diff --git a/python/lib/dependabot/python/update_checker/pip_compile_version_resolver.rb b/python/lib/dependabot/python/update_checker/pip_compile_version_resolver.rb
index 05d3975a4e5..3dacbbeaca0 100644
--- a/python/lib/dependabot/python/update_checker/pip_compile_version_resolver.rb
+++ b/python/lib/dependabot/python/update_checker/pip_compile_version_resolver.rb
@@ -96,7 +96,6 @@ def fetch_latest_resolvable_version_string(requirement:)
             rescue SharedHelpers::HelperSubprocessFailed => e
               retry_count ||= 0
               retry_count += 1
-
               if compilation_error?(e) && retry_count <= 1
                 @build_isolation = false
                 retry
@@ -216,10 +215,15 @@ def run_command(command, env: python_env)
           )
         end
 
+        def new_resolver_supported?
+          python_version >= Python::Version.new("3.7")
+        end
+
         def pip_compile_options(filename)
           options = @build_isolation ? ["--build-isolation"] : ["--no-build-isolation"]
           options += pip_compile_index_options
-          options += ["--resolver backtracking", "--allow-unsafe"]
+          options += ["--allow-unsafe"]
+          options += ["--resolver backtracking"] if new_resolver_supported?
 
           if (requirements_file = compiled_file_for_filename(filename))
             options << "--output-file=#{requirements_file.name}"