How to increase Android project’s minSdk version in EXPO project?

In an EXPO project, adjusting the minSdkVersion of the Android project typically involves two steps: first, verify whether the current EXPO version supports modifying minSdkVersion, and then make the necessary configuration changes. Here are the detailed steps:

Step 1: Check EXPO Version

EXPO simplifies cross-platform mobile app development by encapsulating project configurations, including native code for Android and iOS. Therefore, support for modifying minSdkVersion may vary across different EXPO versions.

• For projects using Expo Managed Workflow, EXPO typically encapsulates most native code, including the setting of minSdkVersion. Consequently, in Managed Workflow, direct modification of minSdkVersion may not be possible.

• For projects using Expo Bare Workflow, you can directly modify native code, including minSdkVersion.

Step 2: Modify minSdkVersion

If your project uses Expo Bare Workflow, follow these steps to modify minSdkVersion:

1. Open the Android project file: Locate the android folder in your EXPO project and open the android/app/build.gradle file.

2. Modify minSdkVersion: In the build.gradle file, find the defaultConfig section. You will see configuration similar to the following:

   gradle
   android {
       defaultConfig {
           applicationId "com.example.myapp"
           minSdkVersion 21
           targetSdkVersion 30
           versionCode 1
           versionName "1.0"
       }
   }

   Change the value of minSdkVersion to your desired version, for example:

   gradle
   minSdkVersion 23

3. Sync and build the project: After making the changes, ensure Gradle is synced in Android Studio and attempt to rebuild the project to check for any errors.

Important Notes:

• Modifying minSdkVersion may impact the app's compatibility and available APIs; ensure thorough testing after the change.
• If you are using Expo Managed Workflow and need to modify minSdkVersion, consider ejecting to Bare Workflow to gain greater flexibility in controlling native code.

By following these steps, you should be able to modify the minSdkVersion of the Android project in an EXPO project.