---
title: "Android system requirements"
description: "Requirements for the hardware and software used in Android Mobile solutions."
url: "https://docs.adyen.com/point-of-sale/mobile-android/requirements"
source_url: "https://docs.adyen.com/point-of-sale/mobile-android/requirements.md"
canonical: "https://docs.adyen.com/point-of-sale/mobile-android/requirements"
last_modified: "2026-06-01T15:33:14+02:00"
language: "en"
---

# Android system requirements

Requirements for the hardware and software used in Android Mobile solutions.

[View source](/point-of-sale/mobile-android/requirements.md)

In the Android Mobile solutions, end users operate your POS application on their Android mobile device. The app either has the Mobile SDK for Android integrated into it, or communicates with a separate Adyen Payments app which embeds the Mobile SDK for Android.

This page shows the hardware requirements that the mobile devices must meet, the software requirements that your Mobile solution must meet, and the requirements when using the card reader solution with a dock.

## Hardware requirements

This section outlines the requirements for the mobile devices and card reader types that you can use with your Android Mobile solution.

### Mobile devices

The mobile devices you can use in an Android Mobile solution are:

* A smartphone running on the Android operating system.
* A mobile or handheld computer, tablet, or similar running on the Android operating system.

These devices must meet the following requirements:

* Must not have an integrated card reader.
* Must have an integrated NFC reader. Detachable NFC modules are not compliant with the PCI Mobile Payments on COTS (MPoC) standard.
* Must have an integrated touch screen.
* Must support [hardware key attestation](https://developer.android.com/privacy-and-security/security-key-attestation) and be [Google-certified](https://storage.googleapis.com/play_public/supported_devices.html).\
  Before purchasing mobile devices, confirm with the manufacturer that the devices support hardware key attestation. The [key attestation demo app](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.github.vvb2060.keyattestation) can help rule out incompatibility.

It is recommended to set a screen lock passcode on the device.

### Card readers

For the card reader solution, you also need to have an [NYC1 card reader](/point-of-sale/user-manuals/nyc1/) from Adyen. Adyen offers two models of card readers:

* **NYC1** : A secure card reader for PIN (SCRP), certified for [transactions with PIN](/point-of-sale/mobile-android/understand#pin-transaction-with-a-card-reader). Requires Mobile SDK for Android version **2.4.0** or later.
* **NYC1-SCR**: A secure card reader (SCR) that can only be used for transactions without PIN.

NYC1 card readers for secure PIN transactions (NYC1s) will become available for order in the US on **December 1, 2025.**

NYC1-SCR card readers will no longer be available for order after **February 1, 2026**. We recommend to start ordering NYC1s instead of NYC1-SCRs.

It is possible to disable PIN support on your **NYC1** card reader from Mobile SDK for Android version **2.9.0** or later. You need to reach out to our [Support Team](https://ca-test.adyen.com/ca/ca/contactUs/support.shtml?form=other) and ask them to disable PIN support on the company, merchant, or store level.

For a countertop setup, you can connect the card reader to the NYC1 dock from Adyen. Other card readers and USB docks are not supported.

### Dock

Using the card reader solution in a countertop setup with a dock is supported under the following conditions:

* The dock must be the NYC1 dock from Adyen.
* The NYC1 dock can only be used with the power adapter from Adyen. You can order the power adapter together with the NYC1 dock.
* The minimum required Android SDK version is **2.4.0**.
* The minimum required firmware version of the card reader is **3.X.00.76**.

## Software requirements

Your Android Mobile solution must meet the following software requirements:

* **Minimum required Android OS version** on the mobile device: **Android 12**. This may change.

  The operating system must be updated to the latest security patch. The minimum required security patch is the one for March 5th 2022.

  Google periodically announces end-of-life (EOL) for specific Android OS versions. These versions no longer receive critical security updates. To mitigate security risks, ensure device stability, and provide the best experience with our SDK, we strongly recommend that your Android devices are kept up-to-date with OS versions that are actively supported by Google. For example, a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution is an effective way to support essential updates for your devices.

* **Minimum required SDK version**: the SDK [expires every six months](/point-of-sale/mobile-android/manage#keep-the-mobile-sdk-up-to-date). If the SDK is integrated in your application, you need to update to the latest SDK version regularly. See the [release notes](/point-of-sale/firmware-release-notes/?title%5B0%5D=Android%2BSDK%2Bon%2Bmobile).

- **Minimum required software version of the card reader**: Software versions relate to SDK versions, and you need to update the card reader regularly.

- Your POS app must be integrated with our [Terminal API](/point-of-sale/design-your-integration/terminal-api#api-structure).

We will send a system message in case of a mandatory software update.

You can find the OS version of your mobile devices in the following ways:

* In your [Customer Area](https://ca-test.adyen.com/), go to **In-person payments** > **Tap to Pay & card reader** and select the **SDK & OS versions** tab.
* In your [Customer Area](https://ca-test.adyen.com/), go to **In-person payments** > **Payment devices**, and select the **Mobile devices** tab.

## See also

* [Supported countries/regions, payment methods, and functionality](/point-of-sale/ipp-mobile)
* [Keeping the SDK and card reader up to date](/point-of-sale/mobile-android/manage)
