diff --git a/metadata/ee.ioc.phon.android.speak.yml b/metadata/ee.ioc.phon.android.speak.yml
index c03495ae62..2e08eb9697 100644
--- a/metadata/ee.ioc.phon.android.speak.yml
+++ b/metadata/ee.ioc.phon.android.speak.yml
@@ -120,6 +120,7 @@ Builds:
     submodules: true
     gradle:
       - yes
+    prebuild: echo "android.useAndroidX=true" > ../gradle.properties
 
 AutoUpdateMode: Version v%v
 UpdateCheckMode: Tags