Suggestion: Make support for old apps!

[ackesdans]

Hi
I recently bought my s24+ and have discovered that it is not possible to install old apps because they are not compatible. I saw in a previous thread that Samsung recommends that you contact the app developer to get an updated app. Unfortunately, the app that I need to install is called SafeSmart and they have not updated it for several years. Their website no longer exists either. However, the app works great so that I can see who comes to my house and be able to unlock the door via the app even if I am not at home.
So there will be no updated app, but from what I understand, Samsung can do like other Android phone manufacturers, i.e. make it backwards compatible.
I have always used Samsung mobiles, should I have to regret it now?

[realaud]

It actually doesn't work great if it will not install on your phone.  Is it not installing because you have auto-blocker on or are blocking installation of unknown apps?  Try disabling auto-blocker and/or go to settings/apps/special access and allow the app to be installed from My Files and Smart Switch (and any other source from where you might install files). Allowing installs from Smart Switch will allow apps to be transferred from your old phone to your new one.  Allowing installs from My Files allows you to install from an APK that was obtained from another source. Not everything can be made backward compatible, and if the company that makes your app is no longer in business and the above remedy does not work, you need to a) either find another app or change your lock to one with an app that works or is compatible with Smart Things.  

[ackesdans]

I have already done the steps you describe. The problem is that the app I am trying to install is probably 32 bit. I read somewhere that S24 only works with 64 bit apps, but that other manufacturers (with similar models to the S24) have made support for 32 bit apps. I have the SafeSmart app installed on my S20 ultra, but it cannot be installed on the s24+ due to "compatibility issues". Getting a new lock requires more work and is more complicated and expensive than changing the phone.
Why do we have these limitations?

[realaud]

Limitations exist because how expensive do you want your phone to be?  It's like upgrading from WIndows 95 to WIndows 10 or 11.  Many older apps won't work.  Sometimes you can force them to (at least Windows has compatibility mode). The only thing you can do here, if you don't want to change your lock, is to keep your old phone and use it as your remote digital key - all you need is internet access.  How many people do you have coming and going anyway? Is the lock not compatible with Smart Things?  How can buying and changing a lock be more expensive than buying a new phone (especially an S series)? I know the connected locks are not cheap, but I've never seen one more than $250 and lock changes are easy enough to DIY.

[TipsyTrex]

There is nothing Samsung can do to update a 3rd party app. Your understanding was incorrect. You will need to reach out to the manufacturer or developer of the app.

[Members_VV72vAO]

What they can and should do is allow a 32 bit emulator.

[realaud]

Did your lock manufacturer go out of business?  If they are still in business, perhaps they have a different app.

[meself]

Think being the site doesn't exist and app is not updated in sometime you will need to find a newer version or type of the app with its features

[usera7gyEUOnUE]

I used to use Dolphin Browser, but there's nobody "minding the store". There was an issue with now nonexistent SD cards. I've got to see if 1DM+ has anybody working on Android 15 friendly updates. Good luck.

[Lisajohnson112]

Sorry to hear about your SafeSmart issue on the S24+! Samsung dropped 32-bit app support with the S24 series (unlike the S23 or Z Flip 5), so older apps like SafeSmart, which hasn’t been updated in years, won’t run natively. It’s a bummer, especially for something critical like home security. While Samsung could enable backwards compatibility like some Android brands, they’ve chosen not to here—probably to push for 64-bit adoption.

You could try sideloading the APK from a trusted source (e.g., APKMirror), but the 32-bit block might still throw an error. Another option is rooting, though that’s risky and voids warranties. Honestly, it sucks to hit this wall after sticking with Samsung. Might be worth looking for a similar modern app or even keeping an older Samsung as a dedicated SafeSmart device if you’re set on it.