diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index b2a147471e570..a10c009df37c6 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ or if sqlite support is required:
 
 The `build` target is split into two sub-targets:
 
-- `make backend` which requires [Go 1.13](https://golang.org/dl/) or greater.
+- `make backend` which requires [Go 1.16](https://golang.org/dl/) or greater.
 - `make frontend` which requires [Node.js 12.17](https://nodejs.org/en/download/) or greater and Internet connectivity to download npm dependencies.
 
 When building from the official source tarballs which include pre-built frontend files, the `frontend` target will not be triggered, making it possible to build without Node.js and Internet connectivity.
diff --git a/go.mod b/go.mod
index 1a3749c05ddf4..1c974aa6f50c9 100644
--- a/go.mod
+++ b/go.mod
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 module code.gitea.io/gitea
 
-go 1.14
+go 1.16
 
 require (
 	cloud.google.com/go v0.78.0 // indirect