diff --git a/android/build.gradle b/android/build.gradle
index 84c86585a..903fd8be0 100644
--- a/android/build.gradle
+++ b/android/build.gradle
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 buildscript {
     ext {
+        agp_version = '8.3.1' // same as `settings.ext.agp_version` in `/android/settings.gradle`
         glide_version = '4.16.0'
         // AppGallery Connect plugin versions: https://developer.huawei.com/consumer/en/doc/development/AppGallery-connect-Guides/agc-sdk-changenotes-0000001058732550
         huawei_agconnect_version = '1.9.1.300'
@@ -19,6 +20,9 @@ buildscript {
     }
 
     dependencies {
+        // necessary when applying plugin `com.huawei.agconnect`
+        classpath "com.android.tools.build:gradle:$agp_version"
+
         if (useCrashlytics) {
             // GMS & Firebase Crashlytics (used by some flavors only)
             classpath 'com.google.gms:google-services:4.4.0'