Manifest merger failed : uses-sdk:minSdkVersion 8 cannot be smaller than version 9 declared in library [com.google.android.gms:play-services:7.8.0]

Question

The problem is

Error:Execution failed for task \':app:processDebugManifest\'.

Manifest merger failed : uses-sdk:minSdkVersion 8 cannot be smal

Answer 1

You're getting that error because you have specified minSDK as 8, while you need at least minSDK 9 to use google play services.

This is because google play is not available on phones below SDK 9 (android 2.3). Also refer to the documentation:

To test your app when using the Google Play services SDK, you must use either:

• A compatible Android device that runs Android 2.3 or higher and includes Google Play Store.
• The Android emulator with an AVD that runs the Google APIs platform based on Android 4.2.2 or higher.

Your options are

• Raise your minSDK to 9
• Don't use google play services

Answer 2

Update your build.gradle:

 minSdkVersion 9