Signal-android: Android 4.1 compatibility removed

[ka223]

The requirements changed from Android 4.1 to 4.4, is this unavoidable?

I can not upgrade these devices, manufacturer do not offer updates for older devices.

[johanw666]

That was done to be able to upgrade a library. It is discussed here: https://community.signalusers.org/t/why-drop-ics-jelly-bean-support/6825

[five-c-d]

I cannot upgrade these devices

The workaround is to install the final version which WAS compatible with being installed onto android 4.1 / 4.2 / 4.3 devices, Signal-Android v4.36.2 stable-channel-playStore-release which is archived on various websites. https://community.signalusers.org/t/why-drop-ics-jelly-bean-support/6825/44 and https://community.signalusers.org/t/cannot-re-install-signal-to-my-android-4-3-phone/7202 have details.

• keytool -list -printcert -jarfile "Signal_APK\org.thoughtcrime.securesms_4.36.2-470_m inAPI14(armeabi,armeabi-v7a,x86)(nodpi)_apkmirror.com.apk" | grep SHA256

• presumably ought to produce something like this, from the March 2017 apk ==
  29:F3:4E:5F:27:F2:11:B4:24:BC:5B:F9:D6:71:62:C0:EA:FB:A2:DA:35:AF:35:C1:64:16:FC:44:62:76:BA:26

The commands above will verify whether you have the signed-by-Signal-Foundation APK for your handsets. Do note that this is unofficial, your v4.36.2 codebase will NOT be receiving further updates/fixes/etc.

[ka223]

@five-c-d
But this version is will only work for a limited time?
Older releases are not working anymore.

[PiCob]

@ka223

But this version is will only work for a limited time?
Older releases are not working anymore.

_Usually_, the official Signal builds expire after some weeks or months, but if you install v4.36 on a pre-Android-4.4.4-device, Signal will detect this and should never expire.
If you have further questions, feel free to join the Community (you can use your GitHub credentials to log in there), because GitHub is supposed to be used for bugs only.
Thanks!