diff --git a/electrum/gui/kivy/tools/buildozer.spec b/electrum/gui/kivy/tools/buildozer.spec
index 10fe62efb..e99a53a39 100644
--- a/electrum/gui/kivy/tools/buildozer.spec
+++ b/electrum/gui/kivy/tools/buildozer.spec
@@ -36,7 +36,9 @@ version.filename = %(source.dir)s/electrum/version.py
 
 # (list) Application requirements
 requirements =
-    python3,
+    # note: re python3.8, see #6147
+    hostpython3==3.7.7,
+    python3==3.7.7,
     android,
     openssl,
     plyer,