diff --git a/java/README.md b/java/README.md
index 9fea0517ae..bedd7a580f 100644
--- a/java/README.md
+++ b/java/README.md
@@ -23,10 +23,14 @@ If you are using Maven, use the following:
 <dependency>
   <groupId>com.google.protobuf</groupId>
   <artifactId>protobuf-java</artifactId>
-  <version>4.27.0</version>
+  <version><!--version--></version>
 </dependency>
 ```
 
+And **replace `<!--version-->` with a version from the
+[Maven Protocol Buffers Repository](https://mvnrepository.com/artifact/com.google.protobuf/protobuf-java).**
+For example, `3.25.3`.
+
 Make sure the version number of the runtime matches (or is newer than) the
 version number of the protoc.
 
@@ -37,17 +41,10 @@ protobuf-java-util package:
 <dependency>
   <groupId>com.google.protobuf</groupId>
   <artifactId>protobuf-java-util</artifactId>
-  <version>4.27.0</version>
+  <version><!--version--></version>
 </dependency>
 ```
 
-### Gradle
-
-If you are using Gradle, add the following to your `build.gradle` file's
-dependencies: `implementation 'com.google.protobuf:protobuf-java:4.27.0'` Again,
-be sure to check that the version number matches (or is newer than) the version
-number of protoc that you are using.
-
 ### Use Java Protocol Buffers on Android
 
 For Android users, it's recommended to use protobuf Java Lite runtime because
diff --git a/java/lite.md b/java/lite.md
index bc2ebbdd66..729e7afd97 100644
--- a/java/lite.md
+++ b/java/lite.md
@@ -29,10 +29,14 @@ protobuf Java Lite runtime. If you are using Maven, include the following:
 <dependency>
   <groupId>com.google.protobuf</groupId>
   <artifactId>protobuf-javalite</artifactId>
-  <version>4.27.0</version>
+  <version><!--version--></version>
 </dependency>
 ```
 
+And **replace `<!--version-->` with a version from the
+[Maven Protocol Buffers \[Lite\] Repository](https://mvnrepository.com/artifact/com.google.protobuf/protobuf-javalite).**
+For example, `3.25.3`.
+
 ## R8 rule to make production app builds work
 
 The Lite runtime internally uses reflection to avoid generating hashCode/equals/(de)serialization methods.