To align with the Microsoft 365 minimum requirements for Android devices, Microsoft is updating the minimum system requirements for Outlook for Android to Android 4.4.
What is the timeline for updating the minimum system requirements for Outlook for Android?
Devices running Android 4.3 will no longer receive Outlook for Android updates.
In mid April 2018, if you are running Android version 4.3 or earlier, you will see an in-app message indicating your operating system does not meet the minimum requirements.
Microsoft plans to remove the Outlook for Android app for devices running Android 4.3 or earlier from the Google Play store on June 1st.
Over time, your Outlook app will stop synchronizing email and calendar data.
How to prepare for the change?
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If supported by the device, you should update your device operating system to Android version 4.4. or later.
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Consider updating your device to one with a newer version of the Android operating system. Devices running Android 4.3 or earlier could be more than 6 years old.
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When your device is no longer receiving mail or calendar updates with Outlook for Android, you can access Outlook on the web through the mobile browser.
Why is Microsoft making this change?
Microsoft continues to invest heavily in Outlook for iOS and Android and releases new capabilities to this broadly used mobile app almost weekly. Many of these features build on the capabilities of the current operating system in modern devices.
This change brings the minimum requirements for Outlook for Android in line with the requirements for mobile devices for Microsoft 365.
What does it mean when an app version is no longer supported?
Microsoft is updating the minimum requirements to Android version 4.4 and has released the last version of Outlook for Android that works with Android versions 4.3 or earlier. If your Android device is running one of these older versions, you will no longer receive Outlook for Android updates with new features and bug fixes. Microsoft will not be able to provide you with assistance for Outlook for Android running on Android version 4.3 or earlier.
What happens if I don’t update the operating system on my device?
If you don't update your operating system to Android version 4.4. or later, Outlook for Android will no longer receive new features or security updates. On June 1st, Microsoft will remove the Outlook for Android app for Android 4.3 and earlier from the Google Play store.
The Outlook for Android app will eventually stop syncing email and calendar data on devices running Android versions 4.3 and earlier.
Will I be able to get my email and calendar updates If I access my Microsoft 365 or Exchange mailbox from the browser on my Android device?
While the minimum system requirement for mobile devices is also Android 4.4 for Microsoft 365, Outlook on the web is available from the browser on your mobile device.
