Every day on the AndroidPIT forum, many users come into the same question: why is such an app not compatible with my smartphone or tablet? Even if, for special reasons, some applications are not supported, some basic principles allow you to avoid future disappointments. Today, in the Android Starter section, I publish a guide to check app compatibility with smartphones and tablets in the AndroidPIT App Center and the Google Play Store.
First of all, I have to point out that BEFORE buying any device that runs on Android operating system, you should check if it is compatible with the apps you want to use, like Facebook, MSN, Instagram and others. Target your experience when buying a shoe, as you need to know the size of the shoes before you buy them, right? Well, this should be the same thought when buying a mobile device.
What to do when the app is not compatible with the device?
1. Check the version of Android operating system
To avoid version incompatibility, start by updating your device – or check to see if there are Android OS updates available for it – go to Settings> About Phone> Updates. Many people have problems with some applications because the versions are not compatible. For example, the device runs on Android 2.1, while applications require Android 2.2 or higher.
Check back regularly for updates, especially if you don't keep up with tech news and are a little out of the Android universe
2. Check if your internet connection is working
The app install requires an internet connection to work, meaning your smartphone or tablet needs to be connected to a wifi or 3G network to download the app. Many applications only work with an active connection, such as Facebook.
Remember: When you sign in to Google Play Store, the store offers apps and services based on your location.
3. Check application description
Carefully reading the application description gives you important information such as which devices are supported by certain applications. Sometimes developers point to devices on which they were able to test the application or, on the contrary, on which it does not work for sure.
Even if you don't understand English, you will certainly understand a list of smartphones.
Another option to see if the app is compatible with your devices is to click the +/- arrow just below the install button. If incompatible, chances are your Android version won't support the App's needs:
If you have more than one device registered with the Play Store, remember to choose the device that is compatible with the app you want to install.
Devices with Custom ROMs
For those who have chosen to use a Custom ROM, often the fact that ROM is not stable makes using some applications impossible. Another problem may be linked to its installation, so I advise you to clean up data before flashing a ROM, thus avoiding such problems.
Conclusion
When buying a smartphone or tablet, check that the device is compatible with the Google Play Store, especially if the tablet comes from xing-ling sources, as they are entry level tablets and have a lot of compatibility issues. Also note that if you mistakenly purchased an application that is incompatible with your device, you have a set time to return it:
So better check compatibility before buying an app, right?
Images: Google Play Store / CKR AndroidPIT
. (tagsToTranslate) compatibility apps devices (t) Android (t) Google Play Store
