Where to see the version of Android on a tablet

Modern tablet computers are complex computing devices that require regular software updates to ensure security and stable operation. Users are often faced with the need to check the current revision of the operating system before installing specialized applications or diagnosing problems. Knowing the exact build number allows you to understand whether your device supports new features or critical security patches.

Visually, the interface can remain unchanged for several years, hiding fundamental changes in the system core. Therefore, you should not rely only on the appearance of the menu or logos on the splash screen - they are often just a stylization of the manufacturer’s shell. To obtain reliable information, you need to go to the system settings of the device, where all technical passport data is stored.

The verification procedure is almost identical for most models, however, electronics manufacturers like to make their own adjustments to the menu structure. In this article, we will analyze universal methods, as well as specific paths for popular brands, so that you can quickly find the information you need, regardless of what brand of gadget you have.

Universal path through the main settings menu

The most obvious and reliable way to find out the firmware version is through the standard settings application, which is pre-installed on any device running this OS. You will need to unlock the screen and find the gear icon, which is usually located on the home screen or in the notification shade. After entering the menu, you need to scroll down the list of options to the very end.

At the bottom of the list you will find a section that may have different names depending on the model of your device. On pure versions of the system, such as on Nokia or Motorola tablets, this item is most often designated as System. In devices with heavily modified shells, this section may be hidden inside the item About phone or About device.

After going to the specified section, a summary table with technical information will open in front of you. Look for the line with the name Android version. Usually next to the number there is a robot logo, which, when pressed multiple times, launches a secret mini-game specific to a specific software version. This is not just decoration, but confirmation that you are in the right menu.

⚠️ Attention: If the menu displays only the build number (for example, RP1A.200720.012), and not the Android version, click on the item Build number several times in a row. Often this action reveals additional information about the base version of the OS.

It is worth noting that on some corporate tablets, access to this section may be limited by the device administrator. In this case, the standard path will be blocked, and you will need to use alternative diagnostic methods or contact the IT department of your organization.

Interface features from popular manufacturers

Large vendors electronics companies such as Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei are creating their own add-ons on top of the base system, which significantly changes navigation. Understanding these differences saves time and unnecessary clicking through unfamiliar menus. Let's consider the specifics of the most common brands on the market.

For owners of tablets Samsung with the One UI shell, the path is a little longer. After entering the settings, you need to immediately look for the item Tablet information, which is located at the very top of the list, and not at the bottom. Inside this section, the OS version is highlighted in large font. On older models of the Galaxy Tab series, this information could be located in the subsection Software information.

Users of devices Xiaomi and Redmi with the MIUI or HyperOS shell should also look at the beginning of the list of settings. Item About the tablet contains comprehensive information. A special feature of these devices is the ability to view in detail the kernel version and security patch date by clicking on the MIUI logo icon.

Tablets Lenovo often have a more confusing structure. You need to go to the Systemsection, then select About the tablet. Only after this the current version of Android will be displayed on the screen. Some models of this brand require an additional press of the button Status to open the full data.

• 📱 Samsung: Settings → Information about the tablet → Version Software.
• 🍚 Xiaomi: Settings → About tablet → MIUI/Android version.
• 🇨🇳 Lenovo: Settings → System → About tablet → Status.
• 🤖 Pure Android: Settings → System → Advanced → About tablet.

It is important to consider that manufacturers can change the location of items in interface updates. What worked a year ago may be moved to another submenu today. If you don't find the item you need at your usual address, use the built-in search in settings.

Using search in settings for quick access

If manual wandering through the labyrinths of the menu seems to you tedious, modern tablets offer a more elegant solution - a built-in search engine. This function allows you to instantly jump to the desired section, bypassing dozens of intermediate screens. The search bar is usually located at the top of the settings screen and is indicated by a magnifying glass.

To obtain information about the system, just enter keywords in the search field. The system itself will analyze the available sections and provide relevant results. All you have to do is tap on the first item in the search results to immediately appear on the screen with the necessary data. This is especially convenient on tablets with large screens, where the menu can be very long.

Here is a list of the most effective search queries that are guaranteed to lead you to your goal:

• 🔍 Enter the word version —the system will show the “Android Version” item.
• 🔍 Enter the word update —the update check menu will open, where the current version is also indicated.
• 🔍 Enter the word build number —direct access to the technical information.

The search works even if your tablet is translated into another language, provided that you enter the query in the same language that is installed in the system. If the interface is in English, use queries version, about or build.

⚠️ Attention: On some older tablet models, search by settings may not work correctly or may not work at all. In this case, you will have to use the manual navigation method.

Using search also helps to find hidden settings that are not displayed in the main menu. For example, on some devices, through a search, you can get to the equipment testing menu, which is usually inaccessible to the user.

Diagnostic codes and engineering menu

For advanced users who find standard methods insufficiently informative, there is access to the engineering menu through special USSD codes or key combinations. This method allows you to access deep system data, including information about the radio module, sensors and the exact version of the Linux kernel that Android is based on.

To use this method, you need to open the application Phone or Dialer, even if your tablet does not have a SIM card. Enter the special code in the dialing field. The most universal code for viewing device information is ##4636##. After entering the last asterisk, the menu should open automatically.

In the menu that opens, select the item Phone information (or "Tablet information"). Here you will see detailed statistics on network usage, battery status and, most importantly, software version. This method works on most devices with Qualcomm and MediaTek processors.

However, it is worth remembering that manufacturers often block access to the engineering menu for security reasons or to simplify the user experience. On Samsung tablets, for example, this code may not work, requiring the use of a special Samsung Test+ application.

Code	Function description	Compatibility
##4636##	Test and information menu	Most Android
*#06#	Display IMEI and serial number	All devices
#0#	Samsung engineering menu (screen, sound test)	Samsung only
##8255##	Starting GTalk process monitoring	Old versions of Android

Be careful when changing settings inside the engineering menu. Accidental switching of radio module parameters or network configuration may result in loss of communication or unstable operation of the device. It is recommended to only view the information without making changes if you are not sure of your actions.

What to do if the codes do not work?

If entering the code does not cause a reaction, the manufacturer may have blocked this function in the firmware. Try installing a third-party application like "Device Info HW" from the Play Market store, which reads this data programmatically without using USSD codes.

Third-party applications for detailed diagnostics

When the built-in tools are not enough or the interface is too limited, specialized utilities from the Google Play store come to the rescue. These applications are able to read information directly from system files, providing data in a convenient and structured form. They often show much more detail than the standard settings menu.

One ​​of the most popular and reliable tools is the application AIDA64. Once installed and launched, it scans all components of your tablet. In the Android section you will find not only the OS version, but also the API level, the name of the codebase (version codename, for example, "Pie" or "Tiramisu") and the date of the last security update.

Another powerful tool is CPU-Z. Although it is primarily processor-focused, the Device tab also displays complete software information. This application is useful because it shows the actual screen resolution and pixel density, which may differ from the stated characteristics in marketing materials.

Using third-party software has another advantage: these applications save the history of configuration changes and allow you to export the report to a text file. This can be useful when contacting a service center, when you need to provide accurate data about the device configuration to the technicians.

• 🛠 AIDA64: Full information about the system, sensors and network.
• 🧠 CPU-Z: Detailed data about the processor and platform.
• 📊 DevCheck: Monitoring the system status in real time.

Remember that such applications usually do not require superuser rights (Root). They work in safe read mode, so installing such utilities does not void the warranty on your device and does not pose a risk to system stability.

The meaning of the build number and security patches

In addition to the main number of the Android version (for example, 12 or 13), the menu often indicates Build number and Security patch level. This data is critical to assessing the relevance of your device's protection against viruses and vulnerabilities. The major version may be old, but recent patches may close security holes.

The security patch level is usually in the format YYYY-MM-DD (for example, 2026-05-01). This means that all known vulnerabilities discovered before May 2026 must be patched on your system. If the patch date is more than six months behind the current date, your device is potentially vulnerable to attack.

The Build Number is a unique string that identifies a specific firmware image installed from the factory or downloaded through an update. It consists of letters and numbers that encrypt information about the compilation date and the target device. Knowing the build number, you can accurately determine whether your firmware is custom or modified.

⚠️ Attention: If the build number contains prefixes like "test-keys" or non-standard characters, this may indicate that the device has unofficial firmware installed. Such systems may be unstable and are not supported by banking applications.

Checking these settings regularly will help you understand whether your tablet receives support from the manufacturer. If the security patch level has not been updated for more than a year, most likely the manufacturer has stopped technical support for this model, and you should think about replacing the device.

Why is the Android version not updated to the latest?

Tablet manufacturers often skimp on supporting budget models. The update requires adapting drivers for specific hardware. If the processor is outdated or the company decides to focus on new models, older devices stop receiving new versions of Android, remaining at the latest available level of security patches.

Is it possible to install a new version of Android manually?

Technically, this is possible through the flashing procedure if there are custom firmwares for your model (for example, LineageOS). However, this process is complicated, requires unlocking the bootloader and carries a high risk of turning the tablet into a brick. This is not recommended for ordinary users.

Does the Android version affect the speed of the tablet?

Yes, new versions contain optimizations for working with memory and processor. However, on an old weak iron, a new heavy shell can, on the contrary, slow down the work. Often, a stable old version works faster than a new, but resource-demanding system.

Where can I find the Android version if the tablet does not turn on?

If the device is frozen at the logo, try entering Recovery mode (usually by holding down the Volume+ and Power buttons). The recovery menu often indicates the version of the installed firmware. The information is also duplicated on the device box or in the warranty card.

Is it necessary to update to the latest version?

Not necessary if the current version suits you and all applications work correctly. However, skipping security updates is not recommended, as this increases the risk of malware infection when surfing the Internet or using public Wi-Fi networks.