Configuring Java Versions for Android Development

Android development with modern tools like Android Studio and the Android Gradle Plugin requires a compatible Java Development Kit (JDK). This tutorial will guide you through ensuring the correct Java version is configured for your project, resolving common errors like “Android Gradle plugin requires Java 11 to run.”

Why Java Version Matters

The Android Gradle Plugin (AGP), which automates the build process for Android applications, has specific Java version requirements. Recent versions of AGP require Java 11 or higher. If your system has an older JDK (like Java 8) or the wrong JDK is selected within Android Studio, you will encounter build errors.

Prerequisites

Java Development Kit (JDK): You need a JDK installed on your system. Oracle JDK or OpenJDK are common choices. Make sure you have Java 11 or later installed. You can download OpenJDK from various sources, including Adoptium.
Android Studio: This tutorial assumes you are using a recent version of Android Studio (Arctic Fox or later).

Identifying Your Current Java Version

Before making any changes, verify the Java version currently being used by your system. Open a terminal or command prompt and run:

java -version

This will output the Java version, runtime environment, and virtual machine information. Note the version number.

Configuring Java in Android Studio

Android Studio provides several ways to configure the JDK used for your projects. The preferred method is through the Android Studio settings.

Open Android Studio Settings: Navigate to File > Settings (on Windows/Linux) or Android Studio > Preferences (on macOS).
Navigate to Build, Execution, Deployment: In the Settings/Preferences window, expand the Build, Execution, Deployment section.
Select Gradle Settings: Click on Gradle.
Choose Gradle JDK: Locate the Gradle JDK dropdown menu. This is where you specify the JDK that Android Studio will use for building your project.
Select the Correct JDK: From the dropdown, select the JDK 11 (or later) that you installed. If the correct JDK isn’t listed, you may need to add it manually by clicking the "Add" button and navigating to the JDK installation directory. Android Studio should automatically detect installed JDKs.
Apply and OK: Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

Verification

After configuring the JDK in Android Studio, it’s essential to verify that the correct version is being used.

Sync Project with Gradle Files: In Android Studio, go to File > Sync Project with Gradle Files. This will force Android Studio to re-evaluate the Gradle configuration and use the newly selected JDK.
Clean and Rebuild Project: Go to Build > Clean Project, and then Build > Rebuild Project. This ensures that any cached build files are removed and the project is rebuilt from scratch using the correct JDK.

Troubleshooting

Multiple JDKs: If you have multiple JDKs installed, ensure that the correct one is selected in Android Studio.
Environment Variables: While Android Studio settings are usually sufficient, incorrect JAVA_HOME environment variables can sometimes interfere. If you suspect this is the case, review your environment variables and ensure they point to the correct JDK installation. It’s often best to let Android Studio manage the JDK selection.
Invalidate Caches / Restart: If you’re still encountering issues, try File > Invalidate Caches / Restart... in Android Studio. This can clear any corrupted caches that might be causing problems.

By following these steps, you can successfully configure the Java version for your Android projects and resolve the “Android Gradle plugin requires Java 11 to run” error.