How to Fix “Project Version Incompatible” XML Error in Alight Motion

Updated on November 29, 2025

You found the perfect Shake Effect preset on YouTube. You downloaded the XML file. You shared it to Alight Motion. But instead of seeing the project, you get a gray popup message:


“Import Failed. This project was created in a newer version of Alight Motion Pro APK and cannot be opened.”

This is the “Project Version Incompatible” error, and it is heartbreaking. It effectively locks you out of the best new assets in the community.

Most people think the file is broken. It isn’t. The file is just too advanced for your current app. In this guide, we will show you how to fix the Project Version Incompatible Alight Motion error, including a secret “Text Editor” trick to force-open these files on older phones.

Alight Motion error popup showing the Project Version Incompatible message when importing an XML file.

What Does This Error Mean? (The Version Gap)

Alight Motion is constantly evolving. In 2024, they released Version 5.0, which introduced massive features like “Camera Objects,” “Raster Extrude,” and “Power Easing.”

Infographic explaining that older versions of Alight Motion cannot open XML project files created in newer versions.

Forward vs. Backward Compatibility Explained

  • Backward Compatible (Safe): If you have v5.0, you can open projects made in v3.0, v4.0, or v2.0. The new app understands old code.
  • Forward Compatible (Broken): If you have v4.0, you cannot open projects made in v5.0. Your old app literally does not speak the new language. It doesn’t know what a “Camera Object” is, so it refuses to open the file to prevent crashing.

Method 1: Upgrade to the Latest Version (The 100% Fix)

This is the obvious answer, but it is the only one that is guaranteed to work perfectly.

Why Staying on Old Versions Limits You

Many users stick to Old Versions (like v4.0.4) because they are faster on low-end phones. However, 95% of popular YouTubers and preset creators use the latest version. If you want to use their assets, you must upgrade.

How to Update Without Losing Projects

  1. Back Up: Open your current old app. Export all your local projects as XML Files to Google Drive.
  2. Uninstall: Delete the old version (you cannot install v5 over v4 due to signature changes).
  3. Install: Download the latest Alight Motion Pro APK v5.0+ from our homepage.
  4. Restore: Import your saved XMLs.
    • Result: The “Incompatible” error will vanish because your app is now newer than the file.

Method 2: The “XML Code Hack” (Force Open on Old Versions)

If you strictly cannot upgrade (maybe your phone is too old for v5.0), there is a hacker’s workaround. You can edit the text code of the XML file to “trick” your app into thinking the project is older than it actually is.

Tutorial showing how to edit the appVersion code in an XML file to force it to open in older Alight Motion versions.

Note: This works only if the project doesn’t use brand new effects.

Step 1: Open XML in a Text Editor

  1. Download an app called “QuickEdit Text Editor” (or any code editor) from the Play Store.
  2. Open the app and find your .xml preset file.
  3. You will see thousands of lines of code. Don’t panic.

Step 2: Change the appVersion Code

  • Use the Search function in the editor.
  • Search for this exact phrase: appVersion or createdVersion.
  • You will see a number like 5.0.260.
  • Edit this number. Change it to match your current app version (e.g., change 5.0.260 to 4.0.4).
  • Save the file.
  • Try importing this new file into Alight Motion.

Warning: When Will This Crash Your App?

This trick successfully bypasses the “Import Failed” popup. However:

  • If the project uses basic effects (Tiles, Blur, Color): It will open and work perfectly!
  • If the project uses New Features (Camera Object, Page Curl): The project will open, but as soon as you scroll to that effect, your app will crash immediately. Your old engine simply cannot render the new effect.

Method 3: Ask the Creator for a “Lite” Version

If you are downloading from a YouTuber, check the description. Good creators often provide two links:

  1. XML (Full Version)
  2. XML (Lite / Old Version)

Removing “Camera Objects” & “New Effects”

If you are a creator, here is how to make your presets compatible for your fans:

  • Before exporting, Delete any Camera Objects.
  • Delete any Layer Grouping (Ungroup layers).
  • Avoid using the “Raster Extrude” effect.
  • Export this simplified version. It will likely work on Alight Motion v4.0+.

Troubleshooting: “Link Verification Failed”

Sometimes the issue isn’t the version, but the method of import.

Recommendation to use direct Google Drive XML links instead of alight.link to avoid verification errors on Mod APKs.

Why alight.link QR Codes Fail on Mod APKs

If you click an http://alight.link/… URL, it attempts to verify your subscription with the official Alight Motion server.

  • The Issue: Since you are using a Mod APK, the server connection is blocked, leading to “Link Verification Failed.”

The Fix: Use Google Drive / MediaFire Links Instead

Always look for the “XML Direct Download” link.

  • Direct XML files do not require server verification.
  • You simply download the file and “Share” it to the app. This bypasses the verification check entirely and only checks for version compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

It is very difficult. v3.0 is ancient. Even if you use the “Code Hack” (Method 2), almost every effect used in v5.0 did not exist in v3.0. The project would be empty or broken.

This means you successfully bypassed the version check, but the project contains media or effects your phone cannot render. Try hiding layers one by one to find the broken effect.

Open the app > Tap the Menu (3 lines) or Profile Icon > Read the small text at the bottom. It will say something like v4.2.5 or v5.0.1. which is listed in older version.

Conclusion

The Project Version Incompatible error is basically Alight Motion saying it does not understand this new file. The best move is to upgrade to the latest Alight Motion Pro APK because it guarantees compatibility with every preset out there. If you are on an older phone the Text Editor Hack is a great backup plan to save the day. Now that you have fixed this you can focus on creating. If you happen to run into other headaches like a Black Screen crash, a Login Error, or the App Not Installed bug, we have simple fixes ready for those as well.