Google's Message on Play Billing Library

Received a Google email or Play Console message saying your Android app uses an old version of the Play Billing Library? Here's the breakdown.

Breaking it Down

The Play Billing Library is the part of an Android app that talks to Google Play when someone buys something inside the app, like an in-app purchase or a subscription. Google retires older versions on a schedule. After Google's deadline, new apps and app updates can't use a retired version.

My app doesn't sell anything. Does this matter?

Check it anyway. Your Google message and your Play Console tell you if your app is affected, whether or not you sell anything inside it.

And remember: a change in your bubble app doesn't change the library inside your Android build. Only a rebuild does.

Implications for Your Existing App

• ✅ Google doesn't pull your live app just because a deadline passed.
• The rule matters when you publish an update: from Google's deadline, your new build has to use a supported version.

What do BDK builds use?

✅ Starting July 9, 2025, all new BDK Android builds & rebuilds use Play Billing Library 8.0.0.

Not sure when your live version was built? Open your app's Google Play listing and look at the version number under App info → Version. Then compare it with the build history on your BDK project page. Still not sure? Message us on the chat with your project code.

Ready for an Upgrade?

1. Go to your BDK project page.
2. Open your project's Dashboard and tap Request rebuild (or use an available rebuild in the Purchases tab).
3. When the new Android build is ready, publish it to Google Play as an update from your own Play Console. Google reviews it.

• It comes out of your banked rebuilds. Every build purchase comes with 4, valid for 12 months from payment
• None left? An extra rebuild is $19 (prices as of 19 October 2026)
• Find them in your project's Purchases tab, or tap Request rebuild on your project's Dashboard

Will BDK remind me about Google's deadlines?

No. We don't send deadline reminders. Google tells you itself, by email and in your Play Console, just like it does for every app.

Feeling Pressured? Need More Time?

Don't sweat it. Google sometimes offers an extension. If it does, you'll find the form in the Play Console by clicking the notification message from Google play, or on the Policy status page.

Crave More Insights?

• Google's Billing library deprecation FAQ
• Got a message about the target API level too? See this article
• Understanding In-app Purchases

Updated on: 11/04/2026