How to find the processor architecture on Android: a detailed guide

Android processor architecture is a key parameter that affects application compatibility, performance, and even the ability to install custom firmware. Not all users know that ARM and x86 require different versions of apps, and some games and emulators only work on specific chips. For example, applications for Windows on Android via Wine often require x86_64, and most smartphones use ARM64.

In this article we will analyze all current methods for determining the CPU architectureincluding hidden system methods that work even without root access. You will learn how to distinguish armeabi-v7a from arm64-v8a, why some devices show x86 (yes, there are still some!), and how this information will help when choosing software or optimizing the system. Let's start with the simplest methods and gradually move on to advanced ones.

1. Method: through the CPU-Z application (the most reliable)

CPU-Z - this is the de facto standard for analyzing hardware on Android. The application is free, does not require root and shows the architecture in the first section. Download it from Google Play (be careful with clones!) and follow the instructions:

1. Open CPU-Z and go to the tab CPU.
2. Find the line Instruction Set (or Instruction set architecture in Russian version).
3. Compare the value with the table below.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Lenovo or Asus with processors Intel Atom) can be displayed x86. This is not an error - such chips were actually used in Android smartphones until 2018.

2. Method: via file /proc/cpuinfo (without applications)

Android is based on the Linux kernel, which means technical information about the processor can be obtained directly from system files. This method works without the Internet and additional apps:

1. Install any file manager with access to the root folder (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Navigate to the path /proc/cpuinfo.
3. Open the file with a text editor and find the line Processor.

Examples of what you can see:

• 🔹 ARMv7 Processor rev 10 (v7l) → 32-bit ARM (armeabi-v7a)
• 🔹 ARMv8 Processor rev 4 or aarch64 → 64-bit ARM (arm64-v8a)
• 🔹 Intel(R) Atom(TM) → x86 (32 or 64 bits, please check by model)

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI or ColorOS), access to /proc may be limited. In this case, use ADB (see next section) or applications like AIDA64.

adb shell cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep "Processor"

3. Method: using ADB (for advanced users)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) - a powerful diagnostic tool that allows you to get data about the processor even without root. You will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Enabled USB debugging on your smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number (7 taps) → For developers → USB debugging).
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).

Execute on the command line:

adb shell getprop ro.product.cpu.abi

Possible results:

• 📌 arm64-v8a → modern 64-bit ARM.
• 📌 armeabi-v7a → legacy 32-bit ARM.
• 📌 x86 or x86_64 → processor Intel/AMD.

Install ADB Tools on PC|Enable USB debugging on your phone|Connect the device via cable|Check the connection with the command adb devices-->

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei or Honor with EMUI) command getprop may return incomplete data. In this case, use an alternative command:

adb shell cat /system/build.prop | grep ro.product.cpu.abi

4. Method: through the AIDA64 application

AIDA64 - another powerful diagnostic application that shows the CPU architecture in the section CPU. Its advantage over CPU-Z is more detailed information about supported instructions (for example, NEON or SSE4.2 for x86).

How to find the ones you need data:

1. Open AIDA64 and go to CPU.
2. Scroll to block Instruction set.
3. Note lines:
   • 🔧 ARMv8-A or AArch64 → arm64-v8a.
   • 🔧 ARMv7-A → armeabi-v7a.
   • 🔧 x86-64 → x86_64.

⚠️ Attention: In AIDA64 there is also a section System → ABIwhere all supported architectures are listed. If several values are indicated there (for example, arm64-v8a, armeabi-v7a, armeabi), focus on the first one - it takes priority.

5 Method: file analysis build.prop

The file build.prop contains the system configuration, including processor data. It can be read either through the file manager or through ADB. Look for the following parameters:

ro.product.cpu.abi
ro.product.cpu.abilist
ro.arch

Example values:

• 📄 ro.product.cpu.abi=arm64-v8a → main architecture.
• 📄 ro.product.cpu.abilist=arm64-v8a,armeabi-v7a,armeabi → list of supported ABIs (the first one is priority).
• 📄 ro.arch=x86_64 → the kernel is built for x86.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, LineageOS), the parameters may be renamed or missing. In this case, use /proc/cpuinfo or CPU-Z.

6. Method: through the terminal (Termux)

If your device has Termux (or another terminal), you can determine the architecture directly from the console. Install Termux from F-Droid (the version from Google Play is outdated!) and run:

uname -m

Possible results:

• 🐧 aarch64 → arm64-v8a.
• 🐧 armv7l → armeabi-v7a.
• 🐧 x86_64 → 64-bit x86.
• 🐧 i686 → 32-bit x86.

For more detailed information, use:

cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep -E "model name|Processor|Features"

⚠️ Attention: B Termux by default there may not be read permissions /proc/cpuinfoIf the command returns Permission denied, try running the terminal as root (if you have rights) or use ADB.

Why know the processor architecture?

Understanding CPU architecture helps in several key scenarios:

1. Installation of custom firmware. Some assemblies LineageOS or Pixel Experience are compiled separately under arm64 i x86. Installing the wrong version will lead to bootloop.
2. Selection of emulators. Wine, Exagear (for x86 on ARM) or QEMU require knowledge of the architecture for correct operation.
3. Optimization of applications. Developers sometimes release separate APKs for armeabi-v7a and arm64-v8aFor example, Telegram or VLC have different assemblies.
4. Diagnostics of problems. If an application crashes with an error INSTALL_FAILED_CPU_ABI_INCOMPATIBLEthe reason is precisely incompatible architectures.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Mediatek Helio (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro) can be displayed arm64, but some kernels only support armeabi-v7a for certain tasks. This is important when manually porting modules Magisk.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Android processor architecture