Audible & Android: 11 Typical Questions (Answered)

Audible dominates the world of audiobooks, and with the Audible app, you can take your audiobooks wherever you go. However, in order for the app to work, you’ll need to check that it is compatible with your device.

In this article, you will discover all there is to know about what Android operating systems are compatible with Audible, and what you can do if you are experiencing issues with the installation process.

Here’s Everything you Need to Know about Android & Audible:

Audible is compatible with almost all Android devices, as long as they are running an operating system of 6 or higher – any device older than this will be incompatible with the Audible app. Audible is also compatible with Android Auto, so you’ll be able to easily listen away in your car hassle-free.

1. Why Won’t Audible Install on my Android phone?

Installing Audible on your Android phone should be a quick and simple procedure, so when you are having problems, it can be frustrating.

Below are the most common reasons why you may be experiencing issues when trying to install Audible on your Android phone. We also take a look at how you can resolve these issues to ensure you’re listening to your favorite audiobooks as soon as possible.

Your Android Device Needs a Soft Reset

One of the first things you should try when you are having problems downloading Audible onto your Android phone is to reboot it.

Restarting your Android device can help solve any malfunctioning apps, glitches, or any other general running problems.

Simply switch off your phone, wait a few moments, and then start it back up again. If you reboot your Android device, you may find that you are now able to easily install Audible hassle-free.

You May not have Enough Space

It goes without saying that you will need to have some internal storage space free in order to install Audible onto your Android mobile.

If you do not have enough space available, you will be unable to install any new apps onto your Android device. Audible’s app is roughly 120MB, but audiobooks can use up to 1GB of storage.

Have a look at how much free space you have on your Android and if there isn’t much available, you will need to clear some in order to install and use the Audible app.

Your Internet Connection isn’t Sufficient

In order to install Audible on your Android phone, you will need to be connected to the internet.

If the connection is intermittent, the download may be interrupted, and Audible will fail to install properly.

Simply check the strength and stability of your phone’s internet connection; if you find it too weak, then it may be worth switching networks or talking to your internet provider about any improvements that are available to you.

You Need to Restart the Google Play Store

Force closing the Google Play Store may be sufficient enough to solve your installation issues. Simply pressing the home button doesn’t fully close an app, which means that it can still be running in the background.

Here’s how to force close the Google Play Store on your Android phone:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
   • This will open all of your active apps.
2. Swipe upwards on the Google Play Store to force close it.
3. Now try reopening it; once it reopens you should be able to install apps perfectly.

2. Does Audible Work with Android?

Audible is 100% compatible with any device running an Android operating system and is free to download from the Google Play Store.

You should have no problem listening to all of your favorite Audible titles using your Android phone or even your Android tablet.

In fact, you can even use Audible’s brilliant feature ‘Whispersync for Voice’ to sync all of your compatible Android devices to be able to switch listening between them seamlessly.

3. Can you use Audible on Samsung Phones?

If you own a Samsung phone, you will be pleased to hear that they are completely compatible with Audible.

Samsung phones use the Android operating system designed and invented by Google, and every device running this Android operating system will work with the Audible app perfectly.

4. What Android OS Versions are Compatible with Audible?

In order for your Android device to be compatible with Audible, you will need to be running Android OS 6 or newer.

Unfortunately, all Android OS from 1- 5.1 will not be compatible with Audible, and you will be unable to listen to your Audiobooks unless you update your OS.

5. Why does Audible Need Android OS 6 or Later to Work?

All apps currently installed on your Android need your Android OS to be up to date in order for them to function properly.

When you update your Android OS, you are, in turn, ensuring that your Android device is able to keep up with all of Audible’s latest features.

With every new release from Google, Android operating systems are becoming quicker and more efficient, improving their overall performance.

Not to mention that by updating your Android operating system you are reducing any security risks that your Android device could potentially be susceptible to.

6. Can you use Audible Without Upgrading to the Latest Version?

Upgrading your Android’s OS is incredibly important when it comes to the smooth operation of your device, so doing so is highly recommended.

Running the Audible app without upgrading to the latest OS version, however, is possible. You will still be able to use Audible without upgrading to the latest version, as long as it is Android OS 6 or newer.

Despite this, there are little to no benefits of not upgrading your Android device to the latest OS. If you do not update your Android OS, you may experience countless issues with all your apps, not just Audible.

One such issue is that an outdated OS can cause your device’s battery to drain significantly when using Audible or other apps.

Outdated Android OS have been associated with all kinds of playback issues for users when they go to listen to titles on Audible, so it really is best to just stay up-to-date.

To update your Android phones OS, simply follow these steps:

1. Open up ‘Settings’ on your phone.
2. Navigate to ‘About Phone’- located near the bottom.
3. Simply tap ‘Check for Updates’
4. Select ‘Install’

7. Why is Audible Not Compatible with my Android Phone?

If you own an Android device running OS 6 or newer, then you should have no problem running the Audible app.

Your Android device will only be incompatible with the Audible app if your OS isn’t updated to the latest version.

There have, however, been changes to the Audible app for Android in 2022 that you may have noticed. These changes do not mean that your Android device isn’t compatible with Audible; it is just an update that Audible has recently introduced.

Audible members running the latest version of the app will no longer be able to support sale purchasing. As explained by Audible:

“(…) starting with the Audible for Google Play Android app version 3.23, purchasing titles with a debit or credit card in the app is no longer supported, whether you’re a member or not.”

[Source: help.audible.com]

However, purchasing titles with your credit or debit card can still be done on the Audible official website.

Along with sale purchasing changes, you will also be unable to update your account or payment information through the app.

If you own an Android device and have noticed these changes, then it is nothing to worry about as the changes are universal.

For more about buying titles, check out our article about how much Audible books cost.

8. Can I Download an Old Version of Audible for an Older Android OS?

Having an outdated app is never a good idea and poses potential security concerns, which is also the case when having an outdated Android OS.

However, downloading an older version of Audible for an older Android OS is possible by side-loading the app with the workaround explained below, but if your OS is older than 6, it will not be possible.

It also will not be at all possible to side-load Audible if you are part of Google’s ‘Advanced Protection Programme’.

If you are using an Android device that has an OS older than the newest version but not older than OS 6, you should be able to side-load Audible onto it by using a website and not the Google Play Store.

To begin with, you will need to uninstall Audible from your Android mobile. Then, you can visit sites such as ‘APKMirror’ to download an older version.

9. How do I Listen to Audible on my Old Android Phone?

You shouldn’t have a problem listening to Audible on an older Android phone as long as it is running OS 6 or newer.

All you have to do is open the app and hit play. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, if your Android’s OS is older than this, then listening to your titles on Audible just won’t be possible.

10. Can you Listen to Audible Without the App?

It is possible to listen to Audible without the app by using Audibles ‘Cloud Player’, available through the Audible official website.

Audibles Cloud Player, as described on audible.com, enables you to:

“(…) listen to an audiobook without having to download the title to your Windows PC or Mac. Instead, the Cloud Player streams your content and will save your place across mobile device applications as well.”

[Source: help.audible.com]

The Cloud Player is, however, only available for Windows and Mac desktops.

There is no way for you to listen to Audible on your Android other than to download the free app from the Google Play Store.

11. Does Audible Work on Android Auto?

Listening to Audible in your vehicle is easily achieved by using Android Auto.

If you have an Android Auto-compatible car, then simply follow these steps to begin listening to your favorite titles whilst you drive:

1. Open Audible on your Android phone.
2. Using a USB cable, connect your phone to the stereo system.
3. Either the audiobook currently playing will continue through your car’s stereo speaker, or you can choose a title from your library.

It’s also worth noting you will need to be running Android OS 5 or newer in order to use Android Auto.

Sources

Fix problems downloading apps from the Play Store

What Android Devices is the Audible App Compatible with?

Updates to the Audible for Google Play Android App

How can I Stream Audiobooks from your Website?