Determining the current version of the operating system is a basic skill for any owner of a modern smartphone. This information is critical when installing specific applications, diagnosing errors, or planning to update your device to the latest available build. Many users encounter difficulties, as manufacturers often hide this data deep in the menu or change the names of sections depending on the model.
In this guide, we will look at all the possible ways to obtain information about software versions on devices with pure Android and custom shells. You will learn not just to find numbers, but also to understand what they mean for the security and functionality of your gadget.
Knowing the exact modification of the system allows you to avoid software incompatibility and notice in time if your phone has stopped receiving security updates. This is the first step towards proper maintenance of your mobile device.
The standard path through the system settings
The most obvious and universal way to check is to use the built-in settings menu. The interface may differ slightly, but the search logic remains the same for most devices. You need to open the main menu and find the gear icon, which indicates the configuration section.
After entering the settings, scroll down the list to the very end. This area usually contains items related to device information. Look for the section with the name System, About phone or General settings. This is where the passport data of your smartphone is stored.
Click on item About phone or About device. A list of characteristics will be displayed on the screen, including the processor model, amount of RAM and serial number. Among this data, find the line Android version. The number next to it (for example, 13 or 14) is the desired value.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices, information about the system version is hidden behind an additional press. If you only see the build number, try tapping on the line
Kernel versionorBuild numberseveral times in a row.
In older versions of the interface, the path may look different. Sometimes you need to go to a section Advanced before the full specification opens. Don't be afraid to explore all the tabs at the bottom of the settings menu.
Note the Build Number listed next to your Android version. You will need it when contacting technical support or when searching for specific drivers on developer forums.
Features of testing on Samsung smartphones
Samsung uses its own shell One UI, which significantly changes the menu structure compared to stock Android. The path to system information here looks a little different and requires careful navigation.
Open settings and scroll to the very bottom of the list. You need a section Phone information. Unlike other brands, Samsung puts this information in a separate block, often located after all network settings and notifications.
Inside this section you will see a large inscription with the model name and One UI shell version. Below, in smaller font, it will be indicated Android version. A detailed list of security updates is also available here, which is extremely important for assessing the device’s security against vulnerabilities.
- 📱 Go to
Settings→Phone information. - 🔍 Find line
Android versionunder information about One UI. - 🛡️ Check the date of the last security update in the same menu.
Users of flagship lines Galaxy S and Note can see additional information about the Knox kernel version. This indicates the presence of a corporate level of data protection, which is integrated directly into the hardware of the device.
Search for the version on Xiaomi and Redmi devices
Smartphones from a Chinese manufacturer are based on a shell MIUI or new HyperOS. Here, the logic for displaying the system version has its own specifics, since the shell version number is often confused with the version of Android itself.
Go to the settings and select the very first item in the list - About phone. On the screen that opens, you will see a large image of the smartphone and the system logo. Pay special attention to the line MIUI version or HyperOS version.
To see exactly the version Android, you need to look under the main logo or click on the system icon. In some firmware, this information is duplicated in small print immediately below the shell build number. For example, it may say "Android 13 TKQ1.220905.001".
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the MIUI version (for example, 14.0.5) with the Android version (for example, 13). These are different numbers: the first denotes the interface, the second - the core of the system.
Owners of budget models of the series Redmi i POCO may encounter the fact that security information is updated less frequently than on flagships. This is normal practice for entry-level devices, but you still need to check the kernel version.
How to enable developer mode on Xiaomi?
To activate advanced settings on Xiaomi devices, you need to quickly press the "MIUI Version" item in the "About phone" menu 7 times in a row. After this, a new section “Advanced” or “Advanced settings” will appear in the main settings, where a menu for developers is located.
Instructions for Google Pixel and pure Android
Line devices Google Pixel, as well as smartphones from Motorola, Nokia and Sony running pure Android, have the most logical and simple menu structure. There is no clutter of unnecessary items typical for custom shells.
The algorithm of actions is extremely simple: open Settings, scroll down and select section System. Next, click on item About phone. A large number indicating the version of the operating system will immediately appear on the screen.
An interesting feature of pure Android is the presence of an "Easter egg". If you quickly tap the Android version number several times in a row, an animated logo of the corresponding version will appear on the screen (for example, a dessert or an abstract figure). This is not just entertainment, but also a way to quickly make sure that the touch screen works correctly.
Information about Security patch levelis also available in this section. This is especially true for Pixel owners, as they are the first to receive monthly updates from Google. Regular checking of this item guarantees protection from the latest viruses and exploits.
| Brand | Menu path | Display feature |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Settings > Information about the phone | Separate block at the bottom of the list |
| Xiaomi | Settings > About phone | Android version under the MIUI logo |
| Google Pixel | Settings > System > About phone | Large number in the center screen |
| Realme | Settings > About device | Version at the top of the screen |
On pure Android, information about the system version is always located in the "System" section, while manufacturers with their own shells often place it at the root of the settings menu.
Using the engineering menu and codes
For advanced users, there is an alternative method for checking the software version that does not require deep menu navigation. We are talking about using special USSD codes or engineering menu codes that open hidden diagnostic screens.
Open the application Phone (dialer) and enter the code ##4636##. On many devices, this action will instantly take you to the menu Testing. Select Phone information (Phone information). Here you will find detailed technical information, including Android version, basic radio module version and network status.
It is worth noting that this method does not work on all smartphones. Manufacturers like Samsung or Huawei often block access to the engineering menu through the standard dialer for security reasons. In such cases, the code simply will not work or the normal dialing menu will open.
- 🔢 Enter
##4636##in the phone application. - 📊 Select the section
Phone informationin the menu that appears. - 📝 Find the line
Android versionin the list parameters.
There are other codes specific to certain brands. For example, on some older Samsung models there was a code *#1234#that showed the AP, CP and CSC firmware versions. However, with the tightening of security policies, such features are gradually disappearing from stock firmware.
⚠️ Attention: Be careful when changing any settings in the engineering menu. Accidentally switching the parameters of the radio module or network can lead to loss of signal or unstable operation of the device.
☑️ Check through the engineering menu
Analysis through applications and computer
If standard methods are unavailable for some reason or the system interface is damaged, you can use third-party utilities. In the store Google Play there are many applications that provide comprehensive information about hardware and software.
One of the most reliable tools is the application CPU-Z or AIDA64. After installation and launch, the app automatically scans the device and displays data on the main tab Device or System. Here you will see not only the Android version, but also the processor architecture, core temperature and real screen resolution.
An alternative option is to connect your smartphone to a computer. If the toolkit ADB (Android Debug Bridge)is installed on your PC, you can get the most accurate data via the command line. This method is often used by developers and service center technicians.
Connect the phone to the PC in USB debugging mode and enter the following command in the terminal:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.releaseThe system will return the answer in the form of a pure number indicating the OS version. This method eliminates any visual distortion of the interface and shows the real data recorded in the device's system properties.
Applications like CPU-Z will also show whether your device is rooted. If there is a note about root access in the system section, be careful when installing banking applications.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is my version of Android not updated to the latest?
Smartphone manufacturers release updates in stages. The delay may be due to the region of sale, device model, or carrier policy. Also, older models may not technically support new versions of the system due to a weak processor.
Does the Android version affect the speed of the phone?
Yes, new versions of the system often require more resources. On older devices, updating to the latest version of Android may result in a slower interface. However, new versions usually contain optimizations that improve power consumption.
Is it possible to change the Android version manually?
Theoretically, yes, by installing custom firmware (Custom ROM). However, this process is complicated, requires unlocking the bootloader, and voids your warranty. For an ordinary user, this carries a high risk of turning the phone into a “brick.”
Where can I see the date of the last security update?
This information is usually located in the same section About the phone, immediately under the Android version. It is called "Security Patch Level" or "Security Patch Level".
What to do if the settings indicate the wrong version?
If the installed application or game shows a version different from the one in the settings, you may be using modified firmware or a fake device. Check the phone through the CPU-Z utility to verify data.