Modern Honor brand smartphones, regardless of whether they run on the EMUI or Magic UI shells, require periodic software monitoring. Users are often faced with the need to know the exact operating system version when installing specific applications, diagnosing errors, or planning an upgrade. Knowing the exact build number helps you understand whether your device has the latest security patches and new interface features.
The verification process may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture of the gadget and regional firmware. In some cases, the system only displays the skin number, hiding the base version of Android, which requires the use of additional diagnostic methods. We will analyze all available methods, from the standard settings menu to the use of hidden engineering codes.
The accuracy of software data is critically important when contacting technical support or when looking for solutions on specialized forums. An incorrectly determined software version may lead to the installation of incompatible modifications, which may impair the stable operation of the device. Therefore, it is important to understand where exactly in the jungle of the menu the necessary information is hidden.
The standard method is through the system settings
The most obvious and safe method of obtaining information about the software lies in the standard settings menu. Honor's interface, be it Magic UI or older versions of EMUI, is logically structured, but the names of the items may vary. You need to open the application Settings and scroll the list to the very bottom, where the section is usually located About phone.
After going to this section, summary information about the device will open in front of you. This displays the model, build number, EMUI or Magic UI version, and the base Android version. Please note that in new versions of shells, the Android version number may be hidden inside the item Software information or displayed in small font under the build number.
If you do not see the line you are looking for right away, try clicking on the item several times in a row. Build number. This manipulation often activates a hidden menu or switches the screen to developer mode, where more detailed technical information may appear. However, the main goal remains a visual check of the current version.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface may look different depending on the theme or installed launcher. If you use a third-party shell, the path to the settings may change, but the system Settings application always remains unchanged.
Using the engineering menu and codes
For deeper diagnostics and gaining access to hidden system parameters, there are special USSD codes and engineering menu commands. Entering the combination ##2846579## in the Phone application (dialer) should open the ProjectMenu. This method works on most Honor and Huawei devices, but may be blocked by the telecom operator or in the latest firmware versions.
In the menu that opens, select the item (Information Inquiry), and then go to the section (Software Version). This displays detailed information about the kernel version, base Android, driver version and firmware compilation date. This data is useful for advanced users who are flashing or debugging the device.
There is also an alternative code ##4636##that opens the testing menu. By going to the section Phone information, you can see information about the operation of the network and sometimes the software version. However, on modern models with security protection, this code often stops working or shows a limited set of data.
What to do if the codes do not work?
If nothing happens when you enter the code, your version of the shell may be blocking access to the engineering menu. In this case, try entering the code through the True Phone Dialer application or use ADB commands from your computer. Access may also be denied on devices purchased from certain carriers.
Checking through the Developer Menu
The Developer Menu is a powerful tool for managing hidden Android features, which also contains detailed technical information. To activate this section, you need to go to Settings → System and updates → About phone and quickly click on the field seven times Build number. After this, a new item will appear in the main settings menu System and updates → For Developers.
Inside the developer menu, scroll down the list to the section Debugging or Network. Here you can find information about the kernel version, running processes and used libraries. While the exact version of Android may not be duplicated here, the presence of this menu confirms that you have access to advanced system settings.
Using Developer Settings requires caution. Changing rendering settings, background process limits, or USB debugging may affect the stability of the interface. It is recommended to change only those parameters whose purpose you are completely sure of.
☑️ Activating the developer menu
Comparing versions of EMUI and Magic UI
Understanding the difference between EMUI and Magic UI shells help to correctly interpret the Android version. Honor used EMUI for a long time, which was based on Android but had its own menu structure. With the brand's emergence as an independent shell, the Magic UI shell appeared, and then MagicOS, which visually and functionally became closer to pure Android, but retained many of Huawei's proprietary functions.
The table below shows the correspondence between shell versions and basic Android versions for popular models. This will help you understand how up-to-date your system is compared to possible updates.
| Device model | Skin | Base Android | Update status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honor 10 / View 10 | EMUI 10.0 | Android 10 | Updates completed |
| Honor 20 / 20 Pro | EMUI 11 / Magic UI 4 | Android 10 / 11 | Updates completed |
| Honor 50 / Magic 3 | Magic UI 5 / 6 | Android 11 / 12 | Limited support |
| Honor 90 / Magic 5 | MagicOS 7 / 8 | Android 13 / 14 | Active support |
Owners of MagicOS-based devices often report smoother animations and improved memory management compared to heavy-duty versions of EMUI. However, the numbering of Android versions in Magic UI is sometimes delayed, as the manufacturer focuses on optimizing the interface rather than immediately introducing new versions of the OS.
Analyzing information in Google Play and applications
An indirect but reliable way to find out the Android version is to check the requirements in the application store. If you try to install an application that requires a newer version of the system than you have installed, the Google Play Store will issue a warning. The compatibility description often indicates the minimum required version of Android.
You can also use third-party utilities from the market, such as AIDA64, CPU-Z or Device Info HW. These applications read system files and display comprehensive information about hardware and software. The section Operating system or OS will indicate the exact Android version, API level and kernel number.
The use of specialized applications is especially useful when the standard settings menu for some reason hides information or displays it incorrectly. In addition, such apps allow you to monitor processor temperature and memory load in real time.
When installing diagnostic applications, pay attention to the requested permissions. They don't need access to contacts, microphone or geolocation to get information about the system. Limit rights to only those functions necessary for operation.
Problems with determining the version and their solutions
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the Android version is not displayed or is specified incorrectly. This may be due to a malfunction of the Settings system application or damage to the firmware files. In such cases, clearing the settings application cache through the app management menu helps.
Another common problem is the presence of custom firmware or an unsuccessful flashing attempt when the version line is not updated automatically. If you have not performed such manipulations, but the version seems strange, the device may have been restored by an unqualified specialist using an old backup.
In case of constant errors in displaying information, it is recommended to reset the settings to factory settings. Before this procedure, be sure to back up your important data, as all information from the device will be deleted. After the reset, the system should correctly detect and display the current software version.
⚠️ Attention: If the Android version has not changed after resetting the settings or the device is unstable, the system partition may be damaged. In this case, independent experiments can lead to a complete loss of phone functionality. Contact an authorized service center.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update Android on Honor if the official update does not arrive?
You can officially update only through the service Support or the settings menu. Third-party methods, such as installing Google services or using utilities like Hisuite Proxy, require technical knowledge and carry risks. Without official support from the manufacturer, installing a new version of Android may be impossible or dangerous.
Does the Android version affect the speed of Honor?
Yes, newer versions of Android often contain optimizations for memory and process management, which can speed up the interface. However, on older Honor models, switching to a heavy new version of Android can, on the contrary, slow down the device due to increased hardware requirements.
Where can I find the Android security number on Honor?
The security patch number is usually located in the same menu About the phone, next to the Android version, or in the section Software update. It looks like a date (for example, October 1, 2023) and indicates the relevance of the system's protective mechanisms.
Why is my Honor version of Android less than that of friends with the same model?
Updates come gradually and depend on the region, telecom operator and specific device modification. It is also possible that your friends have a global version of the firmware installed, and you have a regional one, which is updated on its own schedule.
Will checking the version reset my data?
No, viewing system information, using engineering menu codes or installing diagnostic applications is absolutely safe for your personal data. Data reset occurs only when you perform the "Reset to factory settings" command.
Regularly checking the Android version and installing security updates is the best way to protect personal data and ensure stable operation of your Honor smartphone.