How to Update Java Version in Android Studio

Android Studio is one of the most widely used Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) for developing Android applications. It is an all-in-one tool that contains all the necessary components required to build and test an Android application. Java is an essential component of Android Studio and is used to write Android applications. However, it is important to keep your Java version up-to-date to ensure your Android Studio is running smoothly. In this blog, we will discuss how to update Java version in Android Studio.

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The Challenge of Updating Java Version in Android Studio

Updating Java version in Android Studio is a crucial task as outdated Java versions may lead to various issues in the application development process. However, it can be challenging for beginners to update Java versions as the process is not straightforward in Android Studio. There are different methods to update Java version in Android Studio, and each method has its own requirements, pros, and cons. In this blog, we will explore three different methods to update Java version in Android Studio with their detailed steps and additional tips.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before we start the methods to update the Java version, there are a few things that you should consider before updating your Java version:

  • Make sure that you have a good internet connection. The process of updating the Java version may require you to download large files.
  • Ensure that you have enough storage space on your device to download and install the required files.
  • Take a backup of your existing projects before starting the process to update the Java version as it may lead to compatibility issues with some old projects.

Method 1: Installing the Latest JDK via Oracle’s Website

This method involves downloading and installing the latest Java Development Kit (JDK) from Oracle’s website. Follow the below steps to install the latest JDK:

Detailed Steps:

  1. Go to the Oracle website to download the latest JDK installer for your operating system: https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase-downloads.html.
  2. Accept the license agreement and select the appropriate JDK version for your operating system. Click the download link to download the installer.
  3. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the JDK on your system.
  4. After installing the JDK, open Android Studio and go to File > Project Structure > SDK Location.
  5. Under JDK Location, click the three dots and navigate to the folder where you have installed the JDK.
  6. Select the folder and click Apply to save the changes.
  7. Restart Android Studio to apply the changes.

Pros:

  • You will have the latest version of Java on your system.
  • The process of downloading and installing the JDK is simple and straightforward.

Cons:

  • The download and installation process of JDK may take some time depending on your internet connection speed.
  • You need to ensure that the JDK version is compatible with your operating system.

Method 2: Updating Java Version Using Android Studio

This method requires updating the Java version using the Android Studio’s Internal JDK. Follow the below steps to update the Java version using Android Studio:

Detailed Steps:

  1. Open Android Studio and go to File > Project Structure > SDK Location.
  2. Under JDK Location, select the option Use embedded JDK (recommended) and click Apply to save the changes.
  3. Restart Android Studio to apply the changes.

Pros:

  • The process of updating Java version in this method is straightforward.
  • You don’t need to download and install the JDK separately.

Cons:

  • You may not have the latest JDK version using this method.
  • You may face compatibility issues with some projects if the updated Java version is not compatible with the project version.

Method 3: Updating Java Version Using Terminal

This method requires updating the Java version using the Terminal command prompt in Android Studio. Follow the below steps to update the Java version using Terminal:

Detailed Steps:

  1. Open Android Studio and go to Help > Edit Custom VM Options.
  2. A new file will open, usually "studio.vmoptions".
  3. Add a new line at the bottom of the file that points to your latest installed JDK folder. For example: -Djdk.home=/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk1.8.0_251.jdk/Contents/Home. (Make sure to replace the path with the actual path of your JDK folder).
  4. Save and close the file.
  5. Open Terminal and type the command java -version to check the currently installed Java version.
  6. Type the command echo $JAVA_HOME to check the current Java home directory.
  7. Type the command which java to check the location of the currently installed Java version.
  8. If the above commands show the old Java version, type the command export JAVA_HOME=/path/to/new/java, where "/path/to/new/java" is the path to your new Java installation folder.
  9. Type the command export PATH=$JAVA_HOME/bin:$PATH to add the new Java installation folder to the system path.
  10. Type the command java -version to check the newly updated Java version.
  11. Restart Android Studio to apply the changes.

Pros:

  • This method allows you to have complete control over the Java version update process.
  • You don’t need to rely on external sources or Android Studio’s Internal JDK.

Cons:

  • This method involves using Terminal, which may be challenging for beginners.
  • You may face issues related to environmental variables or system paths during the process.

Why Can’t I Update Java Version in Android Studio?

Here are some probable reasons why you may not be able to update Java version in Android Studio and their fixes:

  1. Outdated Version of Android Studio: If you have an outdated version of Android Studio, you may face issues while updating the Java version. To fix this, update your Android Studio to the latest version.
  2. Outdated Version of JDK: If you have an outdated version of JDK that is not compatible with Android Studio, you may face issues while updating the Java version. To fix this, download and install the latest version of JDK.
  3. Incompatibility with Projects: If you have an old project that is not compatible with the updated Java version, you may face issues while working on the project. To fix this, either update the project to the latest version or use an older version of Java for that project.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips that you can follow to update Java version in Android Studio smoothly:

  • Ensure that you have enough storage space on your system before starting the process of updating the Java version.
  • Take a backup of your projects before updating the Java version to avoid any compatibility issues.
  • Follow the steps of each method carefully to avoid any mistakes.
  • If you face any issues during the process, consult Android Studio’s documentation or seek help from the Android Studio community.

5 FAQs about Updating Java Version in Android Studio

Q1: Can I use an older version of Java with Android Studio?

A: Yes, you can use an older version of Java with Android Studio. However, make sure that the Java version is compatible with your Android Studio version and your projects.

Q2: Is it necessary to update the Java version in Android Studio?

A: Yes, it is necessary to update the Java version in Android Studio to ensure the smooth functioning of the IDE and the development process.

Q3: Can I update the Java version in Android Studio from within the IDE?

A: Yes, you can update the Java version in Android Studio from within the IDE by following the steps outlined in Method 2.

Q4: Can I update the Java version in Android Studio without an internet connection?

A: No, you cannot update the Java version in Android Studio without an internet connection as it requires downloading the latest JDK version.

Q5: What should I do if I face issues while updating the Java version in Android Studio?

A: If you face issues while updating the Java version in Android Studio, check if you have followed the steps correctly. If the issue persists, try using a different method to update the Java version or seek help from the Android Studio community.

In Conclusion

Java is an essential component of Android Studio, and it is essential to keep it up-to-date to ensure smooth functioning of the IDE and the development process. In this blog, we have discussed three different methods to update the Java version in Android Studio along with their detailed steps and additional tips. We hope this blog has helped you in updating the Java version in Android Studio. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to drop them in the comments below.