifying your Kotlin version in project files, ensuring dependency compatibility, and using Gradle’s resolution strategy to enforce versions across your project. By following these steps, you can resolve such issues and avoid potential build conflicts in your Android application development. Remember that while it’s essential to upgrade your Kotlin version for improvements, maintaining compatibility with your dependencies is equally crucial.