Installation Viber on smartphones with Android 6.0 Marshmallow may cause difficulties due to an outdated version of the operating system. Many users of older devices - such as Samsung Galaxy S5, LG G4 or Sony Xperia Z3 - encounter errors when loading the messenger via Google Play or when trying to launch the application. In this article we will look at all the current installation methods, including bypassing restrictions, choosing the correct APK version and solving common problems.

It is important to understand that since 2023, Viber has officially stopped supporting Android 5.0 and lower, but Android 6.0 still receives basic compatibility. However, even with this version, you may experience difficulties with some functions, such as video calls or stickers. We tested all methods on real devices and collected proven solutions.

Why Viber may not install on Android 6

The main reasons for the problems are related with:

  • 📱 Outdated version of Google Play services —without updates they block the installation of new applications.
  • 🔒 Manufacturer restrictions —some brands (for example, Huawei or Xiaomi) modify Android and add their own security checks.
  • 📦 Incompatible APK version —new builds of Viber require Android 7+, and old ones may contain vulnerabilities.
  • 🛡️ Security settings —by default Android 6 blocks installation from unknown sources.

Before proceeding with installation, check the current version Google Play Services in the phone settings (Settings → Applications → Google Play Services). If it is older 2022, update it manually - this will solve half of the possible errors.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Lenovo or ZTE) after updating Google services may be required reboot, otherwise the changes will not be applied.

Method 1: Installation via Google Play (official method)

Despite restrictions Viber is still available on Google Play for Android 6, but not for all regions and models. Try this method first:

  1. Open Google Play Store and search for Viber.
  2. If the application is not displayed, try direct link (will open in the browser).
  3. Click Install. If an error appears "Your device is not compatible with this version", proceed to the next method.

If the installation was successful, but the application does not start or crashes, clear cache: Settings → Applications → Viber → Memory → Clear cache.

📊 What version of Android are you using?
Android 6.0
Android 7-8
Android 9-10
Android 11 and later

Method 2: Installation via APK file (manual method)

If the official method did not work, download APK file from a trusted source. We recommend using:

  • 🌐 APKCombo —here you can select the old version of Viber, compatible with Android 6.
  • 📥 APKMirror —a reliable resource that checks files for viruses.

Installation instructions:

Download APK file (version no newer than 18.7.0.3)

Allow installation from unknown sources

Disable antivirus (may block installation)

Check free space (minimum 150 MB required)

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  1. Download the APK file (for example, Viber 18.7.0.3 is the latest stable version for Android 6).
  2. Go to Settings → Security and enable the option "Unknown sources".
  3. Open the downloaded file through any file manager (for example, Total Commander or standard Files).
  4. Click Install and wait completion of the process.
⚠️ Attention: Do not download APK from dubious sites - this may lead to the installation of malware. Always check the file hash (MD5) on the downloader site.
How to check the MD5 hash of an APK?

1. Download the application MD5 Checker from Google Play.

2. Open the downloaded APK file.

3. Compare the resulting hash with what is indicated on the downloader website (for example, on APKMirror it is displayed next to file).

Method 3: Using alternative application stores

If Google Play refuses to install Viber, try alternative stores that do not have strict restrictions on the Android version:

  • 🛒 Aptoide —there are often old versions of applications here.
  • 📦 APKPure —supports manual APK downloading.
  • 🔄 Samsung Galaxy Store (if you have a Samsung device)—sometimes offers others assembly.

When installing from alternative sources:

  1. Download and install the store itself (for example, Aptoide).
  2. Find it Viber and select the version for Android 6+.
  3. Install the application directly from the store (not required download APK separately).

The advantage of this method is the automatic update of Viber through an alternative store. However updates may arrive with a delay or contain advertising.

Solving common installation errors

Even after successful installation, Viber may not work correctly. Let's look at the most common problems and their solutions:

Error Cause Solution
"The application is not installed" Damaged APK or lack of memory Download the file again, clear the cache, check free space
"Viber has stopped" Conflict with Google services Update Google Play Services, restart the phone
No sound in calls Microphone restrictions in settings Check permissions (Settings → Applications → Viber → Permissions)
No notifications are received Battery optimization disables background work Add Viber to exceptions (Settings → Battery → Battery optimization)

If after installing Viber cannot connect to the network, check:

  • 📶 Internet connection (try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data).
  • 🔄 Date and time —if they are down, Viber will not be able to sync with servers.
  • 🔒 Firewall or VPN —some applications (for example, Avast or Kaspersky) block messenger traffic.
💡

If Viber does not see contacts, go to Settings → Applications → Viber → Permissions and enable access to contacts. After that, restart the application.

How to update Viber on Android 6 without losing data

Updating the messenger on an outdated version of Android is fraught loss of chats or failures. To avoid problems:

  1. Create a backup copy:
    • Open Viber → More (⋮) → Settings → Account → Backup copying.
    • Select Google Drive or local storage.
  • Download the new version of APK (but not newer 18.7.0.3, otherwise problems may arise errors).
  • Delete the old version via Settings → Applications.
  • Install the new version and restore the data from the backup.

    • If after the update stickers or history have disappearedcheck:

    • 📁 Folder Viber/Media on the internal memory - sometimes files remain there.
    • 🔄 Synchronization settings in your Google account (if you used Google Drive).
    ⚠️ Attention: When updating via APK do not use the "Update" function in Google Play this may lead to the installation of an incompatible version.

    Viber alternatives for Android 6

    If none of the methods worked, consider alternative messengers that are guaranteed to work on Android 6:

    Messenger Android 6 support Features
    Telegram ✅ Full Fast, without restrictions on OS version
    WhatsApp ✅ Until 2026 Requires update Google Play Services
    Signal ✅ Full Maximum privacy, but works slower on older ones devices
    Skype ⚠️ Partial Video calls can be slow

    If you really need Viber (for example, for work or communicating with loved ones), try install custom firmware based on Android 7+ (for example, LineageOS). This is a complex process, but it will give you access to all modern applications. Find detailed instructions on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA for your phone model.

    💡

    On Android 6 it is better to use Telegram or WhatsApp —they work more stable and require updates less often.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about installing Viber on Android 6

    Is it possible to install the latest version of Viber on Android 6?

    No, the latest versions (19.0+) require Android 7+. The maximum possible version for Android 6 is 18.7.0.3. New builds simply will not start or will constantly crash.

    Why does Viber ask to update Android during installation?

    This is due to Google Play's policy, which automatically blocks the installation of applications that do not support your OS version. Solution: download APK manually from trusted sources (for example, APKMirror).

    How to transfer Viber chats from an old phone to a new one?

    Use the backup function:

    1. On the old phone: Viber Settings → Account → Backup → Google Drive.
    2. On a new phone: install Viber, log in to the same account and restore data from the backup.

    If the new phone is on Android 7+, first install the old version of Viber (18.7.0.3) on it, restore chats, and then update messenger.

    Viber is installed, but cannot send an SMS for activation. What should I do?

    The problem is typical for older devices with outdated Google services. Solutions:

    • Try to activate your account via call (instead SMS).
    • Install the application Google Messages and make it the default SMS application.
    • Check whether SMS is blocked by your antivirus or operator (for example, MTS or Beeline sometimes filter service messages).

    Is it possible to use Viber without Google Play Services?

    Technically yes, but with serious limitations:

    • 🚫 Notifications will not work (you will have to launch Viber manually).
    • 🚫 It is impossible to restore a backup from Google Drive.
    • 🚫 Video calls and voice messages may not work.

    For full work update Google Play Services at least until version 2022.