Did you buy a used smartphone, want to check compatibility with the application, or are you just wondering what version Android is installed on your device? Information about the version of the operating system is needed not only for curiosity - the capabilities of the phone, the availability of updates and even the security of personal data depend on it. Unfortunately, manufacturers often hide this information in different sections of the menu, and on some devices (for example, Xiaomi or Samsung) the path to it may differ.

In this article we will examine all possible ways to check the Android version from standard settings to hidden engineering menus and commands for developers. You will learn how to distinguish the shell version (for example MIUI or One UI) from the version of the OS itself, why some phones display non-updating materials, and what to do if the settings menu is not available. The instructions are suitable for devices of all brands: Samsung, Google Pixel, Huawei, Realme, Oppo and others.

1. Standard method: through the “Settings” menu

The most obvious and universal method is to look at the Android version in the main phone settings. This method works on 99% of devices, regardless of manufacturer and firmware version. Here are the step-by-step guide:

  1. Open the application "Settings"** (gear icon on the main screen or in the application menu).
  2. Scroll down and select the section About phone (on some devices it may be called About device, Phone information or About device).
  3. Find item Android version, OS version or Software information. Click on it if additional detail is required.

The screen will display:

  • 📱 Android version (for example, Android 14 or Android 13) is the basic information.
  • 🔧 Shell version (for example, One UI 6.1 for Samsung or MIUI 15 for Xiaomi) - proprietary interface from the manufacturer.
  • 📅 Date build or Build number (for example, TP1A.220624.014) - technical data for developers.

If you don’t see the section About phone immediately, try using the search bar in the settings (magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner) and enter the query “Android version”. The system will automatically suggest the desired path.

💡

On some smartphones (for example, Huawei or Honor), the Android version may be hidden behind the item EMUI or Magic UI. Click on it several times - an additional menu will open with detailed information.

2. method: through “Developer Options”

If the standard method did not work (for example, due to a glitch in the firmware or manufacturer restrictions), you can find out the Android version through the hidden menu for developers. This method is also useful if you need additional technical data, such as API level. data-i="87">processor architecture or processor architecture.

To activate the developer menu:

  1. Go to Settings → About phone.
  2. Find item Build number (or MIUI version/Software version on Xiaomi).
  3. Click on it 7 times in a row - a notification “You have become a developer!” will appear.
  4. Return to the main settings menu and open a new section For developers (usually at the bottom of the list).

In the developer menu, scroll to the block "Device information"** - there will be indicated:

  • 🤖 Version Android SDK (for example, API 34 for Android 14).
  • 🖥️ Processor architecture (arm64-v8a, x86_64 etc.).
  • 📡 Version BandBase (for models with 5G support).
What to do if the developer menu is not activated?

If after 7 clicks on Build number nothing happens, check:

1. The menu may already be activated (look in the settings).

2. On some firmwares (for example, ColorOS from Oppo) you need to click on OS version, and not on Build number.

3. Due to MDM policies, access to the developer menu may be blocked.

3. How to find the Android version through applications

If for some reason you cannot enter the settings (for example, due to a system failure or parental control restrictions), third-party applications will come to the rescue. They will not only show the OS version, but also provide extended information about hardware and software. provision.

Here are the top 3 proven utilities:

Application What it shows Download link
AIDA64 Android version, shell, kernel, CPU architecture, sensors, sensors and even battery temperature. Google Play
CPU-Z Detailed information about the processor, RAM, storage and OS version (including build number). Google Play
DevCheck Minimalistic interface with information about Android, hardware and network Supports dark theme. Google Play

To use any of these applications:

  1. Download and install the utility from Google Play.
  2. Open it and go to section System (or OS).
  3. Find the lines Android Version, Build Number or Security Patch.
📊 Which application for checking characteristics do you use most often?
AIDA64
CPU-Z
DevCheck
Other
I don’t use

The advantage of this method is that applications often show real Android versioneven if the manufacturer has hidden it in the settings (as it sometimes does Huawei on devices without Google services). In addition, the utilities are useful for diagnosing other parameters of the smartphone.

4. Checking the Android version through a computer (ADB)

If your smartphone does not turn on, is stuck on the logo or you do not have access to the screen (for example, due to a broken display), you can find out the Android version. via computer using the tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method is suitable for experienced users and requires preliminary setup.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
  • 🛠️ Installed drivers for your device (for example, Samsung USB Driver or Google USB Driver).
  • 📦 Package ADB Tools (can be downloaded from the official website Android Developers).

Instructions for checking the version:

  1. Connect the smartphone to the computer and turn on debugging USB (if the screen works, activate it in Settings → For Developers).
  2. Open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and go to the folder with ADB.
  3. Enter command: 
    adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release

    It will return the current version of Android (for example, 14).

  4. For additional data, use: 
    adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch

    (will show the date of the latest security patch).

Install drivers for your device|Download ADB Tools from the official website|Enable USB debugging on phone|Connect the phone with the original cable-->

⚠️ Attention: If you have never used ADB, be careful - incorrect commands can cause the system to crash. Do not change the settings via adb shellif you are not sure of their purpose.

5 How. determine the Android version by phone model (without turning on)

Suppose your smartphone does not turn on, or you want to find out the OS version on a device that you have not yet purchased (for example, on Avito or in a store). In this case, official documentation of the manufacturer or specialized databases will help.

Here's how to do it:

  1. Find out exact model the phone. It is usually indicated:
    • 🏷️ On the sticker under the battery (if removable).
    • 📄 In the documents (box, warranty card).
    • 🔍 On the back panel (for example, SM-A525F for Samsung Galaxy A52).
  • Go to the manufacturer's official website and find the support page for your model. For example:
    • For Samsung: samsung.com/ru/support/model/[your-model]
    • For Xiaomi: mi.com/global/support/product/[your-model]
    • In the section "Software updates" or "Specifications" the current version of Android for this model will be indicated.

      • You can also use databases like GSMArena or DeviceSpecs —they contain information about firmware for most smartphones. However, keep in mind that the actual version on the device may differ if it is not. updated.

      ⚠️ Attention: Manufacturers often indicate the maximum possible version of Android for the model, but do not guarantee its installation. For example, Samsung Galaxy S20 supports Android 14, but a specific device may have Android 12 if the owner has not updated.

      6. Hidden menus and engineering codes

      On some smartphones (especially from Samsung, LG and Sony) the Android version is possible find out through service menus, which are opened with special codes. These menus are intended for testing and diagnostics, but some of the information in them is also available to ordinary users.

      Here are the most universal codes:

      Code What shows Works on
      ##4636## Testing menu, where in the section Information about the phone OS version is indicated. Most Android devices
      *#0011# Service menu Samsung, where the software version is displayed at the top of the screen. Samsung Galaxy
      ##7780## Reset menu, where the firmware version is sometimes displayed. Xiaomi, Redmi
      ##2846579## Engineering menu Huawei/Honor, where in the section Version EMUI and Android version is indicated. Huawei, Honor

      To use the code:

      1. Open the application "Phone"**.
      2. Enter the code as if you were dialing a number (without spaces).
      3. The service menu will open automatically. Look for sections with the names Software Info, Version or Build Number.
    💡

    Not all engineering codes work on modern smartphones. Manufacturers often block them in new firmware for security reasons.

    7. data-i="236">Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the Android version is displayed incorrectly or is completely missing in the settings. Let's look at situations and ways to fix them.

    Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the Android version is displayed incorrectly or is completely missing in the settings. Let's look at situations and ways to correct them.

    Problem 1: The settings indicate an outdated version of Android (for example, Android 10, although it should be Android 12).

    • 🔄 Solution: Update the firmware manually via Settings → Software update. If there are no updates, check if custom firmware is installed (for example, LineageOS).

    Problem 2: Menu “About phone” is missing or does not open.

    • 🛠️ Solution: Try resetting the settings to factory settings (Settings → System → ResetIf this does not help, use ADB or third-party applications (see section 3).

    Problem 3: Only the logo is displayed on the screen and it is impossible to enter the settings.

    • 💻 Solution: Connect the phone to the computer and use ADB (section 4) or boot into recovery mode (usually hold Power + Volume up when turning on).

    Problem 4: The Android version in the settings and in applications (for example, AIDA64) is different.

    • ⚙️ Solution: This is normal if custom firmware is installed on the device. The real version of the kernel may not match the shell. For accuracy, check through ADB.
      • Why the Android version may not be displayed on Huawei?

      On devices Huawei without Google services (for example, Mate 40 Pro or P50 Pro) is used instead of Android HarmonyOS. In this case, the settings will indicate HarmonyOS 3.0 or similar, and the Android version is hidden. To find out, use ADB or applications like DevCheck.

      Is it possible to find out the Android version without turning on the phone?

      No, it is impossible to determine the OS version without turning on the device. However, you can find out maximum supported version for your model on the manufacturer's official website (see section 5).

      Why not? settings says “Android 13”, but applications show “Android 10”?

      This may happen due to:

      1. Custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), where the version of the kernel and shell are different.
      2. Errors in the firmware (especially relevant for unofficial assemblies).
      3. Fake Android (found on fake smartphones where an outdated version is actually installed).

      For an accurate check, use ADB or applications like AIDA64.

      How to find out what version of Android will be on the new phone after purchase?

      Before purchasing, check:

      • 📦 Sticker on the box (sometimes the OS version at the time of release is indicated).
      • 🌐 The official website of the manufacturer - support section for a specific model.
      • 📊 Databases like GSMArena (but remember that the actual version may differ).

      After purchase, update the firmware via Settings → Software update.

      What to do if the Android version is not updated?

      If your smartphone does not receive updates, try:

      1. Check firmware region (some updates come only for certain countries).
      2. Install the update manually via Odinh (for Samsung) or Fastboot (for Google Pixel).
      3. Contact the service center - the device may have unofficial firmware.

      Please note that manufacturers usually support updates for 2-4 years from the date of release of the model.

      Is it possible roll back the Android version if the new one is slow?

      Technically yes, but this is risky and can lead to:

      • 🚨 Data loss (rolling back requires a full reset).
      • 🔒 Bootloader block (on some devices, for example Samsung s Knox).
      • 🛑 Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).

      If you still want to roll back, look for the official firmware for your model on forums like XDA Developers or 4PDA.